Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I have them and I think they're really good. Had them for about 3 years and they are still holding up very well. I've never been cold in any weather with them on.

If you get really cold hands then go for the deep winter. They have another layer of insulation.

this plus £80 isnt that bad for a quality glove if you look at the ski brands.

Thanks all for the feedback above folks.

I have some lobsters for my SS commutes, but they're just too big and bulky if i'm trying to train on my geared bikes.

@amey @Señor_Bear are the deep winter ones mega bulky? Is it possible to dig things out of jersey pockets on the move with them on for example?

Not really. You'd be able to get easy things but not fiddle through your collection of favourite energy gels.

Absolutely agree. It's not racist to want the money you spend to go into the local economy. It's not racist to want to support British craftsmanship. It's not racist to want the money you spend to reach companies who pay tax in the UK. It's not racist to think that manufacturing all of our physical goods somewhere 5000 miles away isn't the most sustainable approach. It's not racist to want to buy clothes made in a country where standards of health and safety in the production process are guaranteed.

It's also not racist to expect your clothes to be made somewhere where production costs are higher given the amount Rapha charge. The reduced cost of manufacturing in China sure isn't being passed on to the consumer...

All that said, were Rapha merino things ever made in Britain? I don't think so.

The UK just doesn't have the manufacturing expertise to make the products. FACT. It's not Rapha's fault that since the middle of the 20th century the developed economies of the world have eschewed manufacturing for service industries.

^^ Racist.

The reduced cost of manufacturing in China sure isn't being passed on to the consumer...

In that sense, isn't most of the money being spent going into the local economy then?

Beautiful.

China and italy the only real options for knitwear, right?

Ice breaker is made in china, even though they send you a link to the farm in NZ the yarn was sourced from.

https://www.velobici.cc/shop/pbp-seamless-hat-100-merino-wool/

To add to the other advices - I get really cold hands and feet, and I haven't been able to wear the Winter Gloves this year because it's too hot. Even without a liner, they're 5 degrees and below for me.

In terms of investment / quality, they work perfectly at blocking wind, feel amazing etc etc. Basically, the level of quality you expect from Rapha / at that price. First time I wore them, I dropped the bike doing a fair tick downhill, went straight on to one hand and theres barely a scratch on them. I could have probably returned them as new if I had wanted to ¯_(ツ)_/¯

I got a couple of bidons with some Christmas vouchers, and one of them has started leaking around the lid. The thread seems to be fine but even when it's as tight as I can get it, as soon as I drink from it I get drips down my chest. Is it worth emailing Rapha or should I just fucking cope with it? I've compared it to the other one and the other isn't doing it. Means it leaks in my bag when it's meant to be 'locked', which is really fucking annoying.

They're Camelbaks, aren't they? They'll send you another, no problem.

Yeah they are. I'll drop them an email, thanks!

1 deg c and wet late tonight - hardshell was perfect. I really like it. Legs cold and wet even with assos bonka :(

I will be listing for sale:

Hardshell in dark grey, L
Brand new without tags

Thermo/aerosuit and matching PT overshoes in Dataprint, M
Used once with tags - both one of a kind

Please let me know if you're interested, as I may just go straight to eBay

Both pretty coveted possessions I don't want to sell, but 6months of rent due shortly forces my hand.

Thanks dude. I probably need to go and look at the winter and deep winter gloves and get an idea of bulk.... But CBA....

Hi - Yes to the Hardshell ie interested. It's exactly what I'm looking for - I think - I'm a 40 to 42 chest - what price? PM if you like. Mel

Phew - not just me then................

Anyone fancy a swap of the thermal gilet. I have a xl in blue, new with tags and would like one in L instead.

As long as its in good nick, a straight swap would work for me

and, errr, the Merino wool coming from New Zealand? Jesus, this is going to run for a while....

They are English speaking sheep though, yes?

Tell me more about this dataprint onesie.