Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I have to say, while Im feeling a bit stung by the drop in pricing the sale/discount codes leave me looking at, the Rapha stuff I acquired over christmas is just lovely. Jeans have been rated A1 by girlfriend, who thinks they're nicer than the normal ones even without all the being-on-the-bikeness.

Give em a call; I bought the softshell a couple years back and 2 weeks later they did a price drop on them. After speaking to rapha I got refunded the difference.

I'm also looking at the cross bibs. The truth is I really just want the classic bibs, but due to a couple of other purchase can't afford it at the moment. Also I like the idea of 3/4 because I think of them getting more use throughout the year.

So questions are:

• If they're thinner would they last until late spring?
  
• Would they be fine with the touring shorts from now until then?
  
• Do they have a chamois and all the features that everyone raves about with the Classic Bibs?
  
  

Cheers.

don't skimp - get classic bibs when you can afford. They are the best bibs I've ever owned.

Buy cheap = buy twice etc...

but by buying cheap and twice you have two sets of bibs! much more useful than one really good pair.

^^ rrp is £160 on the CX bibs, so I'm not really sure it's 'skimping' ;)

If they're essentially the same (which is sounds as if they are) then I think it's on....

...depending on the bidding outcome on a certain item on a well known auction site :S

Just wondering on sizing tho, as I usually wear between 32-34" jeans (I should be 32"). They're streachy so I guess smaller is better than bigger.

When sizing bibs it's your height that's the critical measurement really.

How much proportionally better are the Rapha CX 3/4 bibs than say the DHB 3/4 bibs for circa £43?

15/ 23rds

or maybe 16/ 23rds its hard to say

I deserved that

Would you have the cheek to walk back in to your LBS a week after purchasing something and say "I bought this last week and am perfectly happy with it but notice this week you're selling it for a bit less, can I have the difference back?" Would you fuck, it'd be far too embarrassing.

I've done this with (obviously unworn) clothes lots of times (mostly pre / post christmas time) - why wouldn't you?

The law of diminishing returns definitely comes into play.

I think dhb make fantastic bibs and have had some for a few years - they've been great but the Rapha ones are just.... Nicer.

Performance wise, they are better but I'd hate to have to quantify it.

The law of diminishing returns definitely comes into play.

I think dhb make fantastic bibs and have had some for a few years - they've been great but the Rapha ones are just.... Nicer.

Performance wise, they are better but I'd hate to have to quantify it.

My main reason for buying DHB is that I ride to work in it and it doesn't cost the earth. I could buy Rapha bibs and wear them just at the weekend but I wouldn't get as much use out of them. I already save my rapha jersey for the weekend.

Perhaps I should have clothing for 'best'

Or, just wear your Rapha every day. After all, it's supposed to be used so if you're going to spend the money, at least make it worth it!

I have no problem at all with the DHB bibs though.

http://www.rapha.cc/winter-sample-sale-2012

I know it's a big ask but could anybody pick me up a long sleeve jersey from the sample sale? I'm in the SW, just aint' worth my while traveling up. If anyone thinks they could that'd be marvelous, drop me a PM and we could arrange how the money works. Cheers

Money works as a store of value or medium of exchange and is a progression from the barter system.

If I go and if they have any, I could pick one up for you, but it's bit of a pain to then post it down to you... a £20 fee would work though.

Money works as a store of value or medium of exchange and is a progression from the barter system.

If I go and if they have any, I could pick one up for you, but it's bit of a pain to then post it down to you... a £20 fee would work though.

You're a man with a heart of gold.

You're a man with a heart of gold.

And a tongue of quicksilver, with that prose.......

Sample sale! That's great!

do they normally publicise these in their email newsletter, or only on their blog?

Sharpen up your elbows, and learn how to use them!

Money works as a store of value or medium of exchange and is a progression from the barter system.

If I go and if they have any, I could pick one up for you, but it's bit of a pain to then post it down to you... a £20 fee would work though.

http://www.rapha.cc/winter-sample-sale-2012

So what sort of discounts can you expect at the sample sale and on what? Not been to one before but could get the morning off work if it's worth it. Anyone go to the last one?

I went to the last one, spent just over a tonne and came away with 2 jerseys, a t-shirt, a gentlemans cap, a ps cap and some leather mitts. It is worth it but, well it makes the crazy people sleeping on Oxford Street to be the first one into Selfridges for the boxing day sale look normal.

Basically if you go be prepared to queue for at least a couple of hours, unless that is you want to wait till the Sunday when the queues will have died down if you do this however you run the risk of not much stock being left (it did not happen last time). If you see something there that you want and fits you keep a hold of it or else someone else will have it (it also helps if you can perfect the look that says: "fuck with me and 'I'll tear your head off sonny jim" only joking - maybe). Finally don't expect to get anything that Rapha are particularly well known for like bibs or a soft-shell they won't be there.

Long story short there are bargains to be had, if you can take the pain (preferably with a dodgy 'tash in grainy b&w with captions in helvetica).

Or just use the discount up there^^ and save yourself the hurt.

I fucking succumbed to some retail therapy on the 3/4 cross bibs and long sleeve jersey (to get the free postage, you understand....).

I must be getting close to 'imperial works' spendage! I wan that fuckin black and gold hat!!!