Rapha - did I miss something?

omri

So what's the story with the Rapha stuff. Tbh I only heard bout them after seeing team sky after TdF and checked it out today for the first time.

Is it something "one must have" or is it one of these crazy expensive brands that well not sure who can afford ?

Checking their prices - well not sure if I could afford replacing my "cycling wardrobe" - given the fact that, all the cycling gear I have was purchased back in 2006 and replaced just few bits over the years. But maybe these were different time and I didn't mind throwing away €150 on windstopper or whatnot... can't remember now tbh..

Wishbone Ash

omri wrote: »

.... or is it one of these crazy expensive brands that well not sure who can afford ?

Half the fixie couriers in Dublin are modeling Rapha. Either there's serious money to be made delivering packages or Rapha has gone the same way as Burberry etc.

happytramp

Apparently it's now a 'lifestyle choice' or something.

nak

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Half the fixie couriers in Dublin are modeling Rapha. Either there's serious money to be made delivering packages or Rapha has gone the same way as Burberry etc.

They're not couriers, they're fakengers. Don't know any couriers in Dublin wearing Rapha now. Some did wear Softshell jackets a few years back when the wages were better and the jackets were on sale for €80. A lot of the couriers don't even wear cycling clothes. Some of the London couriers wear Rapha because they were testers and got the clothes for free.

I love Rapha clothes, they make the best women's clothes in my opinion and anything I've bought (mostly on sale) has lasted me years.

Harrybelafonte

Amazingly good quality gear best bought in sales. Bit like Assos.

The espresso cup with logo seems to have become standard fare, with Jess Varnish's dad getting on the wagon too. The V Sprint cups may be nicer.

You wanna make money, target the richer aspirational market.

ROK ON

Rapha is nothing more nothing less than a brand.
It appears to be very successful in defining a category and being absolutely committed to chasing it.
I spend a lot of time assessing companies and their strategy, and Rapha is a model in that regard.

Everything from order through to delivery down to the store in London is consistent with the strategy and delivery of that strategy. My impression is that Simon Mottram is an exceptional business person.

Ole Rodrigo

It is an excellent company. I had dealings with customer service recently and the service was so good I thought I'd made a new friend afterwards.

Lumen

ROK ON wrote: »

Rapha is nothing more nothing less than a brand.

You can't wear nothing more than a brand, unless you actually brand yourself. Rapha design and sell clothes. They're a clothing company, which has a brand.

omri

Lumen wrote: »

You can't wear nothing more than a brand, unless you actually brand yourself. Rapha design and sell clothes. They're a clothing company, which has a brand.

I have to say having looked at their products they do look tempting and I like a lot of them - unlike the prices. Now since Ive been off that market for a while now Im not sure what value (quality/price) does rapha represent. Is it like apple of cycling clothes ?

And is it euro cyclist acceptable?

ashleey

Rapha is nice stuff but it always makes me think of that Top Gear sketch where Clarkson has to keep trimming his facial hair and changing his tie so that he would look in keeping with his Audi TT.

Pinch Flat

Their stuff gets good reviews generally and a lot of boardsies happy with it. Personally I can't justify the cost €200 on a jersey is crazy money - there's better value out there

shutup

nak wrote: »

They're not couriers, they're fakengers. Don't know any couriers in Dublin wearing Rapha now.

Do these guys just cycle around town pretending to deliver packages?

If you get paid to deliver stuff you are a courier.

mp31

I have their rain jacket (only bought it coz it was half price) that I wear every day - good windstopper and keeps the rain out.
I'd like to get the winter jersey but can't work up the courage to spend 190 yoyo's on the thing.

Bristolscale7

happytramp wrote: »

Apparently it's now a 'lifestyle choice' or something.

Indeed--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poseur

nak

The jerseys aren't as expensive as €200. I have found that a lot of the cycling brands have gotten more expensive in the last couple of years and are now in the Rapha price range for the decent stuff. Not quite sure why the new Assos bibshorts are €350. Crazy money.

My club jersey was €65 and the quality is ****. I have had Rapha jerseys for 6 years or so and they're still going. Would highly recommend the jackets too, not so keen on the shorts, chamois is not for me.

nak

shutup wrote: »

Do these guys just cycle around town pretending to deliver packages?

