Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Merino warmers are super comfy on dry days

Nanoflex or the pro team softshell for wet days

Nanoflex don't cut the wind either.

They are good for cool with a few showers, but when it gets really cold and wet you'll want a jacket.

The merino should be cold.
They kinda aren't though.

But putting them on with a jacket for a descent is pure luxury.

Not my experience

if rain, take nanoflex, they are warmer and for bad weather.
and get yourself the merino ones as well. very nice, got 2 of them in black and blue....

4-5 hours of near zero temperatures and constant rain? I run pretty hot, but I haven't found any arm warmers that would work for me in that.

IME Nanoflex are good, but they are just normal Roubaix warmers, with a bit of silicone on the fabric so that most of the water runs off. Good for warmish wet days, and for quick blasts, but not enough on their own for long winter rides. That's not what they're made for though.

4-5 hours of near zero temperatures and constant rain?

I wouldn't expect arm warmers to handle that alone. My choice would be one of:

• Classic jersey, arm warmers, wind or rain jacket. Rain jacket being warmer.
  
• Long sleeve merino jersey, wind or rain jacket.
  
• Long sleeve merino base layer, softshell.
  

Anybody know how to get their GT Gloves soft again after washing? If I do nothing they become cardboard, and if I use the Glove Balm, they're pliable and supple, but nothing like they were when purchased.

My daughter somehow ended up in the NY Rapha store when on holiday there with her mum and purchased me a Data print bidon for my birthday (Black writing on white). It's awesome but I would like another (cos symmetry) but the online store seems to be out. Anyone got one to sell me?

Worth giving the bricks and mortar store a ring, they had a lot of dataprint stock when I was in (admittedly last Saturday, but a full display of bottles that were sold out online at that point)

Cheers,
Will do.

Did you use the soap to wash them? That and avoiding aggressive drying (i.e. with radiators, airing cupboards) made a difference for me.

Frankly though these things get ruined pretty quickly and are a pain in the neck to look after. I persevered with two pairs for a year before switching to Assos SummerGloves which don't have the wow factor in the shop but are comfortable, easier to remove, machine washable, they dry overnight, and don't give me blisters when I sweat or get rained on.

I only air dry them. They're about 3 years old and have had year round use aside from winter. Functionally, they're still really good. I've bought a new pair and they're incredibly soft, but I was wondering if it was possible to get my old ones soft again too.

Even though they're nice and pricey, I think I've had fantastic value out of them over the years.

Fair enough... if you haven't already, try the waffa soap.

Caved and bought the softshell baselayer. So ready for winter.

We all need to buy deep winter clobber now, in order that summer might extend. This plan is foolproof.

The softshell base is summer item for me.

fml

Etc

Banal product commentary alert. The Pro Team thermal bib shorts are the best Rapha product (and best bib short) I've worn. I rode for two hours in the rain in them yesterday and was comfortable throughout. I think there are still some available in the sale. Worth buying for winter.

It's 18 degrees in the pouring rain at the moment. Hardly the best test of their thermal properties...

In other news - wtf is this Rapha? Simpsonissimo? ... and that typography too.

Sounds like something from Nescafe

I like the idea of selling a jersey/cap to help the Simpson family fund the maintenance of the Ventoux memorial but, er, yeah, not the execution. It's like generic cycling kit crossed with hipster logo generator. And yeah, Simpsonissimo. Don't remember that from Put Me Back On My Bike...

Actually, it was 13 degrees where I was riding, but I was more impressed that I didn't overheat in them.

I have used my thermal bibs on hot days in france. Was fine.

My two pairs are my best bibs. So I use them for everything.

I would be concerned, rather than impressed. I'm sure they're good quality though.

Worth giving the bricks and mortar store a ring, they had a lot of dataprint stock when I was in (admittedly last Saturday, but a full display of bottles that were sold out online at that point)

Sound advice. Have phoned and they have one left which they're holding till tomorrow for me. Rapha customer service, we're in love again.