I did Hell of the Ashdown a few weeks back which has a good cross section of committed roadies and ambitious choppers, but the early season date and elevation is enough filter out most of the Altura Ultras. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Rapha still rules the road in the SE. There was scattered Maap layers, a few Hypersexual Lithe PNS types, and some scattered Albion - those were all making inroads yes, but otherwise it was Rapha everywhere. I did see a little Castelli which was nice, made ne nostalgic for 2014. Anyway it was Rapha on the Stayers, O'Reillys, Supersixes, even the SWorks types were generally Rapha (I rode it fixed in Albion natch)
Rapha makes good shit. But is it the best or coolest these days? Nah mate, nah
PNs were hardly ever cool imo, the venn diagram of high income needed, style consciousness and nordic conformity meant it was always end up being showcased by the cream of roadies.
I did Hell of the Ashdown a few weeks back which has a good cross section of committed roadies and ambitious choppers, but the early season date and elevation is enough filter out most of the Altura Ultras. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Rapha still rules the road in the SE. There was scattered Maap layers, a few Hypersexual Lithe PNS types, and some scattered Albion - those were all making inroads yes, but otherwise it was Rapha everywhere. I did see a little Castelli which was nice, made ne nostalgic for 2014. Anyway it was Rapha on the Stayers, O'Reillys, Supersixes, even the SWorks types were generally Rapha (I rode it fixed in Albion natch)
Rapha makes good shit. But is it the best or coolest these days? Nah mate, nah