Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Thanks for the answers.

Main reason I got it is cus I think it looks better compared to the current version, and more importantly it seems pretty versatile. Combined with Classic Jersey and arm warmers, my top half situation should be sorted for most conditions!

I just use water @30* and a small amount of liquid/powder/whatever.

There are no coatings or anything to wreck.

The one thing I was really looking forward to this season...pro team climbers collection. Massive disappoint.

I don't understand how there's still such an inconsistency between what the actual pros wear and what Rapha sell us...the bibs that many of the pros have been wearing for two seasons now are so evidently far more advanced in many ways than the so called Pro Team line.

The fit on the jersey on all examples looks awful as well, you simply can't pay €170 for a jersey that bunches like that on the shoulders, arms and stomach. Pro Team my arse!

/Rant

How are the pro bibs more advanced than the retail ones? Legit question, not being argumentative.

My Pro Team bibs are the second best I've ever owned. Old Rapha CX ones being the first.

Re: jersey sizing... Haven't we been here before? The promo shots are done waaaay before the item goes into production or the cut is finalised and often they just have the one size so the model just has to get on with it.
I have to say that the pro team jerseys are hands down the best cut piece of cyling clothing I own. Not sure I would pay £170 or whatever, but very happy with the £50 I paid on ebay. Probably a better fit on the arms and shoulders than my skin suit.

As for the shorts - what are you looking for exactly that you aren't getting from Rapha? It seems like you're really worked up about nothing. No-one is making you buy this stuff.

Dov makes me buy Rapha.

The bully.

I know, right?

Saw a lot of pro team stuff on riders last sunday and it does look bloody lovely. Still, it ought to for the price - had just made my mind up to get some pro bibs, thinking they cost about £120. Ha. Well that was wishful thinking, wasn't it.

Have you tried speaking to him about it?

Poor lamb.

Team Sky kits are customised by Moa for each rider and they get to choose leg/sleeve lengths etc. which is why it ain't going to look like it does on anyone else. Except Brave.

Folk that spend Rapha Money on kit. Should be buying the brand that fits. Its like buying helmets or shoes. Some brands will fit better.

I love the fit of the pro team stuff. I suspect this is because it isnt as 'pro' cut as they make out.

No honey, it's because you're more pro than you make out.

Have you tried the Aero jersey on? Its way Pro.

I find Assos jerseys get pulled up more by my bulky shoulders. Theres definitely a bit more room/stretch in that area. Castelli stuff simply doesnt fit.

The bibs are different in many ways...straps, fabric, and leg grippers being the main one. Even Assos has moved on from the more antiquated Rapha design now.

You just have to scrutinise the rider kit which comes up on ebay every now and then to see the differences.

I wonder if the team issue stuff is the same design as the RCC bibs. People are claiming that the RCC bibs, which are apparently Pro Team, are based on quite a different pattern.

Interestingly, people are also saying they're not as good as the standard PT bibs. You may not be missing out...

i wonder if the team issue stuff is the same design as the RCC bibs. People are claiming that the RCC bibs, which are apparently Pro Team, are based on quite a different pattern. Interestingly, people are also saying they're not as good as the standard PT bibs. You may not be missing out...

Team Sky kits are customised by Moa for each rider and they get to choose leg/sleeve lengths etc. which is why it ain't going to look like it does on anyone else. Except Brave.

which is why it ain't going to look like it does on anyone else. Except Brave.

Just to clarify for the hard of reading.

Actually, because of the miles and industrial laundering the pro's (and support staff) want simple kit that works. Most team issue bibs use a basic mesh with bound seams for durability and stretch. Yes, gripper hems are low-profile direct attached (as the Rapha hems are), or raw-cut direct silicon print (which brings it's problems of curling hems and fraying over time if you've ever worn Bodypaint shorts). Have you seen a pair to compare the fabric? Anyway, I'm not sure how you could compare it with a photo from ebay.

Which World Tour Team wears Assos bibs....?

Yes, Team Issue and Production is essentially the same - fabric, fit and features - with a few tweaks to make appropriate for the different user. ie. Team Issue doesn't have a story label, any superfluous trim is removed, there's semi-custom (ie leg length) options, and occasionally riders spec a preferred pad they've always used.

They'll still argue with you.

Which World Tour Team wears Assos bibs....?

When given the leeway to choose...

Just realised James Fairbank at Rapha was previously James Fairbank at Carhartt who spent a nice but pricey chunk of their cash buying some vintage pieces off me about 5 years ago.

Does this mean a rapha version is coming soon?