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Anyone tried the new budget Rapha stuff? Is it still nice quality stuff or now even more form over function?
Thoughts? Particularly the shorts?
I have the bib shorts and cargo bib shorts from the Core range.
I also have pro team bib shorts and other the years multiple other higher priced manufacturers, I honestly find the Core bib shorts really good for the price. In fact the cargo bib shorts are my go to pair. Blind test during a ride I probably couldn’t tell the difference between my lightweight pro bib shorts and my cargo bib shorts.
Jerseys I don’t get on with. Weird boxy shape and the elastic at the bottom wasn’t great, that was a few years ago now so may have improved.
I have a few rapha items including classic bib 2's. Ordered core bibs when discount code was about a few weeks ago. They arrived and I ordered a 2nd pair. So yeah, I recommend them.
Core bibs here, not a fan so far, pad seems much thicker than e.g. a Castelli Kiss, feels like there isn't enough space for it all!
Seam in the middle of the pad was causing a bit of tenderness after only an hour in the saddle too.
Having said all that, I didn't get on with the other new shorts I bought at the same time, so maybe I'm doing something else wrong!
Had a pair of shorts since they first came into the Rapha range and now have 3 pairs. Great quality, really comfortable and well made. Recently got a Core jersey in the sale and so far it’s great.
Got a pair of the Core shorts and a pair of the classics. Same pad in both, which I happen to get on with. The Cores are a slightly slimmer fit than the classics which suits me better. The lycra is thinner, but they seem to be holding up pretty well after 2 or 3 years and quite a few miles now.
I did have a look and try of the Core jersey last time I stopped by the London Rapha shop. Pretty non-descript run of the mill jersey, to be honest, and a bit skimpy on the sizing.
(Other fave bibs at the moment are Morvelo - which you can probably find for similar money to Rapha Core)
I’ve got both classic shorts and core shorts. The classics are nicer, but the core now my default short purchase. As long as I can afford them, I’ll keep buying the core shorts and tops
I have 3 core jerseys, 2 short and one long sleeve. Always buy in the sale so not paid more than 45 each. For that price can’t complain, nicer than other jerseys at that price and I like the simple aesthetic. Fit me well too. Will probably try the bib shorts next when they do 25% off again.
The bib shorts are great, on my second pair as the first eventually developed the usual worn spots...after a lot of use.
They didn’t last as long as my Assos but structurally they’re still good so relegated to trainer use.
Jersey still going strong.
I have had a core long sleeve jersey for around 4 years and wear it for about 75% of the year. It still looks like new, it's nice material and feels nice to wear
I've have a second generation, I think, Core Jersey. The one that they launched last autumn and I like it. Nice cut and fabric, simple, effective design, less of a race fit than the more, erm, racy jerseys.
Not used the Core shorts, though the missus has a two pairs and gets on well with them. My subjective take is that the fabric feels a bit fragile in comparison with their high-end stuff and I'd be wondering about durability for heavy, regular use, but the chamois seems good.
I have a pair of the Core bib tights, they were my go to tights for road riding through the winter. Comfortable, durable and kept me warm through the worst of the weather! Some light signs of wear showing, but i imagine they'll last another couple of seasons at least...