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What do we think? I've got a few pieces of their stuff and it obviously well made and super value in the sales, dunno if they the finest clue about what mountain bikers want though
I'm sure it'll be excellent stuff. I currently use one of their commuting waterproof jackets for MTBing and it's awesome - as you might expect for something that was £240 RRP.
Looking forward to reading the marketing copy for their enduro stuff.
I’ve been using their bibs, in various lengths and thicknesses for years on the MTB
super value in the sales
Err, just no.
Looking forward to reading the marketing copy for their enduro stuff.
I expect it'll be incredibly closely aligned to Santa Cruz
What do we think?
It'll be very expensive. They're not idiots though, so if they do some decent research into the market, it might be very good. Or it might be utterly dreadful. I think the issue they'll have is that mountain bikers are happy to spend thousands on a plastic frame, but expect, say, a top-notch riding jacket to be less than 50 quid. I think they may be in for a surprise 🙂
We've been using the Road range for CX for years, then they came out with Ginduro stuff thats adapted to moar pockets... but essentially the same stuff.
The only thing I can think they'd release is a pair of baggies in XXXX...
Here's a prototype of their one piece Enduro, dirt suit
only £1750
Will be interesting to see what their take is.
NB Their latest touring line looks appalling IMO...
Yet more cyclists who will blank me .
😉
Rapha’s eyewear collection will have a complete relaunch in June, including a gravel-specific frame
Gravel-specific sunglasses?
Gravel-specific sunglasses?
You...you haven't been riding Gravel in Road-specific sunglasses have you?
Will that mean we'll all have to ride our bikes in grainy black and white, accompanied by a simple san serif typeface?
And finish our rides with Americano's at a cafe bar in the northern quarter instead of the pub?
And finish our rides with Americano’s
Lord no man. Cold drip only, you might be northern but you're not actually living in 1970.
Gravel-specific sunglasses?
Take bigger lenses, more suited to use off face than your existing sunglasses, weigh more and cost more but ultimately will be used for exactly the same thing by 99% of people who buy them.
Ah yes, even more ways to rinse the sheep who fall for all this...good luck to them, there are so many people now who want the badges without the actual effort that they'll sell sheds of the kit...
I am sure they will do well hopefully it will not effect prices from other manufacturers. I will still stick with Endura & Mavic.
even more ways to rinse the sheep who fall for all this
Bitter much?
ah the holy trinity of Audi, Santa Cruz and Rapha is finally complete
That will be their tag line 🙂
I only have a couple of Rapha pieces but they are way better than other stuff I have and not a lot more expensive, softer fabrics, more comfortable visibly better made.
I have a jersey that I wear every ride through autumn and spring on its own and with a windproof or waterproof shell on top in coldest winter days. Been wearing it for 3 years now and still looks almost like new.
Too many words not enough pictures in that article...
Possibly am, but not with people spending their own money...more on the rather state mountain biking has become. The latest trends appear to be recycling stuff and giving it a fancy name. Totally up to the individual what they spend a d how much they spend on stuff. I'm just sorry to see how low the MTB companies have gone to make as much money as they can (which, as a business is what they are there to do)...
So yeah, I'm bitter but probably not for the reason you think.
Rapha is good value for money.
I can think of several more expensive and/or pretentious options.
Be interesting to see their take on MTB kit
My commuting gear is Rapha. 4 years old, used in every kind of weather, with and without guards with thousands and thousands of KM in it and it still looks, feels and wears great. My Endura shorts are a year old, have been used maybe 15 times and are literally coming apart at the seams.
Rapha gear is expensive, but its good kit and the Classic stuff is very long lasting.
ah the holy trinity of Audi, Santa Cruz and Rapha is finally complete
Sorry to disappoint, my Bronson is generally flung in the back of my 12 year old civic. With my discounted Madison bike clothes.
Hell no. I’m going to carry on falling off my bike and in to rocks, stones, boulders, brambles, mud, grass, trees and possibly dog shit. I’ll carry on buying stuff in the sales or second hand and wearing it until it’s see through.
You know that the name Rapha is an abbreviation. don't you?
It's short for Rapha; I got it in the sale.
The sale prices for Rapha are about twice that of the new prices of the things I’d contemplate buying in a sale.
