Have Rapha just jumped the shark?
Discussion
I cycle regularly around Richmond Park and MOST of the guys cycling there look EXTRA hot in lycra. However, many of the ones that use the cycle route along the embankment in Pimlico look hilarious - I believe they are known as "FPKW". Nothing to do with the lycra per se rather than the style in which it's worn if you see what I mean.
Albert Bridge said:
I cycle regularly around Richmond Park and MOST of the guys cycling there look EXTRA hot in lycra. However, many of the ones that use the cycle route along the embankment in Pimlico look hilarious - I believe they are known as "FPKW". Nothing to do with the lycra per se rather than the style in which it's worn if you see what I mean.
Fair enough... Maybe I should edit out the bit about blokes in Lycra being attractive to their own sex? 
I'm female!!
Kermit power said:
Albert Bridge said:
I cycle regularly around Richmond Park and MOST of the guys cycling there look EXTRA hot in lycra. However, many of the ones that use the cycle route along the embankment in Pimlico look hilarious - I believe they are known as "FPKW". Nothing to do with the lycra per se rather than the style in which it's worn if you see what I mean.
Fair enough... Maybe I should edit out the bit about blokes in Lycra being attractive to their own sex? Good luck to Rapha on continuing to tap into the rich vein of relatively wealthy cyclists with plenty of disposable income - there's plenty of money to be made there and selling an image/lifestyle works very well. This has always been the case in any sport/activity that attracts those with a bit of spare cash, cycling is just the latest focus.
Plenty of cheaper decent kit out there.
Plenty of cheaper decent kit out there.
ewenm said:
Good luck to Rapha on continuing to tap into the rich vein of relatively wealthy cyclists with plenty of disposable income - there's plenty of money to be made there and selling an image/lifestyle works very well. This has always been the case in any sport/activity that attracts those with a bit of spare cash, cycling is just the latest focus.
Plenty of cheaper decent kit out there.
"Cheaper decent" but ultimately not as good! Plenty of cheaper decent kit out there.
I think I've shared before that I like Rapha stuff - and have quite a bit. Don't think I've paid full price for anything (either ins ales at the end of season, or with 20% codes).
Anyway, I have noticed that they've been doing far more promotions than they ever have; lots of 30% off sales (not for the classics stuff), which really makes a lot of it attractive.
I have a few clothes of theirs too (in fact just ordered the sweatshirt on sale, arriving this week). It's very good quality; things I've had 2 yrs are still crisp and look new.
Rather comically... this is me... wearing a Rapha hardshell (on the tour de PH a couple of weeks ago. That hardshell was a saviour!!)., If it was black and white, it could be on their website
Edit. Oh, it's very subjective of course, but I like the classic styling they have. They have new designs which I don't like (those data prints I think they call it), but it's all in the eye of the beholder I guess!
Anyway, I have noticed that they've been doing far more promotions than they ever have; lots of 30% off sales (not for the classics stuff), which really makes a lot of it attractive.
I have a few clothes of theirs too (in fact just ordered the sweatshirt on sale, arriving this week). It's very good quality; things I've had 2 yrs are still crisp and look new.
Rather comically... this is me... wearing a Rapha hardshell (on the tour de PH a couple of weeks ago. That hardshell was a saviour!!)., If it was black and white, it could be on their website
Edit. Oh, it's very subjective of course, but I like the classic styling they have. They have new designs which I don't like (those data prints I think they call it), but it's all in the eye of the beholder I guess!
I like the understated styling of some of the 'old' Rapha stuff and have a few bits (racecape is a fantastic bit of kit), but would never buy their over-priced off the bike tat - also don't like the more ostentatious stuff they have been wheeling out recently.
The majority of my kit is Assos which I have found lasts ages and fits extremely well. I only tend to buy plain kit (unless it's club stuff) and aside from a small Assos logo it's all very understated and plain which means you don't look like a moving ad for their kit.
I have found a new favorite though, and it won't be to everyones taste..... My wife bought me x-Bionic bib's and jersey for Christmas and it's like wearing a second skin! When you take it out of the box it is tiny, looks like it wouldn't fit an action man figure but the material is super stretchy compression stuff and once on it is extremely comfy! The manufacturer claims all sorts of scientific stuff about it increasing bloodflow, cooling on hot days, on warming on cold days, yada, yada, yada.....! The claims seem to be true, I have worn it down to 8" without getting cold and needing a gilet, and up to 40" without any sign of overheating.......I highly recommend it (as long as you don't mind looking like you have just stepped out of the film set of Tron)....
The majority of my kit is Assos which I have found lasts ages and fits extremely well. I only tend to buy plain kit (unless it's club stuff) and aside from a small Assos logo it's all very understated and plain which means you don't look like a moving ad for their kit.
I have found a new favorite though, and it won't be to everyones taste..... My wife bought me x-Bionic bib's and jersey for Christmas and it's like wearing a second skin! When you take it out of the box it is tiny, looks like it wouldn't fit an action man figure but the material is super stretchy compression stuff and once on it is extremely comfy! The manufacturer claims all sorts of scientific stuff about it increasing bloodflow, cooling on hot days, on warming on cold days, yada, yada, yada.....! The claims seem to be true, I have worn it down to 8" without getting cold and needing a gilet, and up to 40" without any sign of overheating.......I highly recommend it (as long as you don't mind looking like you have just stepped out of the film set of Tron)....
scherzkeks said:
Granfondo said:
Buy cheap buy twice! 
Hence why I wouldn't bother with a lifestyle brand like Rapha. TonyHetherington said:
I can see which side of the fence you sit, so not sure I'll ever change your mind - but I think (certainly to begin with) they were not. Their USP was high end technical clothing in a classic design. As time's gone on they've done more "lifestyle" stuff, with the off-the-bike clothes. Many of which I wouldn't be seen dead in...but some of which I really like (and own). They still have the core classics stuff which still works great I think. Though they have stretched a little too far, to my mind; I would agree with you there.
They appear to be the same as they ever were. Style over substance and at eye-watering prices. What do they offer that you can't get from Santini or Giordana (both brands with quality and heritage, and which you can by at blow-out prices at season's end), other than the hipster fixe-chic look for the road? I tend to file Rapha away with brands like Ritte. Marketing focused on "heritage" that isn't there, fashion oriented, and for sale at prices that the quality can't justify.scherzkeks said:
They appear to be the same as they ever were. Style over substance and at eye-watering prices. What do they offer that you can't get from Santini or Giordana (both brands with quality and heritage, and which you can by at blow-out prices at season's end), other than the hipster fixe-chic look for the road? I tend to file Rapha away with brands like Ritte. Marketing focused on "heritage" that isn't there, fashion oriented, and for sale at prices that the quality can't justify.
A big part of their sales tactic is service; I think that's a very definite advantage over the other brands (from what I've read). My experience of Rapha service has been absolutely faultless. I've not worn enough different brands to comment well on the quality; only a few, and not those you mention. I found a company that I like, love the quality, and the fit's always great for me so I'm confident when buying; there's a lot to be said for that sometimes, and that's probably why I'm "loyal" to using them for most stuff now. I've probably worn my classic bibs 300 times and they're still great. At £150, that seems a great investment to me. And my bum still feels fine
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