Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

not sure how i could hut you with that post. was not a goal at all. mea culpa
But rude?

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as said only material on clothes and small gear not shoes
profit could be 30%-50% of the retail price depending the business model

As @phildas said, those are well under the actual garment cost prices - priced for staff friends and family.

What rapha kit is recommended for winter riding? Have a few rapha vouchers to use.

I'm trying to ride all through this winter, and I only have summer/autumn kit (leg warmers/gloves/longsleeve baselayers).

I think the insulated gilet is one of the best bits of kit still.

https://www.rapha.cc/stories/guide-to-winter-riding-mens

Deep winter socks got recommended to me if you get cold feet.

@GoatandTricycle Brevet or pro team version?

@monkdagola many thanks.

@Squaredisk cheers

Do they still make the deep winter base layer? It’s not cheap (well wasn’t a few years ago) but is great for real cold stuff

Brevet now that the Pro team version doesn’t have pockets.
I actually have both and they are just great bits of kit. I have the insulated jacket and I don’t find it much warmer but it’s not as flexible for other times of year.

I did a 120km yesterday wearing brevet winter tights, merino knee warmers, merino base layer and classic winter jacket (the old one). Also had an additional long sleeve jersey in the bag in case I get cold but didn't use it. Gloves setup was this nonsense. Temperature was around -3C.

I tend to run warm though so to each their own but merino base layer is probably the best thing i've ever bought from Rapha.

Insulated gilet is also a nice piece but I use that for warmer weather - around 10 C or so.

Knee warmers are also good to combine with bib shorts so you have knee coverage but still have this nice short feeling. I use shorts above 10C and knee warmers in combination with shorts below 10c.

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Lovely winter picture!

@youramericanlover

Gloves with additional lobster hands on top but paired with shorts and knee warmers? Incredible commitment to showing off your shaved legs.

Anything merino, plus some Defeet oversocks.

Oh no, lobsters hands never go with shorts.

Just wanted to say that knee warmers combined with shorts make great 3/4 tights.

By the way I thought these lobster hands are probably the worst item from Rapha I've got - it's kind of hard to control things with these on like switching gears and stuff.
Pressing anything on wahoo is impossible.

I've put them on when I started freezing but my hands still wouldn't get warm - I guess when arms get cold, no matter the amount of layers and warmth of the gloves - I had to stop and do some intense arm rotation to get some blood in there. Once they were warm it was nice and comfy though.

Also one time, during a ride, I gave them to a friend of mine who was freezing and when he returned them they were full of liquid sweat, it was like emptying the bucket. Ew!

Anyone wear the women's cargo bibs (or know someone that does)? Wondering if they are comfy, and if going to the loo is less hassle (since you can take any other top off completely without being indecent).

Not really sure why I'm considering them, I don't exactly ride a bike much these days. But finding the shorts I have not ideal (due to middle-aged spread, mostly). And the cargo come in fun colours.

I wore my brevet insulated jacket this morning for the first time. I had two layers of long sleeved wool and it was just the right side of not cold (rather than worm) that being said after 40 miles my water bottle was frozen, so it was very cold.

I have them but I wouldn't say it's less hassle as the top part is quite fitted. If storage AND quick access is important, I really rate my Core Cargo Shorts - cargo pockets, super comfy and I don't miss the bib part for shorter rides. No jazzy colours though.

Ah good to know. I haven't really worn bibs for ages but the lack of waistband is appealing these days!

I just brought the bar bag and explore bag bar at the 50% off price.

I wanted to compare them for functionality, on the first impression, the explorer is a little bigger and is waterproof.

Any experiences of either on here?

One will be going back after assessment.

Any experiences of either on here?

I got the explore bag in a sale a while ago. I like it, as it's easy on/off, spacious, and you can use it as a bum bag too. I use it in the latter mode quite a bit actually.

The zips shit though on the corners and it doesn't hold its shape that well if lightly stuffed.

Cheers, and how was the fixing to the frame?

Was it sturdy or move about and make noise?

I'll be using whichever I keep on my roadie for long days out and about.

I don't find it moves about, just a simple elasticated cord. Didn't hear any noise from what I recall, but I have brake cables it seems to naturally rest against.

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