Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Neither am I :/

But specifically I am not sure what you are not sure that I am serious about.

Breaking: Rapha 2016 kit leaked!

Middle one definitely looks like the old ANC-Halfrauds jersey but I don't get the motif - looks a bit like a joker? Dunno.

"The ANC-inspired jersey is littered with joker and playing card symbols, highlighting the British team's wildcard entry to the Tour de France in 1987."

FTFY:

"McLoughlin was plagued by constant injuries, Shane Sutton is now at Team Sky so that would be too awkward and self-referential even for us and Graham Jones peaked too soon so we just stuck some playing card symbols on that one. Bunch of jokers."

I should learn to read posts properly, sorry, I'm multitasking :)

Seriously though Rapha ripping off Halfords

After hypothermal experience last night; softshell base layer purchased to wear under club kit .. in other news the data stuff does looks nice

You just needed a longsleeve/winterweight club jersey to go over the top.

#protip #clubculture

Actually let us know how you get on with the dwr baselayer please. I think I could use one.

I run moderate hot and arms aren't much of an issue; dont even care about staying dry just need to keep body temp controlled above shivering levels .. I hate long sleeve jerseys; i'd rather just wear a jacket if its that cold if not nanoflex arm warmers

For starters the fit is great but could be marmite if you are a fatty

@fox I think the Hinault and Factory Pilots references are lost on a lot of people here...

I borrowed a similar zebra Allez this winter actually.

#CSB

I meant for the pit girl to pass to you after the race.

There's nothing more pro than logos over logos.

I think a softshell base, and thermal PT bibs. Could be a great combo for variable condition races (all of mine). I hate racing in longsleeves, or fecking around With jackets. Thick baselayer and HTFU is the way to go.

DWR on a baselayer makes no sense though.

DWR works by altering the surface tension so that the water beads on the surface rather than absorbing into the fabric. If you wear something over the top of it then this process isn't going to work as the outer layer will prevent the beading properly...

Softshell base?

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?

You're not wrong.

But...

The Gabba is so good at keeping wind/mizzle off and temperature regulation, even with a summer-weight jersey over the top.

Magnets?

I like the idea of the softshell baselayer. If you race (which I do) there's nothing on the market for this. I hate wearing rain jackets and having to fuck about pulling them on and off, not to mention jobs worth commissaire's bitching about your race number not being visible (DQ you etc. etc. blah, blah) so a water proof and wind proof base I can wear under a team jersey for shitty weather races is a great innovation in my book.

Exactly this. Last night due to poor planning I raced in Brevet jersey/gilet combo and a light PT base layer .. much lols and shivers were had after the race.

The idea is great - I am totally with you on that.

It's the implementation and the marketing as this as a waterproof/resistant layer which gets me - as the DWR can't function with another layer on top of it.

Recognising most racers need their team kit clearly visible, this softshell layer with a water-repellent (DWR) treatment can be worn under any jersey for fast rides in wet and changeable conditions.

http://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/pro-team-softshell-base-layer/product/SHB01

Looks like a rash vest

yeah - again, that is rather misleading imo - as it implies that the DWR will keep you dry even when you have a layer over the top - it won't as the top layer will prevent it from working. That's not to say you won't be warm - but you won't be dry.

Fuck all that.. Lets get back to Pete Kennaugh.. What a fucking wet dream he is..

In this picture I imagine he's Skyping me.. "what you wearing Pete?", I say

"Pro Team Shorts, Data Print Base.. Wanna undress me", he replies..

Staying dry is overrated

"Fancy a dab of homemade Chamois cream?", I enquire