My commuting gear is Rapha lidl and aldi. 4 >4 years old, used in every kind of weather, with and without guards with thousands and thousands of KM in it and it still looks, feels and wears great.
Be interesting to see their take on MTB kit
And if they’ll still offer free repairs.
One of the very few things roadies do better than mtb's is understand kit is just as important as components, if not more so.
Rapha isn't cheap (even in the sale) but it is mainly well designed and more importantly lasts. You do have to pick your items though, They seem to excel in base layers, winter jerseys and padded shorts/tights.
They do lighter summer jerseys well but I reckon you can get better else where for less.
I'm not sure about mtb though....their explore range was total gash and the anti-rapha force is strong with the knobbly brigade. Gravel on the other hand will probably do well for them as they can just expand the succesfull brevet range.
I have loads of cycling clothing but my favourite jersey and base layer are Rapha - and they are several years old.
(yes they were both bought in the sale......)
Edit I also have lidl/aldi kit and while it lasts......its truly awful in every regard compared to properly designed kit from Rapha,Castelli,Assos,Mavic and even Altura. Obviously its still better than Endura.
Choice eh? The bastards!
Lol.
Bitter much?
Good lord no, some sort of boutique IPA perhaps?
tjagain
Member
My commuting gear is Rapha lidl and aldi. 4 >4 years old, used in every kind of weather, with and without guards with thousands and thousands of KM in it and it still looks, feels and wears great.
Isn’t you’re commute around 1 mile? Not the most stringent of tests
It will be interesting to see which direction they go. I pretty sure I won’t buy any, but I’m intrigued.
What always surprised be about Rapha is how they became, apparently, a success overnight whereas Assos always existed and are high quality, but didn’t capture the imagination. Marketing, I suppose.
I’ve not seen it in the flesh, but the assos mtb gear looks pretty awful on the web.
used to be 7 mashr
Some of the attitudes on this thread are hilarious! Wish I was cool enough to be so dismissive of a brand/some clothing because it’s too expensive/garish/meant for golfers/etc...
Guess I’ll stick to using the various items of their kit I’ve bought over the last few years, mostly at full price. Excellently featured, well made and cut, comfortable and does the job it’s supposed to do very well. It’s all lasting well too, even though I use it off road too!
Will be interested to see what they do with specific mtb kit...
genuinely assumed someone had spotted a certain rotund spanish football manager wheelieing a new Mondarker through stanley park!
Rapha? never heard of it.
after a quick google, i can see why.
Rapha? never heard of it.
Most. STW response. Ever.
Most. STW response. Ever.
It's the new pretending to not know which end of the racquet to hit a football with.
£15 for a pair of socks! This bit is the most eye rolling thing I’ve ever read.
The sock fits tightly around the ankle while not extending so far as to break one of the UCI’s more quizzical rules: the sock length law.
Sock length law FFS.
Sock length law FFS.
It's more a guideline if you ride mtb.
Some people shop in Primark, some people shop in Selfridge's shocker.
The only negative I can think of is that a whole new group of people can scoff at how they'd never spend THAT MUCH, whilst looking like a sack of shit tied up with string.
I wonder if they'll make it a bit more 'mtb rider' friendly.... their roadie stuff is, well, a little snug for many.
It’s the new pretending to not know which end of the racquet to hit a football with
A what? You mean a wendyball?
£15 for a pair of socks!
Jees even Endura do a pair for that. You better not check assos out your head will pop.
more ways to rinse the sheep who fall for all this
Some people shop in Primark, some people shop in Selfridge’s shocker.
And some people think they’re getting something they’re not, because they’re paying a healthy premium for it. Unit price for a made in China Rapha jersey, when they launched, was £5*. Yep £5.
*insider-ish knowledge.
I’m a Rapha ****er on my roadie. The kit just seems to fit and work really well, ideal for a long day in the saddle. I think I look mighty fine in it too 😂
The price though... not sure I’d be happy wearing something that cost that much on my MTB with the risk of tree branches catching at it and the falling off. Like there is no way I would wear my gore shakedry on the MtB.
I have a couple of pairs of Aldi undershorts that you know, have done the job really well and lasted thousands of kms. Much lighter chamois and thinner so perfect for indoors now and frequent washing.
