Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

It's seen too much sky.

Merino will fade

That may have been exacerbated by sweat being baked in too.

Only wore it for 40h or so.
Fair enough.

Send customer services some pics.

A mates club jersey did that, not after 40h though, more like 2 years. I'd definitely get in touch.

Long shot but I don't suppose there are any promo codes doing the rounds? Totally slept on last months bib shorts discounts and now I'm in need of bib shorts.

The make-up of a persons sweat can differ and some have a stronger effect on colour dye that others, all of this can be exacerbated by washing rituals, water hardness and riding conditions.

Slow day at the office?

I've got a 15% code which you can try if you wish?

Yes please!

I bought a AW14 Brevet Gilet and I have a few questions, just to put my mind at rest..

What should the make up of material be? And what details should I look for?

It just feels surprisingly light as for some reason I was expecting something more weighty. Zip details look good though compared to my Classic Jersey.

Edit: Nevermind, 100% polyester seems correct!

The Brevet Gilet is focused on packability. The Hi-viz gilet is more solid. I found it pretty annoying that couldnt stash the Hi-vis. So sold it, and bought the Brevet. Its a much better piece of kit.

@fussballclub coming from you that's a bit rich...

Assos falkenZahn (ultimate warm vest with excellent pockets)
Castelli Fawesome (Windstopper - no pockets)
Sportful Hotpack or Hotpack Ultralight (lightweight and more packable)

Meh at Rapha gilets.

Softshell finally stinks. Anything decent to wash it with?

My rapha brevet gilet is well stashable, keeps the Wind off my chest, and is Bright as feck.

Not sure what else I'd want a gilet to do.

I've got this Dettol stuff I chuck in with my kit to kill all the bacteria and stop it from stinking. Seems to work well... It's also good for towels (#csb).
You can get it from sainsburys etc.

Gilets are one of those rare things in the world of expensive cycling crap - an item which doesn't really get any better above entry level (cut aside - which is personal). My £15 craft one performs just as well as the rapha one it replaced.

Interesting and probably true, Jeantex wind jacket myself, but I have already replaced it with a Rapha that I might not wearing, so do get lost.

Jackets are very different.

The cut of the sleeves/shoulders is very hard to get right and the fact that you are sealed into them mean that cut and breathability of fabric is key. Gilets on the other hand are naturally ventilated (they have big bloody holes for your arms) so as long as the fabric is shower/windproof then you're fine. To be honest, you could just cut holes in a slim-fitting bin bag and get a similar level of performance.

Pics or GTFO

Bravo.

Slim fitting bin bag?
You clearly lived in North London.

@Chalfie Next time you're in Waitrose, have your man ask for the Babybinbagchino - they'll point him in the right direction.