Rapha - over priced hype or genuinely good kit?

richtw
richtw Posts: 118
edited November 2010 in Road buying advice
Has anyone got any Rapha kit and can they comment?

The winter jersey looks good but at £150 :shock: it is expensive..... Especially when put next to the dhb jersey at £50!

Anyone got one?[/img]

Comments

  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    The winter jersey IS very good kit. More like a jacket in a lot of ways.

    But yes, it's overpriced next to an 851.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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  • Gazzaputt
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    Search is your friend here.

    Many a word written on this forum regarding this subject.
  • gavintc
    gavintc Posts: 3,009
    I own some Rapha kit. It is good kit, I like the simple lines of the design. It is generally well made and they do support a very good return policy. But, I have to admit it is overpriced. I have managed to buy what little I own in the clearance line and with other discount.
  • rocksteadyeddie
    rocksteadyeddie Posts: 294
    It's very expensive but you get what you pay for. I like the style so am willing to stump up the cash for it.
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Genuinely good over-priced kit for the style conscious :wink:
    More problems but still living....
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I vote for genuinely good kit that is over hyped and overpriced. I love my rainjacket and winter softshell. Not so keen on my wooly jersey, merino neck warmer or gilet. Pretty much all my jerseys feel as good as each other and perform well. Without looking - I'd not know which one I had on.

    Gilet is nice I suppose but as its so pricey - I'm not keen on wearing it in the crappy weather ! Kinda defeats the point eh ?
  • Squillinossett
    Squillinossett Posts: 1,678
    A bit of both I would say.

    Nice kit though, I would just rather buy Assos
  • ShutUpLegs
    ShutUpLegs Posts: 3,522
    Some Rapha stuff is better quality than DHB
  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    It is excellent kit, no doubt about it. I've got quite a few of their jerseys, their fixed shorts and criterium gloves as well as their exceptional softshell jacket, which is easily the best functioning and nicest looking jacket I've ever owned, and judging by its durability of the four years I've had it so far, looks destined to last a good many more. I like their stuff and their customer service, which is also excellent.

    That said, yes, some of their stuff is badly overpriced, some even ludicrously so.

    As for their hype and often absurdly poncy English gentleman imagery - well, sometimes you just want to cringe on their behalf.
    http://www.My-Bicycle-and-I.com
  • Squillinossett
    Squillinossett Posts: 1,678
    ShutUpLegs wrote:
    Some Rapha stuff is better quality than DHB

    :D:D:D:D
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    Richtw wrote:
    Has anyone got any Rapha kit and can they comment?

    The winter jersey looks good but at £150 :shock: it is expensive..... Especially when put next to the dhb jersey at £50!

    Anyone got one?[/img]

    Loads on this subject on this forum. I would buy both jerseys and see for yourself after trying both on. If you think the DHB does the job for you in terms of function and style just send the Rapha back and save yourself all that dosh.
    Pegoretti
    Colnago
    Cervelo
    Campagnolo
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    More stylish that Assos (to some), but not as good - and more expensive.

    For me, Assos is the benchmark of quality (and I like the look of it). Rapha is TOO overpriced.
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    Pokerface wrote:
    More stylish that Assos (to some), but not as good - and more expensive.

    For me, Assos is the benchmark of quality (and I like the look of it). Rapha is TOO overpriced.

    Agree with most of the above. Just bought an Assos 851 to replace a Rapha winter jersey and they are chalk and cheese in terms of performance and construction. I have plenty of Rahpa kit and love my softshell and rain jackets, plus have a couple jerseys. The Rapha lightweight jersey is without doubt the best short sleeve jersey I have owned.

    On the specific matter of the Winter jersey, if you can find an Assos 851 at £150 or below that would definitely be my preference. I purchased a Rapha Winter jersey recently in size large (having owned the same model from a couple of years earlier). However, the fit was so bad I honestly thought they had sent me a medium by mistake. It is so tight across the lower back I couldn't lean forward into a normal riding position. The XL fitted better, but is too lose around the chest now. On top of that, the cuffs are not elasticated enough to keep out cold wind.

    It is a handsome jacket, but by comparison the Assos is very figure hugging and I reckon also better as a wind blocker. The muliple pockets are easier to access, the sleeves are spot on for length and are better elasticated. Most important of all, once riding you can forget you are wearing the 851, it's so comfortable, wheras the Winter Jersey irritated me by not providing as much warmth or comfort as the previous model I owned.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    You can at a push wear the Rapha jacket to the pub.

    You cant really do the same with the Assos - unless its to a Captain Scarlet convention.
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    cougie wrote:
    You can at a push wear the Rapha jacket to the pub.

    You cant really do the same with the Assos - unless its to a Captain Scarlet convention.

    :lol:

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