I’m keen to see the range anyway.
I was a Rapha hater for many years. I have 2 of there winter jerseys and deep winter tights. Best kit I’ve used. Also have jeans and few other items for off bike wear. All bought in sales and all very well made.
Kinda fed up of Endura kit falling apart rapidly 🙁
Rapha already make clothes for mountain biking in… they just need to change the fit for fatter midriffs and come up with some breathable but weather proof baggies, and they have a market waiting for them.
even more ways to rinse the sheep who fall for all this
Bitter much?
Exactly. I'd rather be a sheep than pissed off.
come up with some breathable but weather proof baggies
I have never ever thought to myself 'my arse/thighs/baws are too warm' when biking!
Why does anyone need breathable shorts (yes, I said shorts, not baggies, cos baggies is a silly name really)🤣😂
I have never ever thought to myself ‘my arse/thighs/baws are too warm’ when biking!
See, that’s what Rapha so often get right with their kit… not assuming that everyone is like you. Outer layers that keep the worst of the weather out while still expecting you will want to put some serious effort in, are one of their strengths. As are baselayers for all seasons. If sweat is an alien concept for you, then don’t assume the same is true for other riders.
Yeah I was a hater as well...seemed to be a lot of "badge tax" going on - then bought a Brevet jersey and gilet and have to say totally love wearing them.
I wonder if they’ll make it a bit more ‘mtb rider’ friendly…. their roadie stuff is, well, a little snug for many.
My thoughts too. I'm a 32" waist in most things I buy. 32" Sigr shorts measure 34" with another inch in stretch. My Rapha touring shorts are 32", not a 'teenth more, and have adjustment bands to take an inch off either side for if I ever go Full Rasmussen
Given their usual "inspired by the golden age of [Road] cycling" design theme I assume it'll all look like it came out of Gary Fisher's wardrobe anyway.
I'm not sure if I'd be happier if that was repack era or now mind.
Rapha already make clothes for mountain biking in… they just need to change the fit for fatter midriffs and come up with some breathable but weather proof baggies, and they have a market waiting for them.
Biffa By Rapha for the larger mountain biking gentleman.
Mountain bikers to tend to have more around the middle, yes. We like pies and often live for the times when gravity is on our side.
= ;87)
If the MTB range gets the cut right, but still uses their material knowledge, this could be good stuff. Of course, they might make it ugly, or get the prices wildly wrong, or both… but I’m hope they hit the right spot. Fingers crossed.
Jees even Endura do a pair for that. You better not check assos out your head will pop.
exactly, a pair of de-feet woolly-boolie are £15 (and very good they are too.
thing is Rapha are no longer a ‘premium’ brand. roadies have moved on to other brands that are not associated with city **** riders or aspirational cash rich newbs who walk into evans and buy the most expensive road bike they can find and go and ride like a chopper.
Walmart and it’s MTB riding owners want a return on their investment, thats why the club houses and outlet store closed and they got rid of loads of staff.
the next doe-eyed market is you.
Which Club house closed?
thing is Rapha are no longer a ‘premium’ brand.
Of course they're not.
Biffa By Rapha
Haha, shame that "Bipha" doesn't quite work.
the next doe-eyed market is you
An alternative view is that two rich as hell mountain bikers bought a loss making brand for kicks, and their people want to please them.
Which club house did they close? I know that the MCR one was burning through money… but I used to love going in there when I was in the city, especially when races were on. Great food, coffee, location, staff, light… but can see how it would be hard to justify keeping it. Sad if it’s gone, or going.
I've got a few bits of Rapha kit. The cut is nice but the fabrics etc are nothing special, generally well made though. Probably OK value at sale prices, I wouldn't buy their stuff at RRP though.
😂
I need some decent shorts, my Assos have begun to lose bits of padding after 12 years and many thousands of miles. They were expensive, but per year actually pretty cheap.
One pair was the Assos Mille at £80, and they are still £80 on Wiggle. Any others I should look at? I've got a Decathlon pair but the fit was bobbins - I needed XL for the thighs but the waistband is far too large and the bum still a bit small resulting in builders bum and a misplaced pad.
