Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I never ever bother with bio detergent. If work in a sewer and your clothes get properly filthy then fine, but non-bio is fine for a bit of mud or B.O.

SP, without wanting to start a separate Good Housekeeping thread, bio and non-bio do exactly the same thing, just in different ways.

Bio relies on the enzyme action at lower temperatures. The 'bio' name refers to the biological action, but is also manglerized into the eco-marketing because you only need to wash at an energy-saving 30º. Any higher than 40º and the bio element is denatured and won't actually work.

A non-bio you can whack the temp right up to get rid of tough stains (boil it up for a lycra soup if you must) and it will keep working. It's just not seen as the done thing in the all-caring 21st Century. Or something.

Needless to say, don't boil your merino. The holes will be the least of your worries. I stick my black baselayers in a mixed load at 40º standard, non-bio, no softeners, wool wash, sprinkles or flake, and I've never had a problem (apart from the time I learned the expensive way about Bio washing powder).

Lesson over.

First ride with the Rapha classic bibs, happy to say they are super comfortable, squishy but not too squishy if that makes sence, I could only be happier if I'd got them for less!

There are sensitive skin issues with bio washing products, too.

Holes from abrasions or moth attack?

My experience is the opposite, the baselayers last for much longer than I'd expect and I usually get 24 months service out of them.

this - current crop have lasted 2 yrs already.. still going strong

Looking at the La Doyenne Classique cap. What size does it go up to? It says one size fits all, but I've got a big head - being 6 ft 2.

Anyone?

If it says one size fits all..

Exactly, and it's £8-you can't loose

Also worth remembering one of the benefits of merino is that you don't have to wash it that often so less chance of wash related damage.

I just thought it was a 1 size fits all. Excluding huge heads, which a lot of 1 size fits all hats are like.

You can buy safe in the knowledge that you can return it if Rapha have been fibbing to you.

That's true, if it says one size fits all and it doesn't fit you then you have been misled and the product mis sold

Anyone tried the seat pack?

Looks really nice but can imagine it slipping out.

Prancing Jim has an informed opinion to offer on that.

He has accused it of trying to kill him.

only a few times though, which puts well below some forumengers in terms of perceived danger to self.

He seems (more than previously) obsessed with faecal matter now- is this a result of the Rapha seat pack trying to kill him?

I can't offer an opinion on that, but I imagine it is unrelated.

Dammit repped for making me chuckle.

I though James might have a view, seems to have most things Rapha. This doesn't sound very reassuring and I shall not look any further

the saddle bag is not safe, it ejects its contents unless another strap is put on.

given this led to an inner tube getting stuck in between my rear wheel and brake on one occasion it needs a bit more work. it has also spat its contents out a few more times

I use a freezer bag to stick my spare tub in, then shove it in my jersey pocket.

Looks rubbish, but works. So far, times it has tried to kill me=zero.

pfft, tub strapped to saddle is the way to do things.

I use a freezer bag to stick my spare tub in, then shove it in my jersey pocket.

Looks rubbish, but works. So far, times it has tried to kill me=zero.

Why freezer bag out of interest? I normally just put it in my jersey pocket.

Never had a problem with the saddle roll bag for the 6 months i've owned it. I had heard its reputation for spitting stuff out so have been careful from the outset when rolling it and try to roll it super tight. There is a guide on someone's blog somewhere.... will see if i can find it.

EDIT: http://biketart.cc/2011/10/30/how-to-the-rapha-seat-pack/

Ah there is a loop to stop it simply sliding out, which was my main concern