Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

How small does the insulating gilet pack Down to?

Would actually be a great bit of kit together With said Neoshell armwarmers.

Why is the Shadow range so expensive?

You could say it's pricey, because it's nice.

Even the image in the email showing the shadow warmers shows how crap they'll be. That models knee is at a less than 90 degree angle and it's already started to crease and gather. Id rather get wet.

1 Attachment

Does anyone here have a Shadow and can compare it to a Gabba?

I've just got a Perfetto (the lightweight Gabba) and that seems to tick all the boxes for me. Aero fit, not too warm like SS Gabba, nice but not too pricey.

Does anyone here have a Shadow and can compare it to a Gabba?

@Dick the ultimate #buyer

Don't think he has a gabba to compare it to though? Does he?

Don't need one - never bothered with Castelli, red is possibly my least favourite colour so I've never given it a thought.

Shadow is exceptional.
I was worried the first time I put it on that it was going to be too warm, but after climbing HardKnott, Wrynose and The Struggle back to back, wearing it on a quite muggy and far from cold day was the right choice given the threatening weather. It eventually brightened up to very warm sunshine, and whereby I'll admit I'd rather have had a pro team jersey on later in the afternoon, it was a constant surprise how all round excellent it was: cool when you wanted it to be and brilliantly warm and windproof when descending.
Really negates the need to carry a gilet or rain jacket.
Looks awesome aswell.

#buyer out
(On the way to Rapha to buy summer aero kit with survey discount code)

Wouldn't ever buy shadow arm or leg warmers though - have a pair of the Softshell leg warmers and they're terrible, yeah they keep you warm and dry but they're hardly comfortable and compliant.
Only merino for the arms and legs! If it's bad enough weather to warrant anything else then tights and a jacket are in order.

Well I've just bought some £20 specialized bibshorts

#Buyer

vulpine/cheap kit thread >>>>>>

#bitchy

Tbf I found a pair of Specialized RBX bibs last weekend and wore them to commute in a few times - new favourite commuter bibs!

How is the fit?

Some people on Rapha's site moaning it isn't Pro Team fit.

The very ones, from Sigma Sport

Fit confused me a little at first as it seems baggy under arms when upright- I think it's cut to follow the shape of the body when relaxed into a riding position, as as soon as I was on the bike it was so very very comfortable. Size wise, it fit exactly the same as pro team.

I can only presume people complaining on Rapha's website are probably the usual XXL's trying to squeeze into a M.

you going for the big S FKW look with shoes etc?

I don't understand what that means....

Oh - fuck no.

Specialized 6's automatically count me out there.

If that's not enough for you, I'll only wear my shiny silver and yellow dancing shoes with the aero gear, they looked mint with the Aerosuit.

I will take your word (and some grams) for it, thx

They're brilliant - I've had them for ages and thought I'd lost them!

Did rapha do a big sale just after the survey went out last year? Or was that Christmas? Or am I making it up?

They've always rewarded their loyal client base for giving them information, with 19.99% off their mark up on clothing and accessories.

according to the voucher i received the code only works for full price articles.

I was wondering this myself so checked my order history. Seems early August is about right.

If anyone is looking for some black mens core bibs in a medium let me know - BNWT

I got them as a gift a few months ago and they're too big - literally only tried them on