Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Ta. I just washed it on a quick 30c wash with minimal non-bio to get the shit off the back. Ideally I won't be washing it unless it's completely necessary, but I have got some Nikwax stuff in the garage if need be.

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the softshell baselayer or hold out for the Shadow Jersey that's apparently coming out soon?

Looking for a rainy day / variable weather alternative to carrying around a jacket in the pockets.

Also, why aren't the softshell arm and knee warmers being offered? Looks like I need to get the Castelli alternative if I want something waterproof...

Wait for the Shadow!

Any idea on release date? Is it long or short sleeve do u know?

softshell arm/knee warmers were recalled, afaik.

regarding the shadow... the will show something on the eurobike next week, kind of sneak peak about their fall / winter collection. will take a look and perhaps make some pictures

Ok thanks! Look forward to seeing a post on that :D

Just placed an order for the softshell baselayer, thermal bibs, and aero suit. Banking on the 90 day refund in case of buyers remorse lol

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Anyone have insight on the Merino Mesh Baselayer vs. Pro Team Baselayer in terms of sizing? Should I size down from the PT?

I'm a medium in the PT Baselayer, but was wondering if I should size down to a Small in the Merino Mesh? My Merino Longsleeve baselayer in Medium, I feel like I swim in it and it's a bit long...

stay. true. to. size.

What is this shadow everyone keeps talking about? A gabba alike?

Edit: just googled. It's a gabba. Only took them two years...

http://pages.rapha.cc/team-sky/staying-in-the-shadows

On way home tonight some random complimented my purple randonee shorts. Take that purple haters. /csb

I was taking the piss m8.

Lol

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The Gabba has a membrane though, doesn't it? So the PT Softshell/Softshell Baselayer are most similar to the Gabba. The Shadow sounds like it doesn't have a membrane at all, instead relying on some sort of modern, stretchy version of Ventile.

I'm waiting n the shadow.

Dont it being pricey.

But only if they do a fuckmyeyesareburning bright version.

Is the Rabba (tm) with convertible sleeves?

Or the Gapha (with taped seams obvs).

The zipp sleeves on the gabba look like a faff to me.
I'd crash horribly trying to feck with shoulder zipps.
Water repellent arm warmers would work just as well.

My only gripe with Castelli is that the sizing seems to be odd... That, or i tried on a mislabelled pair of bibs in store.

I'm medium in everything Pro Team, and can barely squeeze into a Large bib shorts in castelli... didn't even bother with XL... And the Medium nanoflex knee warmers, the top elastic band was oddly wavey when new, and did not fit my upper thighs (were loose).

Hard to buy online with varying sizing..

Castelli is designed for 60 kilo Italian pros with mahogany tans and gold crucifixes . Size up up up.

I couldn't bring my hands close enough together to hold handlebars when in a xl gabba.

The xxl was foot too long in the arms and came down to my thighs.

To me rapha 'pro' isn't so much pro shaped. But gives a Pro fit on a less than pro body.

Rapha, pricey but forgiving

Rapha, nice but a bit porky.

I prefer pig boned.

I wear large rapha but xl castelli.
Both work fine for me.