Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Need winter jacket. Cant decide.
Pro Team Race Cape, Hardshell, or Pro Team Jacket?

Any advice?

ask Dov?

Need winter jacket. Cant decide.
Pro Team Race Cape, Hardshell, or Pro Team Jacket?

Any advice?

If it's for wearing all winter in all conditions, I'd go for the hardshell.

The Racecape is very basic, has no pockets and is race fit and the PTJ isn't waterproof.

The Softshell would probably be even more versatile than the hardshell as it has more features such as pit zips for ventilation.

Any help?

I would get a hardshell over a softshell. Softshell is hot and really quite heavy when wet.
Great for really crap/cold days, but a bit redundant otherwise - even at low low temperatures it's hard to wear more than a single baselayer underneath. With a hardshell you can probably layer up a bit better.

I would get a hardshell over a softshell. Softshell is hot and really quite heavy when wet.
Great for really crap/cold days, but a bit redundant otherwise - even at low low temperatures it's hard to wear more than a single baselayer underneath. With a hardshell you can probably layer up a bit better.

Hardshell it is then. :)

Hardshell is pretty awesome, decent fit too.

Need winter jacket. Cant decide.
Pro Team Race Cape, Hardshell, or Pro Team Jacket?

Any advice?

I have tried all three, kinda. And own the softshell*
The hardshell is an Xmas gift which I had to "try out" for size. It's awesome, and with the same cut as the softshell, will look fine in the Juicer, as well as on the bike. Guess as long as you're happy to be sealed up and have wet legs, it'll probably be the best bet. I (thanks to being a good boy all year or summint) don't have to choose between them, but suspect in the new year would select the hardshell over the softshell, if pushed. It seems the ideal all round bad weather commuting jacket.

Since recently acquiring, the pro team jacket is a go-to for every ride. though you'd need a waterproof layer to see you through.

The race cape, when wet will be just as useful, but has no use "off bike" in the way the others might.

Sadly, you need them all to cover "winter". hey, climate change is a bitch, right.

*buyer
*sucker
*Whatever
*Non-carer

Well, that's convinced me to buy a hardshell at least...

Different stroke for different folk I guess, I liked the hardshell, but no underarm zip to keep me cool.

Buying Rapha via links on LFGSS now helps to fund LFGSS.

Which is timely considering I've not pushed on the donations front for a long while and it's coming up to Christmas.

So if you put Rapha links up here and buy someone Rapha for Christmas, you'll be topping up the quite empty coffers (they're shockingly empty, but hey).

didn't manage to swing us a 50% discount like you did with nuun though? :(

So, is the consensus that the hardshell is a better buy than the softshell? I want something that's as versatile as possible really. How easy is it to regulate your body temp in each one?

The website suggests the softshell is more versatile, but it seems LFGSS experience says otherwise

Would have thought the s/s would have been more versatile, given it has vents and stuff.

Vents don't really help much IME. I don't have a hardshell though

Really? I use them a lot and they make a big difference to me. That's riding the regular baselayer underneath though, a fair old amount of wind comes in those big vents and through the baselayer like it's not there. Big blast of cool air to the oxter refreshes and cools like a mother.

OK, thanks guys. Another thing I was interested in as a total alternative (I'm thinking Xmas here), is a brevet jersey . Are they a bit heavier than a standard long sleeve? Or exactly the same build / weight? thanks again

The fabric has a breathable, laminate membrane, so it will perform on high-intensity training rides and slower-paced spins.

So essentially exactly like Gore Tex Pacelite but pricey?

Got the Norwegian country hat the other day. Gonna test it out tomorrow I think... 3 degrees seems appropriate

What's the sizing like? I have an 'above average' head size, although not massive!

I have a feckin huge bonce and it fits fine. Fits under my helmet (a large Kask) without any problems too.

It is absolutely boiling though. I took it out that morning (about 3 degrees I think), and after about 20 mins of relatively fast riding I was overheating and had to take it off! Probably one for commuting / posing around town / super cold longer rides.

What's the sizing like? I have an 'above average' head size, although not massive!

I have a feckin huge bonce and it fits fine. Fits under my helmet (a large Kask) without any problems too.

It is absolutely boiling though. I took it out that morning (about 3 degrees I think), and after about 20 mins of relatively fast riding I was overheating and had to take it off! Probably one for commuting / posing around town / super cold longer rides.

Thanks. I was concerned about that, love the look of it but it might just be too warm, might have a rethink and get something lighter.

So, is the consensus that the hardshell is a better buy than the softshell? I want something that's as versatile as possible really. How easy is it to regulate your body temp in each one?

The website suggests the softshell is more versatile, but it seems LFGSS experience says otherwise

IMO yes. It's wind and waterproof, pretty light and conforms nicely to the body. I could only wear the softshell in all but the coldest of temps >5˙. So much so I sold mine a while back.

Speaking of which I have a hardshell unworn if anyone is interested? Pmzpls

So essentially exactly like Gore Tex Pacelite but pricey?

This is why I crossed it off the jacket list. I bet it fits a hundred times better than a hiking jacket for road cycling. But then if the weathers shit enough to wear it. I would'nt be on the road bike.

Quite fancey a bright yellow pro team jacket for the spring though.

My dad wants a long sleeve merino base layer for christmas. normal wool makes his skin itch and to a much lesser extent his On-One merino base layer does too.
So, my questions are;
Are the Rapha base layers very lovely and soft?
Are they worth the £65?
Is there any other brands of equal (or higher) quality cycle specific merino base layers I should be considering?

yes, yes, probably not

ta. thought so.