Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

By which I mean I am not used to seeing folk older or fatter than myself.

^ I am surprised to hear that. I spend a fair bit of time in the north of sweden and I am always impressed by the number of older people I see on bikes compared to the UK.

Cycle use as transport is rare I guess. You need to be pretty fit, and tolerate terrible wind and rain.

Speak for yourself, Smallfurry. :)

Manchester to London.

I was ready to sign up, but not for £150 + £750 of sponsorship!

Lot of money for a cap and "220 miles of hard British riding".

I'll do it if it's fixed gear only. Now that'd be one sore arse.

Cycle use as transport is rare I guess. You need to be pretty fit, and tolerate terrible wind and rain.

I'm currently near the Dutch border, in Germany. Such a contrast. I am frankly not used to seeing anyone older or overweight riding å bike.

Having said that. Norway is probably a decent market for Rapha. Sports cycling is big and wallets heavy up here.

Looks like list is only covering EU member states - of which norway is not one. Ipso fatso, Norway is not included in the list.

I would assume cycle sales should be around the same levels as sweden - assuming also mtb is a larger % of market but cycling as a sport is relatively big (see TDF coverage in norway...)

Kind of, but it's because the sleeve colour hoops on cycling jerseys are always in a specific order and a specific way up, rather than just being a replica of the flag (e.g. British national champ stripes are traditionally three hoops in red-white-blue from top to bottom, rather than a replica of the union flag design).

Brad seems to have forgotten to tell Fred Perry which way up his stripes go.

Looks like list is only covering EU member states - of which norway is not one. Ipso fatso, Norway is not included in the list.

I would assume cycle sales should be around the same levels as sweden - assuming also mtb is a larger % of market but cycling as a sport is relatively big (see TDF coverage in norway...)

Didn't notice that.

Yeah. Next TdF look out for the Norwegian flags. They are everywhere.

Most bikes sold would be Xc style bikes I guess. Road biking seems to be growing as in the UK.

norwegian corner on the champs ellyse is HUGE.

What is the sizing like for the Gabba?

Typical Castelli sizing - slightly smaller than Waffa but basically equivalent.

What is the sizing like for the Gabba?

Gabba Gabba Doo!

What is the sizing like for the Gabba?

Comes up larger than most other Castelli tops.

Seems ridiculous that they have put prices up on existing products. Why would the pro team bibs be worth £20 more than they were two days ago?

This. And they've gradually taken the bundle options away from various products. Making their boxer shorts and base layers just that little bit harder to justify.

It's 2014.

This. And they've gradually taken the bundle options away from various products. Making their boxer shorts and base layers just that little bit harder to justify.

Base layers still have the 20% discount for 3. Boxers don't, sadly.

Has anyone washed a hardshell jacket successfully, and if so what process did you follow?

Dammit just use nikwax tech wash, which keeps the waterproofing layer, make sure the detergent and softener compartments in your washing machine are clean.

When I wash mine that's what I'll use, but haven't used enough for it to need it currently..

It's 2014.

Brave new world?

This. And they've gradually taken the bundle options away from various products. Making their boxer shorts and base layers just that little bit harder to justify.

Actually, the website is misleading. It says that you get 20% off baselayers if you buy 3, but if you add three of any to your basket, it automatically applies a discount so that the total comes to the latest bundle price, £140. That's regardless of whether you have sleeveless, sort or long sleeves.

Comes up larger than most other Castelli tops.

M ordered. Heres hoping it fits!

I've the fawesome gilet in M and it is tight but fits, for the Gabba I had to go large because, unlike the pre-pubescent physiqued Italian climbers they obviously design for, I have shoulders and epic guns. Fits ok but a bit long in the back and not as snug around the stomach as I'd like, whereas my arms and chest are comparatively shrinkwrapped... Still my favourite bad weather option. If you're slim built then M should be ok as long as you don't wear many layers underneath.

Hmm - that's somewhat at odds with my experience.
Chest is about right in a S for me, but shoulders and arms are a little baggy (I absolutely have no guns, but my Assos 851 jacket in S was much closer fitting around the arms/shoulders and the same with other Castelli tops/jackets I have tried on)

Stay tuned women...

^ Eddy Merckx on the off-season?