Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Rapha are cunning bastards.

It's pay day today...

Indeed, might be tempted to get some tonight...

Rapha recommend not using the liners as stand alone gloves but then the picture shows a guy riding in just that.

Rapha recommend not using the liners as stand alone gloves but then the picture shows a guy riding in just that.

Yeah, but look how much he's suffering.

Merino glove link also now live: http://www.rapha.cc/merino-gloves

There's that chain link pattern… Definitely want a pair of those.

Yup. On the purchase list.

Designed for mild to cool temps? whats wrong with normal mitts then?

If you're in to the 'Rapha lifestyle' then just owning 'normal mitts' will of course just not be enough...

So. City Rain Jacket or Hardshell? I guess what I'm after is a psychological spur that sits in the corner and says, "You spent money on this" whenever it looks a bit wet outside and I don't really fancy it.

I can layer up as much or as little as necessary with either depending on their respective qualities on temperature regulation (though would also be interested in views on that).

Will the City Jacket be comfortable / do a good job on longer rides? Will it say "roadie douchebag" a bit less if I wear it to the pub?

"roadie douchebag"

– as opposed to "menswear douchebag" ?

A man's gotta have a hobby.

Fair point.

Yeah dont give a fuck what others think/say just wear it.

I am pretty addicted with Rapha. cant afford it but it feels and looks so bloody good just got to have it.

I am pretty addicted with Rapha.

You are DJ; AICMFP

Dumps riding in town City Rain Jacket, if you are heading to the lanes Hardshell.

You are DJ; AICMFP

Come again?

There's that chain link pattern… Definitely want a pair of those.

Dibs

New glove bundle looks good - well please with their winter gloves which I've had for two years

Yeah dont give a fuck what others think/say just wear it.

I am pretty addicted with Rapha. cant afford it but it feels and looks so bloody good just got to have it.

I think I may be too. I've only got two Rapha items, but they're so much nicer than other brands.

Which leads me on to... I'm thinking of getting either the hardshell or the deep winter jersey, but it's hard to see where the differences between the two are? There's not a huge amount of difference in the price at the mo. Is it mainly that the hardshell is more waterproof?

The winter jersey is just sportwool but a thick jersey. slightly water resistant but a heavy downpour and you had it. Its a great outer layer in cold crisp days but I wouldnt wear it in rain.

I dont have the hardshell so cant tell you but I have the softshell gilet and thats a sweet piece of kit. Water resistant and pretty breathable, if its REALLY cold I'll wear a full sleeve BS, the winter jersey and the softshell gilet over it. Nice and toasty.

^^ The Winter Jersey and Hardshell are very different things with little/no overlap in use.*

The jersey is a very warm jersey. The hardshell is a very waterproof outer layer.

• If you're building a wardrobe of cycling kit it's simplest to buy layers you can combine for different conditions and types of rides.
  

Agreed, I tend to steer clear of Hardshell or big jackets as cant really be removed and always far too hot inside them.

Gilets are one of my fav item.

I've narrowed my wish list down.

Pro Team thermal bibshorts.
knee, and arm warmers.
Merino wesh base layer.
Thick short sleeved jersey.

Do Rapha have a short sleeved version of the winter jersey?

Agreed, I tend to steer clear of Hardshell or big jackets as cant really be removed and always far too hot inside them.

Gilets are one of my fav item.

The best a man can get.