Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

What kind of mong would choose to wear the Sky logo?

Boy oh boy, will you be in for a surprise this year

I'm trying to work out if the Sky kit will be available in a lot of other stores or will be almost exclusive to Rapha like their current offerings.

Surely they'd want it available in as many shops as possible?

What is the Pricing like?

Look at that little fella in the background. Bless him

Khaki shorts
Flip flops.
Old age accepted.

Ha.

Oh god I've become a total Rapha whore of late. All facilitated by a certain friendly forumenger’s generosity with his sample sale finds and occasional mild manipulation of discount. It's actually got a bit ridiculous. Here's some reviews having lived with the stuff for a while:

I have a Softshell which I like very much for cold but dry winter rides. Breathable, very fitted (I have a 38" chest and can just about get away with an L. XL might actually be a better fit to be honest . Although the arms are bizarrely long). It’s got loads of pockets and ventilation including big pit zips for when it warms up a bit. I even wear it for short winter runs it's so comfortable and breathable. Being spenny and a very light grey it's a no-no for the commute. Oh, don't buy if you want waterproof. It's not. A short shower maybe, one hefty downpour and you're soaked.

For the commute and general pottering I have a City Rain Jacket. I notice these become near ubiquitous amongst a certain strata of Brompton riders. I love it. Super lightweight, super waterproof, (first time I wore it in the rain was amazed at the “duck’s back effect” of water beading off it) and I think it looks great. L is a perfect fit. Have barely been without it on or off the bike since getting it back in September-ish? One item I would definitely buy again at full price. It’s rad. Just don't wear it with the bright pink bumflap out.

Got lots of other bits like bib shorts (great) jerseys (am particularly fond of the super lightweight Columbian Escarabajo one for summer) and a winter collar (is what it is). Just got the winter cap and winter gloves for Christmas too. This was the point it which I was actually specifically requesting no more Rapha from the wife as it’s getting borderline ridiculous. The gloves and cap are great too though. My only tiny gripe with the cap I that I wish that branding was more subtle. I could do without that big logo on the peak, but that my have more to do with my “embarrassment of Rapha” issues than the cap itself. I’m actually looking forward to it getting properly cold though so I can rock my new bits. It’s far too warm at the moment.

Here endeth the review. In summary: Mostly really nice. Kinda pricey.

and the shorts

Tim "Aussie Dexter" Kerrison.

• not literally true, I would wear anything for the right price.
  
  

Penny drops...

I have a Softshell which I like very much for cold but dry winter rides. Breathable, very fitted (I have a 38" chest and can just about get away with an L. XL might actually be a better fit to be honest . Although the arms are bizarrely long).

Here endeth the review. In summary: Mostly really nice. Kinda pricey.

I've got a 40" chest and fit the medium "top"* and large for bibs and so on.

Odd.

*Jerseys/rain jacket/PTJ

• not literally true, I would wear anything for the right price.
  
  

i got a red polka dot bikini.

I'm willing to pledge £5 to see this happen for 1 hr at a chosen drinks...

The steps for the new Sky kit change

i got a red polka dot bikini.

I'm willing to pledge £5 to see this happen for 1 hr at a chosen drinks...

I'll throw a fiver in for this.

Spotter to take pictures.

I've got a 40" chest and fit the medium "top"* and large for bibs and so on.

Odd.

*Jerseys/rain jacket/PTJ

Oh, I should have said, I have a 42" waist. #fatlampreguy

Looks like there will be "pro team" "replica" "supporter" "accessories" "women" and "kids" categories for the new Sky stuff:

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-kids

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-womens

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-accessories

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-supporter

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-replica

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/team-sky-pro

I assume if you are in the imperial works programme wyou can already buy the stuff.

More kit pics

That Polo shirt pic (who the fuck is that anyway) looks shopped.. Badly.. Look at the chest/neck..
Give the guy a break - he had a full head and neck transplant last year.

they were planning on announcing lance was joining the team but unfortunately some bad news came up after they'd already done the photoshoot.

I have a Softshell which I like very much for cold but dry winter rides. Breathable, very fitted (I have a 38" chest and can just about get away with an L. XL might actually be a better fit to be honest .

Odd. Do you like your clothes particularly loose fitting? I have a 38-40" chest and my biggest complaint about my L softshell is that it's not a bit tighter fitted around the chest (and waist, though no so much as the chest). I was thinking that an M might actually be better for me if I didn't need the length (6'6").

I'm trying to work out if the Sky kit will be available in a lot of other stores or will be almost exclusive to Rapha like their current offerings.

Surely they'd want it available in as many shops as possible?

I should bloody well think so. Sales of team gear is massive on the continent and in the US. Pending on Team Sky success, sales of team gear is likely to be Rapha's greatest asset.

Wasn't there news a few month ago about Rapha selling through Evans? Maybe they'll show up there.

Odd. Do you like your clothes particularly loose fitting? I have a 38-40" chest and my biggest complaint about my L softshell is that it's not a bit tighter fitted around the chest (and waist, though no so much as the chest). I was thinking that an M might actually be better for me if I didn't need the length (6'6").

Hmm, well it was a return via the sample sale. maybe it's labelled wrong. It's not super tight, just... fitted.

Look at that little fella in the background. Bless him

Is it CAV?

More kit pics

Froomedog has let himself go a bit

How does one get rid of that sinks? all I used is normal washing powder.

soak it in water with baking soda in it for a few hours.

but I'm just basin this on what I read online, haven't tried it myself.

HB - Your punning has gone unrewarded. For shame. I laughed like a drain.

^

Edit: oh, so quoting quotes doesn't really work. Anyway, Landslide commented on the pun, and I certainly laughed :)

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