Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

had to wear my PTJ this morn for the first time, summer officially over. It was 7 degrees and I was toasty.

PTJ is definitely nice, I'd buy it again, although I only paid £150 for mine.

Yeah, was quite surprised when I received my Gabba as it's very definitely a jersey. Turned out to be too small so I've sized up and gone for the short sleeve + armwarmers option over the Long sleeve. Seems far more versatile as it definitely isn't a jacket.

Wise move. Seems pointless getting the full sleeve when you can get nano flex armwarmers

Yeah, that's what I've gone for. Should see me through a lot of autumn and got a Ralpha Softshell for proper winter.

Little review of the Alpha here. Looks like it has some of the Gabbas water repellency.

https://youtu.be/QjcVzcjmFl0

The Rapha PTJ is basically just a super roubaix jacket with a wind proof front panel.

Giordana FRC Windproof Jacket, Altura Raceline Windproof Jacket, and DHB Blade Windslam Jersey will all do very similar jobs, at a more budget conscious end of the market.

The top Italian brands make awesome kit. But the fit is horrible if you're not a racing snake.

The more commuter friendly brands like endura do awesome stuff too. But it's not road bike tailored.

Rapha seems to hit the sweetspot fit wize. Assos seem to do this too. Although more from clever stretchy material use and placement.

It's actually caterpillars. Pedantically.
Or carpet beetle larvae.

Anyway.

Castelli Nanoflex tights for £60 (from £110) on Castelli Cafe in most sizes - Gabbify your legs.

Any thoughts regarding Rapha's current glove offerings? need something full fingered for commute/weekend rides.. will the pro team softshell gloves get me through winter, or are they only going to cope with spring/autumn? Would I be better waiting for the 2015 winter gloves (any idea when these are going to be released?)

Oh nice. What's castelli sizing like on the legs? I'd normally go for L in tights, but have fitted into M before. I'm rather long but very slender. (that's what she said)

Gabbify your legs.

Not really though is it .. no Gore Windstopper .. they are ok even for £60; my gripe was the pad.

Sorpasso Wind tights are the one for keeping warm. Closer to a gabba in the sense that your legs will get wet, but the wind doesn't get through so they stay warm. Great for winter

I'm very unfussy about pads and tights tbh. I've found my perfect saddle and can do long rides in pretty much anything.

long rides in pretty much anything.

TMI

Ya know why they call it a skinsuit?

PT Gloves are more Autumn/Spring (YMMV). Good wind blockers, but not insulated.

Winter Gloves will be available later this week / early next week.

Has anybody been able to bring themselves to wear their very cheap randonee purple shorts yet. I keep reacting for my black tour shorts, I don't think I can carry off that much purple.

Any thoughts regarding Rapha's current glove offerings?

Can't comment on the softshell, but I was pretty uninspired by the mitts when I was trying them on in the shop. There didn't seem to be anything distinguishing them from any other gloves other than the label (and price). The leather ones look excellent in the flesh and get +ive feedback on here.

Personally I really like my Endura windstopper gloves. Great balance of not being too bulky and hot, but windproof.

Basically I'd go to a shop and check them out.

Been alternating between yellow and purple on a daily basis. But then I'm an icon of fashion so can easily pull it off

Hmmm, I might try again tomorrow morning

Go for it, I've found mine not to look out of place at all.

wow such suffering

I don't look forward to seeing @Ramsaye in the cross suit.

That would be true suffering