If you get paid to deliver stuff you are a courier.

They just cycle around town dressed like couriers. I am one of these people, as my husband bought me a messenger bag and some of the clothes I wear commuting are his hand me downs from his courier days or Rapha

rollingscone

I have one solitary item of Rapha kit (a Winter hat I bought from LPB/for LPBs charity auction) it is currently my single favourite item of clothing, so comfortable, it ended up being my do everything hat for the whole of the winter.

Lumen

I saw someone this morning wearing what looked like Rapha bib tights (red stripe down the calf) and some sort of Rapha/Sky jersey.

He looked smart (fast/smooth), fit (skinny) and a bit of a gimp, all at the same time. That's the problem. Rapha gear (of which I own several pieces) has essence of MAMIL deeply woven into the fabric at an almost molecular level.

It's not just a function of price - Assos is just plain expensive but doesn't have the same vibe.

It's a function of utter pretentiousness.

Ole Rodrigo

If you cycle a lot, most of their gear will justify the cost as it tends to wear well, especially if you get it on sale or through ebay.

mp31

Lumen wrote: »

I saw someone this morning wearing what looked like Rapha bib tights (red stripe down the calf) and some sort of Rapha/Sky jersey.

Was he riding a black Boardman carbon bike... if so he's another one of my 'commuting friends' (who all seem to be a *lot* faster than me). He wears Rapha because it's the most comfortable gear he has found over the years.

rollingscone

Lumen wrote: »

I saw someone this morning wearing what looked like Rapha bib tights (red stripe down the calf) and some sort of Rapha/Sky jersey.

He looked smart (fast/smooth), fit (skinny) and a bit of a gimp, all at the same time. That's the problem. Rapha gear (of which I own several pieces) has essence of MAMIL deeply woven into the fabric at an almost molecular level.

It's not just a function of price - Assos is just plain expensive but doesn't have the same vibe.

It's a function of utter pretentiousness.

This made me spit my Rapha (tm) Espresso all over my Rapha, limited edition suede placemat.

ROK ON

Lumen wrote: »

It's a function of utter pretentiousness.

... And that is a key part of their branding.

I am a mamil and like many own too many pieces of Rapha apparel.
Quality and customer service scores highly.
Functionality is a strange one however.
The jerseys are quality in that they hold the shape, colour and look despite ears of wear and repeated washing. However they are suitable for commuting in spring and autumn. The are too heavy for summer and unsuitable for training - when you sweat they stay wet and get heavy. For this reason they are unsuitable in the rain.

The accessories (arm/knee earners, gloves, socks and caps) are simply fantastic IMHO. Well worth the money. Quality, form and function.
The overshoes and oversocks are without equal.

Is it pretentious? Absolutely - it is designed for knob jockeys.
Is it expensive - yes.
Is it good value - I think so. I have a pair of Rapha overshoes for three years and they are still in great condition despite numerous spins in wet and mucky weather.

omri

Lumen wrote: »

I saw someone this morning wearing what looked like Rapha bib tights (red stripe down the calf) and some sort of Rapha/Sky jersey.

He looked smart (fast/smooth), fit (skinny) and a bit of a gimp, all at the same time. That's the problem. Rapha gear (of which I own several pieces) has essence of MAMIL deeply woven into the fabric at an almost molecular level.

It's not just a function of price - Assos is just plain expensive but doesn't have the same vibe.

It's a function of utter pretentiousness.

Does Rapha logo add % to ones cycling capabilities? Has it been scientifically proven?

rollingscone

omri wrote: »

Does Rapha logo add % to ones cycling capabilities? Has it been scientifically proven?

Well I'm pretty sure that my winter cycling hat has been dipped in the blood of Belgian cyclists and gives me mystical winter cycling skillz as a direct result!

nak

ROK ON wrote: »

However they are suitable for commuting in spring and autumn. The are too heavy for summer and unsuitable for training - when you sweat they stay wet and get heavy. For this reason they are unsuitable in the rain.

Ah, you need a lightweight jersey or one of the souplesse ones - perfect in 35C heat last summer in the Alps. Excuse to buy more clothes!

Ole Rodrigo

Really what it boils down to is -are you OK with your inner knob jockey ?

