Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

6 times a day

Are you okay, James?

4 coffees at least for me, a couple for my wife.

This is a reduction.

Pro team arm screens for me

Randonnée shorts are superior i have found because of more stretch. I don’t wear them for cycling, just every day shorts (except the yellow / purple ones which are for special occasions and holidays)

I missed off the short sleeve merino underlayers which are all excellent, super durable and have survived loads of careless washes. Winter one is also excellent, also brilliant for skiing.

Other Rapha base layers are also good but flawed. Mesh baselayer is superb, but looks awful and is now more of a beige colour due to sunscreen. Pro team softshell base works fantastically well for what it is, but could do with some kind of zip, as once you’ve put it on, it never comes off.

Think I went off your recommendation a while back and you are correct!

I’ve got merino base layers bought back in 2008 still going! A couple of them are a little on the thin/sheer side now, but they still work. (Sort of)

I am willing to add merino baselayer to the list, they *are*exceptional. But all jerseys / bibs / accessories can be found elsewhere from other companies in just as nice versions.

The final list is:
1) brevet insulated gilet
2) pro team jacket (pro team training jacket also acceptable)
3) merino baselayer

I am removing randonnee shorts because although they are great my swrve have held up longer and fit better

Mine of that age have lost their softness, despite always washing in wool detergent

Mine of that age have lost their softness, despite always washing in wool detergent

This is true, mine as well. But, on the plus side. 12+years is fantastic value.

Tight. Just buy tbe right size.

I have the set. Top, long johns and boxers. You dont want 100% merino. And their blend with primaloft is wonderfull. Durable too. Not hot, not cold, just regulates perfectly.

The zip pull on the pair I’m wearing snapped off today, so probably would agree. Also I wish they were just a bit shorter #hotpants

I bought three bundles of Merino base layers over the years.

The round neck, short sleeve ones were all awesome but my last bundle (bought two years ago) had a v neck version with a totally different material. It was far thinner and tightly woven. It doesn’t sit so directly hugging the skin. I swear the seems feel itchier too. It’s lasted (slightly) better, but it doesn’t do that invisible temperature regulation thing that the earlier baselayers do.

The temp range of usage for those of old baselayers is mega.

I will try the Montane t-shirts. I wish they did a light, neutral colour.

The Super Lightweight Jersey is a fave.

Sleeveless PT mesh baselayers get a lot of use too.

Personal 'worth it' faves:

Warm/Hot weather:
Pro Team Climbers & Flyweight Jerseys
Pro Team BaseLayer

Cold weather:
Reflective Brevet Socks (commute essential produced in an infinite array of colours)
Winter & Deep Winter Collar
Classic Winter Jacket
Pro Team Jacket
Pro Team Thermal Bib Shorts & Winter Tights

Misc:
Classic Sunglasses Mk1 - insane clarity & coverage, if a little goofy-looking. Also best driving sunglasses ever.

OG Softshell - thread ends.

Which ones of the swrve shorts did you go for? WWR? I bought the Transverse one as my first pair from and I can see them starting to get quite a bit of wear after two years

I've had two pairs, one regular cotton and one more technical, transverse I think. First ones lasted 5 years of nearly everyday use commuting in all weather and off the bike. Outstanding value. Using the technical ones now, not commuting as much but the fit is ace and look almost unworn (except for some baby food stains)

Cotton/Cordura ones just will not die. I've had mine since 2014. They definitely don't look new any more, but they are probably my favourite general purpose short

Anyone got the current pro team mits? Gloves have usually been a weak point for Rapha but these look better.

I do and they are, but waiting for them to disintegrate, didn't so far: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/151821/?offset=34200#comment15238089

Merino base

I swear the seems feel itchier too

I suspect the same and mine are very much on their last legs

Cheers, might try a pair of the cotton ones

The round neck, short sleeve ones were all awesome but my last bundle (bought two years ago) had a v neck version with a totally different material. It was far thinner and tightly woven. It doesn’t sit so directly hugging the skin. I swear the seems feel itchier too. It’s lasted (slightly) better, but it doesn’t do that invisible temperature regulation thing that the earlier baselayers do.

thought the same of my v-neck's they're horrible!!

on the definitely worth it Rapha for me:

• Crew neck merino base layer, long sleeve + short sleeve, going 5 years strong, long sleeve has developed a hole on the neck seam but 5*

• Rapha classic jersey, going on 6 years and still the first jersey I pick out, bonus for not smelling as bad after wearing, bought the classic II this summer and use both in rotation.

• Classic bibs, again 5 or 6 years old, still good. Have tried pro team but they shrunk(?) and the proteam thermal bibs are a few years old but already starting to deteriorate

I like some other bits but to be honest none of it lasts

although I dont agree with the optics of this (or give a shit) can someone explain Rapha's sycophancy of Pantani?

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