I see Rapha core are £70, what's the fit like for someone with a large (muscular, honest) arse and thighs and a sensible 35" waist?
Yeah, Rapha are gonna do a Nikki Minaj fit Molly, you're sorted.
Molly, I've got some Assos Mille and Rapha brevet bibs. I prefer the Rapha. About 3 year old and still like new. Better pad in my view.
What gets me about this forum is that as soon as there's a PSA of any sort, everyone jumps on it (remember the Scott road bikes that were harsh as? or the Brant's posh trousers). Doe eyed consumers maybe? But I don't get the scorn for Rapha. I don't like a lot of there styling and the mechanics stuff was just laughable but it all just works well. As for prices, have you been to a MTB shop lately?
Can I just check the rules here: do we have to either love them or hate them?
It's just that I've had three bits of rapha kit over the years. The original softshell jacket, which seemed eye-wateringly expensive at the time, but ten years later has turned out to be great value. A winter jersey that is a bit tight around the arms, but is still wearing well and a set of 3/4 bibs where the piping fell off very quickly and which were never any more comfortable than other offerings at half the price.
tjagain
Member
used to be 7 mashr
Mine's 40.
Which Club house closed?
Sydney.
The archive stores in Bicester and Kilver Court are closing soon.
London and Manchester make money. They're good stores, well placed, profitable.
Not wanting to be patronising but isn't this all a bit Jeremy Vine.
Buy it if you want, if you don't. Don't.
London and Manchester make money. They’re good stores, well placed, profitable
At least three times I’ve been into the London store wanting to buy a top and they’ve had no stock whatsoever in larger sizes and suggested I order it online, I like it their kit but the shop is woeful
remember the Scott road bikes that were harsh as?
Still loving mine, not harsh at all with suitable wheels/tyres.
Sometimes I wear Rapha on it too.
I wonder if they’ll make it a bit more ‘mtb rider’ friendly…. their roadie stuff is, well, a little snug for many.
Behave, Rapha stuff is at the relaxed end of the road wear spectrum, try some Italian wear for properly fitting road wear.
I'm 6'4" and wear small or medium in most Rapha stuff, if anything they need to make their sizing smaller.
My thoughts too. I’m a 32″ waist in most things I buy. 32″ Sigr shorts measure 34″ with another inch in stretch. My Rapha touring shorts are 32″, not a ‘teenth more
So they size as they fit rather than vanity sizing. That's a good thing, right?
Some people shop in Primark, some people shop in Selfridge’s shocker.
There is a Primark in some Selfridges.
Just here to put in a PSA for these shorts: https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/limited-edition-transfer-shorts/product/LES01XXUBC
At least three times I’ve been into the London store wanting to buy a top and they’ve had no stock whatsoever in larger sizes and suggested I order it online, I like it their kit but the shop is woeful
You know it's a coffee shop which provides advertising for their gear, not a gear shop which serves coffee?*
I mean who buys stuff in shops anymore?**
Go in, try it on, take up an hour of the staff's time then order online and save ha'penny***. Hell you're so C20th I bet the item they didn't have in your size was boot cut jeans.
*the former being a sensible business model, the later, not so much.
**because this
***obviously don't do this.
I’m 6’4″ and wear small or medium in most Rapha stuff
You are daisy Duke aicmfp
At a lofty 5'9" and wearing size small, i agree with
You are daisy Duke aicmfp
I don't own much Rapha but the stuff I have fits well. I've only purchased items at the Archive store at a discounted price. I'm an XS so there are usually some items that fit me. I used to buy sportful kit but they seem to have removed XS from most of the men's range in recent years so I've ended up looking for alternatives and with a pin chest of 33ish inches if I breathe in most brands don't cater for me.
I'll never buy Le Col, Pedaled or some of the even more expensive brands at retail price, but I would consider them in if it was on sale. Rapha have also managed to have pieces of kit that don't stand out amongst the more garish stuff.
I never considered buying Rapha clothing until I visited the Archive store in Shepton Mallet and tried some of it on about 3 years ago and thought that they stuff was way overpriced and the cyclists that wore it were '****ts', but I've been impressed with the items I own. Shame the store is closing. The staff have always been welcoming and super helpful.
I've become the Rapha ****t I used to laugh at. 😉