Have Rapha just jumped the shark?
Discussion
OK first off Im a fan and have been for years
My favourite bit of kit is a faded purple jersey Ive worn hundreds of times over 10 years
Rapha has always been expensive but I love its looks and functionality and links to grass roots racing, Condor JLT and now SKY
If you get lucky in the sale, where most of my stuff comes from, its not as painfully expensive as full list price either
As they have deservedly become successful I did distance myself from the new fan boyz whilst still loving the understated kit I had
Some of the new ranges are a bit "fashion" although each to his/her own and fair play
Today however I was received an email detailing their new branded B&O headphones
£329 and finished off in "African sheep leather"
Hmmmmmmm
Rapha is, quite literally, a marketing mans wet dream. I don't have chiselled features and good facial hair, rarely grimace up a mountain pass (in black and white) and always wear a helmet so I'm not sure their stuff is for me.
I'm interested to know how you distinguish the new fan boys in order to distance yourself from them?
I'm interested to know how you distinguish the new fan boys in order to distance yourself from them?
In my eyes, Rapha are enjoying success because a) they're branding is spot on for their target market b) their designs are pretty understated in comparison to a lot of other cycling gear. So many of the current clothing designs are just 'too flash' with multi-colors and all sorts of busy graphics ... fine for the pro's ... or the FPKW.
Yes its expensive but when its comfortable, looks good and wears well, I can't complain. The headphones are relatively cheap for a B&O product.
Yes its expensive but when its comfortable, looks good and wears well, I can't complain. The headphones are relatively cheap for a B&O product.
JEA1K said:
Granfondo said:
Buy cheap buy twice! 
Thats usually my justification joema said:
And yet you look as ridiculous as you do in cheap lycra.
So what would you suggest ... trackie bottoms or a boiler suit?!Buying Rapha just means you look silly and you've spent more money than the others.
Any notions of looking good are all in your head.
Hasn't Rapha always been about extracting cash from people with large disposable incomes? Building 'heritage' and desirability for well-heeled 'urban' types.
-It is a business after all.
I do more miles than most people and have a selection of gear exclusively from non-Rapha sources and don't feel that I am missing out.
-It is a business after all.
I do more miles than most people and have a selection of gear exclusively from non-Rapha sources and don't feel that I am missing out.
el stovey said:
Nobody looks good in cycling gear. Did you see the 2015 dads in cycling gear calendar? No?
Buying Rapha just means you look silly and you've spent more money than the others.
Any notions of looking good are all in your head.
Just because you look like a badly packed sausage in you're cycling gear!!! Buying Rapha just means you look silly and you've spent more money than the others.
Any notions of looking good are all in your head.
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