Rapha Bibs

rieko

I've got £150 to spend at Rapha and I'm in the market for new bib shorts. I've previously owned the pro-team bibs and they are the best bibs I've ever owned. I loved them and nothing else I have had compares.

However, I'm tempted to go for the Core range. They get great reviews and at only £85, I could possibly sneak a new Jersey in too with my voucher.

Or I could go with the classic range, which look great too and are supposedly the comfiest shorts in their range.

So, Core (+something else), Classic or Pro-Team?

grenw

I found the classics too stretchy with the pad moving around a lot despite sizing down. They are very comfortable off the bike, the material is very soft and stretchy, but that's not the point.

My go to pair is Assos Equipe - much more snug fit and probably a lot closer to the Rapha PT.

thegreatdivide

Assos don't take Rapha vouchers.

OP - go for another pair of PT II bibs, or why not get the PT training bibs which are essentially the V1 bibs. They're just as good IMO. I stock piled a few pairs from the Archive sale, but I'm glad to see they've brought them back again.

schlepcycling

GrenW wrote:

I found the classics too stretchy with the pad moving around a lot despite sizing down. They are very comfortable off the bike, the material is very soft and stretchy, but that's not the point.

My go to pair is Assos Equipe - much more snug fit and probably a lot closer to the Rapha PT.

I had a similar experience with the classic shorts, bought a pair in my normal size (L) but found them a little too baggy. So if you do fancy the classic shorts maybe best go down a size

grenw

thegreatdivide wrote:

Assos don't take Rapha vouchers.

OP - go for another pair of PT II bibs, or why not get the PT training bibs which are essentially the V1 bibs. They're just as good IMO. I stock piled a few pairs from the Archive sale, but I'm glad to see they've brought them back again.

I wasn't suggesting the Assos bibs, more that I think the Classic will be very different to the PT ones. Same thinking as you.... go for the PTs again if you like them.

pauly69

I have tried Classic (v1), pro team, and brevet. Brevet are far and away my fave. Oddly they aren't available at the moment, not sure if that's temporary.

I have a pair of Core bibs too, they are relegated to turbo use only, I'm not a fan.

chippyk

pauly69 wrote:

I have tried Classic (v1), pro team, and brevet. Brevet are far and away my fave. Oddly they aren't available at the moment, not sure if that's temporary.

I have a pair of Core bibs too, they are relegated to turbo use only, I'm not a fan.

Brevet bibs are good, my favourite, if I’ve one criticism it’s the front is high and makes answering the call of nature harder than it needs to be.

rieko

GrenW wrote:

thegreatdivide wrote:

Assos don't take Rapha vouchers.

OP - go for another pair of PT II bibs, or why not get the PT training bibs which are essentially the V1 bibs. They're just as good IMO. I stock piled a few pairs from the Archive sale, but I'm glad to see they've brought them back again.

I wasn't suggesting the Assos bibs, more that I think the Classic will be very different to the PT ones. Same thinking as you.... go for the PTs again if you like them.

I understood what you meant buddy. No worries.

The only issue with the PT bibs, as great and comfy as they are, is the pad. In fact it's the reason I have a voucher, as the pad stitching has come apart and Rapha have given me a voucher to replace them (awesome customer service). However, as much as I love these bibs, I don't want to be in the same position 6-12 months down the line.

From what I've been reading, the Training PT's still come with the new pad. I'll buy a few different options, try them on and keep my favorite. Although I'll probably opt for the Training PT's.

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

matt_n-2

I’ve got Core and Lightweight, I find the central seam on the pad of the Core’s a bit intrusive on a longer ride, that might just be me though. Other than that I do like them, they’re nicely cut, the straps are wide and the raw cut leg grippers work well.

jupamaso

I Have Classic 2 and Core. Prefer the Core, love the pad, grippers and the wide straps. The Classic are too loose (both are same size).

furiousd

I tried the classics and they were baggy around the leg grips. Had to send them back which was a shame.

daniel_b

I have the Core and PT II bibs. Imho, the cores are ok, think I picked them up as a bundle with a jersey that I sold on, but I prefer my La Passione bib shorts.
The PT II are superior to both.

The lightweights I rate for comfort above the core shorts, but you (or I anyway) need warm conditions for them.