Rapha - stop me!

[TheFungle]

I'm getting the urge to buy some rather dapper Rapha gear, is it all that or genuinely up there with the likes of Assos?

The website certainly gives a good impression of conveying the 'joy of cycling' which is one reason I feel myself reaching for the credit card?

Would I cut a dash in rural Lincs or should I leave it to my Richmond dwelling BiL?

[RRS_Staffs]

Many threads passim

FWIW I used to love it but have cooled now that its everywhere

Lovely stuff though

[okgo]

Its as good as you can buy apparently.

bit pricey imo, would rather have a better bike, but go wild.

[robpearson]

I'm guilty of having visited the condor shop this week to grope some Rapha gear. I came away with a pair of jeans, and the intention of buying more through the website. Must say their messenger bags were less classy than I expected though.

[itsnotarace]

Do it!

You won't regret it... unless you buy your items shortly before they have their bi-annual sales. Look on google for discount codes, they normally publish them in a thread on London Fixed Gear forums so keep an eye out

http://www.lfgss.com/thread25983-166.html

I have two short sleeve jerseys, 2 long sleeve jerseys, 1 pair 3/4 bibs and 1 pair classic bibs, arm warmers and a classic softshell jacket. None of which I paid RRP on - they were all either bought in the sales, as birthday/christmas presents or with discount codes. I saved 25% off the jacket by buying at the right time and combining two codes.

[Johnny]

As above, you can't go wrong

I too have the Classic Softshell jacket, also Pro Team Mitts, Winter hat, merino socks, T-shirt etc.

I've also bought most, if not all, when discounted. Sign up for emails and get offers through. 20% off the jacket last time. Made even better by the fact that they seem to think I live in Jersey and keep knocking all the tax off too

[HundredthIdiot]

Typically worn by fat old Freds. I own a few bits myself. :-)

I use my softshell off the bike but not on it, as I don't want to get it sweaty and I have better bike-specific stuff.

The socks are great (merino and the pro ones). Particularly the merino ones, although they don't stay white.

I had one SS jersey but sold it. It looked much better on the website than on me.

I have a gilet but it doesn't get much use, the stripe down the back got boring quickly.

Haven't tried the shorts though I've heard they're good.

The main problem is price. For the same amount I can get loads of interesting stuff from Prendas.

[TheFungle]

HundredthIdiot said:

The main problem is price. For the same amount I can get loads of interesting stuff from Prendas.

<Googles Prendas>

[1878]

Rapha is good but expensive. As others have said, keep an eye out for discounts and sales so get yourself on the mailing list.

Prendas quality is superb especially if you like the retro team kit. Very helpful and friendly people to deal with.

[SkinnyBoy]

Check out Vulpine.cc they have some beautiful clothing. When I get my tax return in August I am going to have a splurge on their site. I like rapha stuff but it's everywhere these days and the hipster element have cottoned on to it over here in Melbourne. Bloody single speed bastids!

[TheFungle]

My wife very generously bought me a 'country top' and I'm delighted with it

It's certainly a bit of a treat to wear in place of my usual synthetic tops, not convinced on the VFM but hey, it looks great!

[DrMekon]

If I didn't shop at prendas, it would be Jahvahaah Internationale for me.

http://internationale.teamjva.com/

[Jim Mitch]

Check out Torm as well. Same material as Rapha (sportwool) and v good build quality (IME) but half the price. Limited range though. IIRC, Rapha got a bit fed up with them recently about how similar the look and feel were to their products.

http://torm.cc/index.html

[itsnotarace]

DrMekon said:

If I didn't shop at prendas, it would be Jahvahaah Internationale for me.

http://internationale.teamjva.com/

Brilliant

[Get Karter]

itsnotarace said:

DrMekon said:

If I didn't shop at prendas, it would be Jahvahaah Internationale for me.

http://internationale.teamjva.com/

Brilliant

Yes, a well observed parody.