Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

^^ i bought the string vest type one in a moment of madness. im an M in the standard base layer but needed an XL pro team

hope you got the matching headband.

Just leaving this here

What're the odds of there being a 'last few days of the sale, further reductions now available' e-mail going around and if good, how long before it's likely?

I seem to recall getting stung a couple of times ordering stuff, only to be followed by a sale, picking up a few more things seeing as it's the sale, only to then have the items reduced even more. Granted you take a risk of stock running out, but that's a risk I think I'm prepared to take.

^Email rapha and they will refund the difference usually......

If anyone fancies a City Riding Jersey (http://www.rapha.cc/long-sleeve-city-riding-jersey-1-2) in navy small, I'm planning on returning mine unless anyone off here wants it for the £90 sale value?

It's sold out on the site, so let me know if you want it before tomorrow.

It is lovely, but a bit short in the arms and body for me (I'm 6'1" and skinny)

Transfer jacket getting a lot of love. Anyone use something similar?

Yes, this.

Honestly down and Primaloft One are totally different if you're planning on getting them damp (sweat, rain, etc).

PROTIP: Don't get down wet.

If its cold enough to need a proper down jacket then its not going to be raining.

Alpkit ones are very good and reasonably priced for proper down: http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16936&category_id=298

http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/073738-38-003

i really want this but dont know if i can justify its in my size and half price..

Sample sale, 25 Jan, Berlin.

winston better disable PMs right now.

If its cold enough to need a proper down jacket then its not going to be raining.

This.

They also work surprisingly well as a cycling jacket and somehow managed to block the wind really well.

They pack into a tiny bag to stow away which is a nice touch for the cyclotouriste in us.

They also work surprisingly well as a cycling jacket.....

If you are a lizard* perhaps - I don't think it would ever be cold enough for me to even contemplate wearing mine on my bike in this country

*yes I know that they are cold blooded and therefore an insulator is going to be of little use to them

Lizards should wait for the PHD sale.

This packs right down?
Hmmm may go try one on.

Yes, this.

^ online only...

If its cold enough to need a proper down jacket then its not going to be raining.

Alpkit ones are very good and reasonably priced for proper down: http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16936&category_id=298

You'd be surprised. Snow (which melts into the jacket), water/snow drips and sweat from inside will also fuck down nice and quickly if you let them.

I'd never put down on over a sweaty layer after exercise. When climbing I usually use a thin Primaloft One layer with a thin down layer over the top of that - the PL1 acts as a barrier to the protect the down and affords warmth, while the down provides more warmth without the bulk of additional PL1. I realise that's not realistic while biking, but still, be careful with down.

Alpkit stuff is indeed very good for the price. Probably much better than the Uniqlo.

I've ordered 3/4" Cross Bib shorts on 10th Jan, but still awaiting for despatch. Does anyone have same problem?

Sample sale, 25 Jan, Berlin.

Is that true?

I'm going to be in Berlin then.

^^ my order was a bit slow and awaiting dispatch for ages.

But it's gone now, so I think just give it time.

One thing I will say is the whole "your account", is really beautifully laid out. Plus its great having hyperlinks straight to RM delivery.

^^^ Feeling lucky. I ordered on the 10th and it arrived Wednesday (the 16th). Softshell trousers are nice and toasty, just in time for this cold.

Ended up with the Rapha Gilet.

Went on a proper spree today (amid dental appointments and screaming agony) and tried on a huge range of race capes, wind jackets, gilets, etc. Rapha was the clear winner to me, including compared to their own Wind Jacket. I think I'll get the most use out of this one and it had the best fit. And it was on 'sale'.

Just received my Rapha Classic Wind Jacket. Very nice as one would expect.

A couple of initial thoughts/comments:

• much lighter and thinner than I thought
  
• no rear pockets (my fault for not reading the description) - quite sparse and featureless overall
  
• fit is close - I got L and was worrying that it was going to be too big, but it's actually pretty snug around my torso (ymmv)
  
• lycra cuffs feel good.
  
  

I'll post further thoughts once I ride in it. Thanks to all who talked me into it.

Is that true?

I'm going to be in Berlin then.

http://www.rapha.cc/sample-sale-in-berlin