If so, pull the trigger. Apply liberal amounts of false humility when questioned over your purchase. If not, pop down to LIDl or Aldi and get yourself a bargain. Ignore any false economies that might occasionally rear their heads and lob the occasional insult at the Apples and Rapha's of this world to feel better.

daragh_

I'll just leave this here.

nak

ror_74 wrote: »

Really what it boils down to is -are you OK with your inner knob jockey ?

If so, pull the trigger. Apply liberal amounts of false humility when questioned over your purchase. If not, pop down to LIDl or Aldi and get yourself a bargain. Ignore any false economies the might occasionally rear their heads and lob the occasional insult at the Apples and Rapha's of this world to feel better.

I am ok with it. Lidl and Aldi don't make cycling clothes in my size unfortunately, same goes for the husband. I did get a nice kids' merino baselayer from Aldi though, €10 and still going years later.

Lumen

nak wrote: »

I am ok with it. Lidl and Aldi don't make cycling clothes in my size unfortunately, same goes for the husband. I did get a nice kids' merino baselayer from Aldi though, €10 and still going years later.

Thing is, men don't think women in Rapha are vadgejockeys or whatever the female equivalent is of knobjockeys. Men think women in Rapha are supersexy. That's because we are so pleased that our sausagefest has been diluted that we wouldn't dare pass judgement.

Also, there is no such thing as a MAWIL.

omri

Lumen wrote: »

Thing is, men don't think women in Rapha are vadgejockeys or whatever the female equivalent is of knobjockeys. Men think women in Rapha are supersexy. That's because we are so pleased that our sausagefest has been diluted that we wouldn't dare pass judgement.

Also, there is no such thing as a MAWIL.

MILFIL ?

happytramp

Lumen wrote: »

Thing is, men don't think women in Rapha are vadgejockeys or whatever the female equivalent is of knobjockeys. Men think women in Rapha are supersexy. That's because we are so pleased that our sausagefest has been diluted that we wouldn't dare pass judgement.

This is true. Women have to try way harder to look like dickheads. I'm not sure what, off the top of my head, but I'm sure it can be done.

codie

I have a few Rapha items overshoes ,winter hat, neck scarf and my favourite item of all is a pair of Rapha condor bib shorts.They are the best shorts I have ever put on .Got them with a good discount as they were the last pair.I have Assos bib shorts but I find I reach for the rapha shorts every time and the Assos are left hanging.Never put them on last year.Stuff is expensive though would only buy their stuff with a discount .Postage I think is €15 but free if you spend €120 which is not very difficult to do.

omri

codie wrote: »

I have a few Rapha items overshoes ,winter hat, neck scarf and my favourite item of all is a pair of Rapha condor bib shorts.They are the best shorts I have ever put on .Got them with a good discount as they were the last pair.I have Assos bib shorts but I find I reach for the rapha shorts every time and the Assos are left hanging.Never put them on last year.Stuff is expensive though would only buy their stuff with a discount .Postage I think is €15 but free if you spend €120 which is not very difficult to do.

Where can you get their stuff with discount?

el tel

Did anyone see the Facebook chat with one of the Rapha desigers the other day? I thinks it was via Evans Cycles page.

It swiftly went downhill, people taking the piss for the **** quality and faults with the gear they had bought. The designer mostly ignored this line of questioning.

Wicklowrider

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

You wanna make money, target the richer aspirational market.

How right you are!

I read an interview with one of the founders when they started up.

He had worked in the advertising industry and was very successful. He said that he would go into bike shops and online looking for kit that was a bit exclusive, a bit retro and stylish and said all the right things(!) He didn't find what he wanted and thought that he had identified a place in the market that he could exploit.

One thing he said in the interview I thought was very true, he reckoned that if you thought Rapha prices were expensive then you were dead right and it was not marketed for you. That might sound snobbish or condescending but he was telling the truth. At the end of the day if you go into any business , a key component of success is identifying your place in the market - another good example of that would be the "Fat lad At the Back" company.

EDIT - couldn't find the interview I read, but here is one similar
http://99u.com/articles/7087/simon-mottram-on-passion-obsession-why-your-brand-should-take-sides

codie

omri wrote: »

Where can you get their stuff with discount?

