Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Yesterday on my commute I saw someone wearing a Rapha cap and those Rapha knickerbockers, and riding - perhaps inevitably - a slightly boutique fixie.

It reminded me of another Rapheur (if that's the correct term) I had seen a few weeks previously who was wearing full kit of Rapha leggings, a Rapha jacket, and Rapha cap.

Both outfits were very striking, and I found that odd given Rapha's brand is intended to be understated and subtle.

Is Rapha still cool? Or is it slowly being Burberrified?

You could have just posted 'saw Mouse twice last week' in the spotted thread? ;-)

Nearly all my cycling kit is Rapha because the alternatives are pretty awful. Agree with most of what DK says - I am disappointed with the quality for the price point - I wouldn't buy tights or shorts from Rapha (other than the fixed ones I have) - but I'm vain enough to prefer it over Assos or most other stuff I've seen in bike shops.

Is it striking? Compared to Fluoro endura kit, or replica team shirts, or club shirts? It's not overly branded - other than the race team stuff, but that's like saying that Grand Prix cars / drivers are overly branded!

I never know why it raises such a debate. In terms of marketing, they do more stuff for actual riders than many other manufacturers. They're generally alright. I feel fairly neutral to them. Certainly don't have the angst that Mr Smith seems to carry with him...;-)

Re girls stuff - totally agree they're missing a trick. But then, so is everyone else.