Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Used my 25% off to get the Leather Mitts. They are nice but I sent them back as there is no padding at all. An un-perforated section of leather around the thumb but the rest is just a thin bit of perforated leather. Rapha say that the seams are designed to avoid any pressure or rubbing but I didn't want to test this out on longer rides.

A large pair of the old GT gloves turned up in the archive sale menu so I've got those instead. The 'sniper padding' on the palms works a treat.

What's with this, go on use your discount code again, it's all getting a bit vulpine.

But the real question is, do I 'need' a rain gilet, I think I might.

I've had three, 'time is running out' mails, it's a bit spammy.

Improving balance sheet before impending sale

...

Load up your baskets people and leave them in the isle 🤣

Did Rapha ever release the standard short sleeve PT Jersey in Coral?

But the real question is, do I 'need' a rain gilet, I think I might.

I don't get this? So the water can just bead off and roll off onto your arms instead?

It's my favourite / most used waterproof thing.

Keeps your core really warm, and keeps your core warm / dry if it's raining. Arms / legs are less important. If it warms up or it's not raining, just unzip it and it's basically not there. Has overtaken my Race Cape and my Rain Jacket as the go to 'possibly rainy' item to take with me. Absolutely wicked.

Relented and bought some socks. Go me.

Smashing up the sales figures ready for the company to be sold.

Has anyone had the cojones to cut the arms off their race cape?

I'm considering it. It's cheaper than buying a rain gilet and, if I'm honest, I don't ride when it is pissing it down. I take the cape with me when it is possible we may have showers. The gilet would be good for that, as would a slevless race cape.

If I really need a rain coat, I have a Gore condom-a-like thingy.

Could I really do it?

Didn't bobby do it?

who is bobby?

there are very few results for it on google image search.

Bobby hoops.

Ah. I'll ask him.

You say you're not planning on riding in bad conditions, so as long as you run warm and aren't going to be relying on it for warmth on overnight rides, go for it - it'll be a Pro intermediary between the Race Cape and Rain Gilet. Everyone I know that's done it, loves it. The only reason I haven't is because I chill down and get cold hands really easily.

I'm sure @hoops will give his thoughts - having used both Race Cape and Rain Gilet

Do you mean chop the the whole sleeves off, and turn it into a gilet, or chop the sleeves along the sealed trim line half way down an turn it in to a t shirt jacket thing?

I've done both. short sleeve jacket going into spring, and then turned it into gilet for summer. (this was before the Pro Team Rain Gilet existed, and amused @chopsicle when we were out in the Pyrenees so he gave me an early Pro team Rain Gilet sample he had with him to test out on the trip and it came into its own on an ascent of Col du Soulor in a biblical thunderstorm). Short sleeve jacket was good for wet but warm riding. Gilet was ok, but flapped around in the wind a bit and looked pretty stupid. If you want to turn it into a gilet, I'd just sell it and get a Pro team Rain Gilet, which is bascically a gilet version of the Race Cape. the fit around the shoulders is slightly different to stop it flapping around in the wind.

Pro Team Rain Gilet is a top bit of kit IMHO, I use mine far more than my full sleeved cape.

My opinion on bicycle riding related matters is borderline invalid these days though, as actually riding a bike is quickly becoming a distant memory.

I have my first gen one with me in Girona, which has had random thunder storms- which we've managed to avoid, the jacket came in useful for descending in cool conditions though- I was glad it had sleeves.

Well I've just cracked and bought the rain gilet. Never really bothered with waterproofs before as I just overheat, hopefully this will be better.

The Oracle on armlessness has spoken! Thank you @hoops. That lightening storm will stay with me for a long time.... oof.

thanks too @Dammit, yep, agree if you are planning on riding in variable mountain conditions, I'd rather have a full sleeve for long descents. Enjoy Girona!

• Don't try to make a Race Cape into a gilet
  
• Race Cape with T-sleeves is good for mild/warm conditions
  
• Race Cape with uncut sleeves good for colder/heavier rain
  

skin is waterproof

is that trademarked? ™

Cool, really useful. Thanks all.

I was only ever thinking of cutting along the tapes for the short sleeve version, not going full gilet.

I think I'll do it.

Sweet.