Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Thank you, I had the Coppi ones so hopefully these will be as good

Could anyone rate the Gore Tex shakedry and new Gore Tex rain jacket for how breathable and waterproof they are? Also any other thoughts on how they differ? Ta

I only have the shake dry. It’s very waterproof and by far the most breathable jacket I’ve owned (I have the race cape too).
It also packs down very small. The fabric is fragile though.

Thanks. My race cape is not waterproof at all. Perhaps it needs reproofing.

How fragile is the shake dry? I hear that, but have you torn it? If so, how?

The material's just very thin. I'd be afraid of catching it on branches, or wearing through it with bag straps.

You can't wear it with a backpack, the shakedry that is. The gore fabric is not durable.
The rain jacket is a multi-layer construction with a membrane in the middle but a more traditional feeling woven fabric on the outside. It is more durable but may need reproofing in the future to maintain breathability (the membrane will keep it waterproof regardless).
The shakedry is thinner so packs down smaller and is lighter.

As far as I have experienced, the shakedry fabric is the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market. I haven't tried the newer rain jacket.

In contrast, I got knocked off by a (admittedly, slow moving) car whilst wearing mine and fully expected it to see it torn to shreds, and there wasn't a mark on it

I’d say if it’s just for regular on weekend riding road use it’s perfect.
If you ride off road branches and thorns would be a concern.

Can anyone clarify how rapha jkts, specifically the men’s core winter jacket size up? All my cycling tops are xl so I should probably stick with that but noticed xxl is also available….?

All my Rapha jackets are the same size as my jerseys. So no need to size up I'd say

I have the core winter jacket and would echo motoko's comment - same size as my jerseys across a range of brands.

@motoko. @tomatoe. Thanks for the advice, stuck with xl and took the brave step towards turquoise from my usual black for discount purposes….

Noob question but is there a benefit to unpadded winter bibs? I assume you wear them over padded bibs shorts

Correct, means you can wear them multiple days in a row whilst working through and washing your existing padded shorts.

Edit: or for training that gooch to HTFU!

Thanks! If anyone is looking to offload a pair in a M I’d be interested :)

Is this the first time the merino baselayers didn’t make the sale?

No. You did indeed miss long sleeve teal, brick or rose in an abundance of sizes.

always just wait until they appear on ebay for £30 a pop

The old merino winter socks no longer appear to be made. Who makes something similar? @PhilDAS @Chopsicle

The one's which were 4" instead of the regular 6"? Never understood why a winter sock would be shorter than a normal one.

Darn tough seem to be the go to now.

New arrivals this morning

Cheers, just saw the email. No joy 🥲

These La Passione merino socks are fantastic.

The likelihood of the insulated gilets appearing in the sale are slim to none right?