Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

He gets a pass.

He’s so dreamy. Sighs.

Sportpursuit email. I got that too this am.

Many retailers use it to clear old stock, but don't want people to know. Precursor to being in your local TKMaxx?

And walking around a warm house isn't exactly the best test of a piece of cycling clothing?

So you're saying I should test it by riding it and then invalidating my opportunity to return?

I guess that's why someone with a modicum of intelligence would be able to replicate the right conditions for them personally based on the amount of time spent on the bike and knowing other situations that they think would be comparable.

I'm honestly not joking when I say a bin bag would serve the exact same purpose. Considering it's the same price or more expensive than a jersey, I'd rather buy another jersey, or a gilet, and just keep a kitchen bin sized bin bag in my pocket at all times, much more cost effective. If I'm just going to whip it on as a layer when I'm stopped, it doesn't need to be technical beyond being packable.

That chair is pretty hot too.

As mentioned upthread the PT Lightweight Wind Jacket is what you're after. It packs down pretty small (though not as small as the Brevet Jacket), but with a mesh back you won't have any problem with breathability. It's a great piece of kit and there are still a few knocking about in the Archive section. Much better product IMO.

So the problem is breathability?

Thanks, I'll check it out, it does sound like more what I was looking for.

I didn't intend to labour over it any further but I sometimes feel like anyone who says anything bad about any Rapha product on this thread is treated like some sort of knuckle dragging filthy casual who clearly doesn't understand cycling enough to know why that product is good.

"All the products are perfect, you're just not using the right one," would be a great line for it.

I own a few Rapha items and I've been over the moon with all of them, I'm not anti-Rapha or think everything they make is too expensive, I love the brand to the point I interviewed for a job there, I just think they really missed the mark with this particular product.

Malcolm can explain

How are peoples experiences with Rapha PT bibs for touring type riding? Doing some touring in the summer and planning on only taking 1 or maybe 2 pairs of bibs, was looking at top end DHB ones but with the PT bibs for under £100 that seems like a very good deal.

Also looking at the merino base layer if anyone has any experiences? 100% merino base layer for £30 seems too good to pass up.

I got all excited then because I thought @Brave had given a TED talk.

Much disappointment.

I still maintain that the Rapha merino base layer is the best product they do. Feels great, wicks well and they last forever.

Apologies. It's worth a listen though.

Yeh I think I'm actually more keen on the base layer than the shorts at this point. Seen quite a lot of people saying the PT bibs don't stand the test of time, loose threads, cracked logos etc.

Also looking at Castelli X2 as I already have nano flex bibs and they're the comfiest bibs I own.

The problem with bibs - and most kit - is the litmus test is to ride it as much as you can and you usually can't return it after that.

I'm now looking at the "Classic II Rain Jacket" as my current rain cape is a cheapo castelli bin bag thing I bought years ago, it works, but it's not great. This would be a significant step up, does anyone have any experience with it? Rapha has a lot of stuff in their range and it's sometimes hard to pin down which product is for what. Is this packable into your back pocket if you go out in the wet and the rain stops?

What’s all this then?

*sorry if I missed something

This is a good piece of kit, ideally would be a bit more packable.

Fanboys got hot and bothered about you in bibs.

Some got excited about the prospect of you doing a TED talk in said bibs.
Others pretended to look at the chair.

I took two pairs on the TCR and wore them for a few big long training rides running up to it. Would recommend. Prefer the fit over the Brevet range - the straps on the PT range are a bit more elastic than the Brevet ones, which suits my body length better.

Echo @andyp's statement about the merino baselayers - I have a few in long and shortsleeve variants and they get a lot of use. As long you wash em at a low temperature and avoid mixing them with Velcro bits in the wash, they'll last really well.

Thanks for the comments!

How have the PT bibs lasted in terms of longevity? Stitching? "RAPHA" Logo? Those are the bits that quite a few people have mentioned have let them down, but it does seem a lot of those comments were from a few years back, they might well have improved since then.

In my local charity shop, a brand new (I sniffed the gooch area) pair of bibshorts for the princely sum of.......£3! I searched the other racks more thoroughly, hoping for a jersey or two, or maybe a matching jacket, to no avail....

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The logos have discoloured a touch - wouldn't say they are bright white anymore, more of a cream. No cracking though. Stitching is fine too - worth keeping the repair policy in mind. They'll repair your shorts for free if the stitching does break down.

second this

Error.

The Magic Jacket ™, Malc. Relevant as ever.