Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

^ need to wear a helmet

As a result of e-commerce, it's very difficult to regulate the quantities of product sold/purchased. Years ago, companies were able to limit sales per person to avoid parallel sales occurring.

Nowadays with sample sales and the like happening, people are looking to speculate on a product that can and will sell relatively easily. Rapha didn't create the monster but they do continue to feed it. Who's to say that if someone has the spending capability that they shouldn't capitalize on the apparent need and desire for a product.

Oh, and I'm not someone who strolled in dropped a bag of sand on some base layers in a hope to turn them around in 3 months.

Not this time anyway.

Well +1 to Rapha for finding me another L bomber jacket, even after they sold out. This one fits...

I'm interested to know about rapha alternatives you're talking about, seriously.

www.torm.cc
www.shuttvr.com

torm does only mens stuff

haven't tried shuttvr yet, some of the jerseys look nice but that's it

this is great stuff http://www.untouchedworld.com/collections/performance_cycling.htm
bought two of their jerseys in condor on sale
much better than rapha, but discontinued now in condor (still few bits left on the sale rail)

loads of brands doing only mens clothes unfortunately

Become a man - it makes sense - especially with the range of clothing available

www.torm.cc
www.shuttvr.com

Shutt are very good but they don't have the same range as Rapha and they definitely don't use the same materials especially in comparable items such as the softshell.

Ada,

What makes untouched world much better than Rapha? Serious question. The prices are broadly comparable, so just wondering what you feel distinguishes the two.

As there were no XL bibs in the sale I have gone the opposite of Rapha and bought bibs from Prendas.

German National Champion 2011 Team Bib Shorts in the post. I'm mentally preparing to be scorned by the Rapharatti.

Santini Arm/Knee Warmers, Summer and all the Roubaix bibs, Gloves and Summer Socks are all ace IME. The Winter socks are crap.

Weird race team stuff is fun, sort of, but a bit like wearing a comedy tie in the office.

I really like the plain Santini 365 stuff

a bit like wearing a comedy tie in the office.

plain ties all the way for me.

I'm comparing jerseys only. Paid 75£ for each of UW's in condor, one short, one long sleeve.
UW seems to be much better quality than rapha and it's really nicely finished.
I have 2 rapha classic and 2 long sleeve jerseys and on each one of them i'm getting some threads pulled here and there. Long sleeve feels like cheap polyester karrimor jersey. They look great but are just not worth the money (Maybe it was some secondary stock as they come from sample sales, i don't know)

Choosing between those two i'd go for UW again.

I was told that condor won't be getting any more in stock as they are not selling very well so if anyone wants to get them it's the last chance.

Santini Arm/Knee Warmers, Summer and all the Roubaix bibs, Gloves and Summer Socks are all ace IME. The Winter socks are crap.

Weird race team stuff is fun, sort of, but a bit like wearing a comedy tie in the office.

So cheap. Got some plain black Santini bibs and the german ones for £80. That will do me for training and racing for a while.

The 'Slice' bibs are brilliant, as are the unpadded winter tights (wear them over summer bibs).

Anybody picked a spare essentials case (and is happy to part with) at the sample sale?

I found myself wishing for a Rapha Merino hat this morning.

And I the merino buff.

Does this look like it won't be very secure?

Depends where you ride.

and i the leg warmers

Does this look like it won't be very secure?

looks like any tool roll you could have from diy shop for a fiver

no, i wouldn't trust that strap

Depends where you ride.

On the saddle.
On the road.

Are you planning to buy it or already have one?
It looks like one of the worse saddle bags ever designed.

looks like any tool roll you could have from diy shop for a fiver

no, i wouldn't trust that strap

Me neither.

I'd probably change it for a velcro strap before losing everything down a pothole.

Velcro Strap.

That's really funny, having your tool roll , tub & a cape strapped to your saddle with a toe strap or two was how all the old club men carried their kit before seat packs were invented. They would not be seen dead with a saddle bag !
How much are Rapha charging for this?

£40...

I don't have it, no. I'd like a small tool roll though and like the idea of it going length ways.
I'd like it not to flap around and I'd also like not to loose everything down a pot hole.

Anyone got suggestions for one that's good for 'everything' on a day out riding?