There was a sale at that time plus I think I had a discount code that they mailed me but I haven't got any code for a long time.I t was the last bib shorts in the sale .See the free shipping is now with €220.Grazy

Bristolscale7

Here's a piss take of the Rapha web site. ****ing brilliant
http://internationale.teamjva.com/

Ole Rodrigo

Lol, classic.

Push yourself to 100% of your assumed human limits, unless you get tired, and then we can pick you up and go eat some super expensive organic gluten free pizza.

doozerie

I have several pieces of Rapha gear, all of which I like. I bought none of it for full price, I availed of their sales over the years - they used to have very good sales once or twice a year, in the last few years there seem to have been fewer sales and less of their range included in them. I've been happy with the quality of all of my kit from them, I still consider it all good value for money at the sale prices (usually in or around 50% off) but for me they wouldn't be very good value at full retail cost. I dislike the crap that goes with Rapha though (messages on the kit for riders behind you to read - just, like, what??) so I've always avoided the most blatant of it. And unless they have some good sales again, I won't be buying any further Rapha kit in the near future.

I also have some pieces of Assos kit, most of that bought in sales too. Some of that kit I'd consider good value at full cost. It's all very subjective though, of course.

As regards price though, it's no longer a "battle" between Rapha and Assos for the title of most horribly expensive kit. There are many other competitors in that price range these days, and for quite a while in fact. Brands like Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Giordana, MCippolini, etc., all sell at least some items of kit for prices that would make your eyes water.

omri

So when B. Wiggins won TdF he became Sir B. Wiggins and that's when I kind of found out bout Rapha anyway - wonder how much would one need to spend on Rapha's stuff to become Sir Your Name...

Paul Kiernan

I've just read this whole thread and there isn't one comment from Raam. That doesn't seem right to me. Is he sick? I feel cheated.

omri

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

I've just read this whole thread and there isn't one comment from Raam. That doesn't seem right to me. Is he sick? I feel cheated.

Maybe it was him on that black boardman - from one of the earlier comments ? He just prefered to remain in the shadows ?

omri

€150...seriously... http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/team-sky-gt-gloves/product/GTG05

Seweryn

omri wrote: »

€150...seriously... http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/team-sky-gt-gloves/product/GTG05

That is taking the piece.

codie

omri wrote: »

€150...seriously... http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/team-sky-gt-gloves/product/GTG05

Do you know what the Africian hair sheep are making at the mart these days.

Brian?

doozerie wrote: »

As regards price though, it's no longer a "battle" between Rapha and Assos for the title of most horribly expensive kit. There are many other competitors in that price range these days, and for quite a while in fact. Brands like Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Giordana, MCippolini, etc., all sell at least some items of kit for prices that would make your eyes water.

The lifestyle choice nonsense doesn't go along with these brands though. All of my usual winter gear is Castelli, including my socks and head band. No one has ever passed remarks at it, even though some of it was horrendously expensive.

Whenever I see someone, particularly a MAMIL like myself, in Rapha gear the temptation to do an eye roll is almost overwhelming. Completely my fault.

By all accounts Rapha gear is great. But it's not any better than Castelli as far as I can make out, or at least not enough better to justify the price difference.

PS, I wouldn't be seen dead in Pearl Izumi.

Pinch Flat

nak wrote: »

The jerseys aren't as expensive as €200.

You're right, they're more (excludes P & P which is usually ridiculous). http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/brevet-jersey/product/PBP01. Maybe the 'complementary gilet' is priced into this.

omri

Pinch Flat wrote: »

You're right, they're more (excludes & P which is usually ridiculous). http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/brevet-jersey/product/PBP01. Maybe the 'complementary gilet' is priced into this.

Must be: A high-performance, high-visibility cycling jersey designed for brevet riding with specialist pocket layout and high-visibility vest.

Pinch Flat

omri wrote: »

and high-visibility vest.

Not any ordinary hi-vis vest though, this one is specially made by Rapha. So probably adds about €70 to the price.:rolleyes:

omri

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Not any ordinary hi-vis vest though, this one is specially made by Rapha. So probably adds about €70 to the price.:rolleyes:

for brevet riding

Pinch Flat

omri wrote: »

for brevet riding

yeah fair enough, I don't care what kind of riding it's for. For €220 - no way. Each to their own I suppose.