Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Can't find the post but someone on here predicted the trade team jerseys would be in abundance as future sale items when they came out. I agreed. Here we are. The story arc is complete.

@Cycliste and I were discussing that the other night. When Rapha introduce their new lines, @Cycliste and I can identify, with at least 80% accuracy, what won't sell and will therefore be available in abundant quantities come sale time. Trade team jerseys. All the 'Cima' kit. Anything in Kermit green. If we can do this (and although sad Waffaholics we're not experts in style, clothing or the fashion industry) then WTF can't anyone at Rapha?

They will give you a voucher for the difference if you email them.

Are the shorts a true fit (I'm 6'5) and wear 38 jeans because of length

They're lush. Get them. Had mine for a year or two and love them. So good I almost want a brown pair (sold out) as well as my black pair...

That said, I notice the Leather Town Gloves are now in the sale. As the colder mornings are sadly once again just around the corner, any thoughts on these?

Ordered and tried 3 different pairs of the black one. Sent every single one back and eventually asked for a refund.

Very poor finishing for a nearly 200€ glove, mismatch pairs, horrible stitching. One pair felt like almost different size. If you can find a good pair in the shop then go for it but don't bother ordering online.

I notice the Leather Town Gloves are now in the sale. As the colder mornings are sadly once again just around the corner, any thoughts on these?

They're nice...

As the colder mornings are sadly once again just around the corner

Morning, Dad

...it's my pride y'know...

I was lusting after the town gloves for ages, but have been warned off them by a mate who's in the know. Shame, they do look nice.

... but they're still bleedingly expensive at 110 quid in the sale.

true, thought as the stock is shown as high they would be prime candidate for further reductions, we shall see. However, the feedback on them here is less than overwhelming, I may well pass on them.

Not bike specific, but probably nicer and warmer gloves: http://www.edgeandwax.co.uk/30086/products/hestra_elk_utsjo_leather_gloves_chestnut.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=CJjZot3ppccCFU3LtAodRNcNHg
Been lusting after those since spring too. Might just buy em before my fucking cat bankrupts me.

Caved into the sale and decided the best deal as people said was the 'To The Sun Jersey Bundle'

It is a really nice snug fit jersey, plus the design is pretty cool. But a down point in my books is the damn arm warmers, I don't have the most upper body strength (Plus I don't lift bro) but even I struggled to get my arm through them this morning for work. This is just a comparison with my other rapha arm warmers that are in the same size. Also I just wished the zip was a full length than the mini you get.

Anyways I'm just a moany old fart, but for 90 quid for jersey, cap and arm warmers I can't complain too much.

#CSB

Very good question. I was talking to someone who worked at Rapha about this yesterday, and it seems they know too (or at least they know what is working and what isn't).

It seems Rapha needs some Steve Jobs type to ruthlessly maintain standards, or some sort of better sign off process so products which don't quite make the grade can be torpedoed at the last minute. Although the flip side is that this could stifle innovation, if you stop taking risks with new products.

The obvious answer is focus groups. People hate the concept but a group of people like you and Cycliste would seem to be very likely to give accuracy of > 80%.

A focus group you say...like a group of regular buyers with brand awareness...and opinions...and the money to buy things...and opinions...who are social media savvy...and have opinions...where could they source such people...?

No idea. Sounds super tricky.

Maybe ask outside bike shops when people come in to get their punctures repaired?

Hestra gloves look very good and they have a broad range of styles and materials.

I am two slow!

I love the kermit green!

I have no desire to be understated on the road.

Video footage of @Ramsaye in 'those shorts' last night. I guess if you're down with that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp-3PGugBnk

What has been seen :/

Are you currently the Rapha Focus group?

Not that I disapprove, I was tempted to get some green socks to go with my ultra green Cannondale Gabba, but particularly with green, the shade has to match!

Race Cape found on Royal College Street https://twitter.com/typekitty/status/631781037719310337

Nein!

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Got the Assos, really good deal.