Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

either I saw a die hard fan or a Rapha-Condor-Sharp team rider yesterday morning: full team kit riding a black Condor, heading towards Avonmouth

Maybe an ex-Rapha-Condor-Sharp team rider

Cool Story

The internet is happy for you.

;-)

I like Rapha and it's nearing payday, so I took a look at their site the other day. Does anyone else think that, compared to a couple of years ago, they just have too much stuff available now, all with tiny differences, yet marketted as being ***so ***essential. I don't *think *I need 5 odd jackets in order to survive a ride comfortably. I was a little overwhelmed and in the end couldn't be bothered.

I like Rapha and it's nearing payday, so I took a look at their site the other day. Does anyone else think that, compared to a couple of years ago, they just have too much stuff available now, all with tiny differences, yet marketted as being ***so ***essential. I don't *think *I need 5 odd jackets in order to survive a ride comfortably. I was a little overwhelmed and in the end couldn't be bothered.

I think they have lost it a bit with some of the colour combos too. none of the country jerseys or tourmalet etc were especially nice imhop-a bit too Next or something. I love the CX jersey for riding in damp/windy weather though and think it's got that snappy, understated look that represents some of the best of their styling.

Oh look at me *coming all over *Gok Wan...

He's into that.

I'm told.

Just got my rapha pro team jacket, and I have to say it is bloody brilliant, was so light and comfy yet I didn't overheat, even on this warm and very lovely afternoon. Well impressed!

But also kept the wind off me and if It was colder I rejoin with a baselayer it would have kept me satisfyingly warm

Been wearing my Rapha city jacket round Rotterdam-looking rather dashing but sweating like Mel Gibson's balls at an AA meeting held in a synagoge.

Nice simile, this is a lot more breathable thinks I, but rather less fashionable, the front is cut very high so the front doesn't bunch up, but it looks awesome in terms of bike wear. My outfit is entirely Rapha now...bit embarrassing.

it is so much easier to wear kit from one manufacturer

That's true. There's also no point in ruining rapha's logo-less look with a jersey crammed with advertisements, and secretly I feel like a don.

it is so much easier to wear kit from one manufacturer

^ buys all food from Harrods?

nothing wrong with Harrods food

if you have ever seen the mismatched sartorial hell that is rowhan at west drinks you would understand

No, I hear your point.

It's sometimes nice to go out on the bike and not look head-to-toe like a wannabe euro racer. And Rapha is very smart and understated.

Precisely, I see folks in Richmond park that are dressed up in full silk (not quite) and going at the speed of snail. Clearly no need. THe only think is I feel a bit black, clothing wise, and don't think id be easy to spot from a car, obviously thats not such a problem in RP but on 'proper' roads, all i have is a reflective seam...

if you have ever seen the mismatched sartorial hell that is rowhan at west drinks you would understand

You are being somewhat unfair DJ, recently Rowhan has only been seen in Castelli clobber when drinking at wests. Whether or not you find his taste in cycling clothes acceptable is subjective, but it does normally match.

Precisely, I see folks in Richmond park that are dressed up in full silk (not quite) and going at the speed of snail. Clearly no need. THe only think is I feel a bit black, clothing wise, and don't think id be easy to spot from a car, obviously thats not such a problem in RP but on 'proper' roads, all i have is a reflective seam...

The easiest solution also happens to be the best one, buy some decent lights and don't rely on reflective clothing to be seen as it isn't as effective.

The easiest solution also happens to be the best one, buy some decent lights and don't rely on reflective clothing to be seen as it isn't as effective.

A thousand pluses to you for this very simple but obvious fact.

Rowhan's always got an erection.

Maybe he needs to adjust his saddle slightly to avoid the perma-horn. It's bad enough in trousers, but in Lycra it could probably get him arrested.

The easiest solution also happens to be the best one, buy some decent lights and don't rely on reflective clothing to be seen as it isn't as effective.

I do of course have both front and back lights, after all, I do not have a death wish. There is no denying however that someone in yellow is more visible than someone in black, but that matters not, I like my black.

Rowhan's always got an erection.

Maybe he needs to adjust his saddle slightly to avoid the perma-horn. It's bad enough in trousers, but in Lycra it could probably get him arrested.

To be honest I have never noticed and as a rule don't look at other bloke's groins. It could always be a case of him being self concious and taking a leaf out of Derek Small's book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9tAQZInm5Q

It's not exactly difficult to miss when you're sat at a table, trying to enjoy a Guinness and he comes shuffling over with his meat and two veg veiled by a thin layer of dupont's finest.

It's almost as bad a cycling behind someone wearing those see through bibs which reveals everything...not a sight to be desired.

Matter of opinion, I've only spotted two people with see through lyrca and I'd describe it as a pleasant sight in both cases... Although that may be more to do with who's arse I look closely at!

^ you have not been cycling behind me then. I think you would clearly see what gets shaved and what does not... and I am a dude is that sweetens / unsweetens the deal

reaches for the mental bleach