Job losses at Rapha

[Sebo]

Gruffy said:

Loads

I bought this after reading Gruffy's blog and seeing reference to it. Finished it in an evening and thoroughly enjoyed it! Being a fat lad, this is the only thing I've ever bought from Rapha

[askew]

I really like the look of the new jerseys they've launched: the Swiss and Japanese designs in particular. But they're the featherweight versions

[Not Ideal]

Thanks for heads up on those jerseys - most of them sold out in medium but I bought the USA version.

I always get stuck on their pro team sizing - I've got this one in a medium but my winter pro team stuff is all large.

[keith2.2]

I bought the 'Longer Rides' book before going away for CNY - obligatory picture of it on Insta because I had a drink that matched the jacket

Also got a heads up from the HK clubhouse that the limited edition jerseys went live, so bought the Italy one to match the finally-shipped Bianchi...

[anonymous-user]

I wonder if this is Rapha rubbing off on it’s investors other business?

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/walmart-launches-hig...

[WarrenG]

Trying not to be snobby, but this is the same impact for me as Boardman and Pinarello at Halfords. No thanks.
There's no way I can imagine dealing with the chain behind the brand, and not the brand itself.
I bought a bike-shaped object for one of the young-uns once from Halfords and I ticked the collection only and signed the waiver that I would set it up myself and never return for the free service / bike check. There's just no way they are touching any of my bikes.

[anonymous-user]

$5850 (£4500) for a DA disc / carbon wheeled & framed road bike

$3575 (£2750) for the ultegra version

Not bargain basement, but they are pitching it at direct to consumer prices

https://www.viathonbicycles.com/collections/road-p...

[E65Ross]

That isn't bad value. Not quite incredible value though. Canyon are pretty similar value I think?

Having used di2 for about 15 months now, I won't be buying a mechanical groupset ever again.

[louiebaby]

Since we're talking about Rapha, I noticed they seem to be pushing the "cargo bibs" thing at the moment.

I can't see how comfortable it is to have a satsuma bobbing up and down on your leg at 90 rpm. I can see it being OK for a credit card, or maybe a gel whilst you're organising your other pockets, but I don't fancy them at all.

[Not Ideal]

^^ agree on that. Just not for me.

[Gruffy]

I tried a pair of cargo shorts when they'd run out of brevet shorts. I was not interested in using the pockets but as they're effectively the same shorts and the pocket pretty much vanishes when you're not using it I wasn't concerned. Then I used them for an audax and properly fell in love with the pocket. Like you say, perfect for a credit card.

I wore them on the Trans Am and found those pockets really useful. I think rolled up arm screens were the largest thing I stuck in there while riding. Any bigger and I'd be cringing at the aero penalty as much as the discomfort.

[louiebaby]

I was hoping our regular destructive tester would have a good evaluation of them!

[Gruffy]

They feel a little bit rougher than the more luxurious options but I'm still using them for ultras, so they can't be that bad. Those pockets are way more useful than I expected. One of those rare occasions where a company comes up with a genuinely useful new product that you didn't realise you needed.

[louiebaby]

Gruffy said:

They feel a little bit rougher than the more luxurious options but I'm still using them for ultras, so they can't be that bad. Those pockets are way more useful than I expected. One of those rare occasions where a company comes up with a genuinely useful new product that you didn't realise you needed.

The little pocket in the back of my "Classic" bibs is very handy for stuff you will only need to get to when taking a break from riding. Perhaps from a marketing perspective it's for your team radio or something, but it's been quite handy.

I'm not really in the market at moment as I have a couple of nice pairs I don't get enough time to wear properly anyway, but appreciate you taking the time to "review".

[Johnny]

I love my cargo bibs. Get a bit frustrated when trying to stuff st into the non-existent pockets on my regular bibs now

[Not Ideal]

askew said:

I really like the look of the new jerseys they've launched: the Swiss and Japanese designs in particular. But they're the featherweight versions

These are back in stock (only noticed by chance).

I've just bought the France jersey to add to the USA one I snagged earlier this year before they went out of stock.

[Not Ideal]

I notice as well that Rapha have dropped the price for their cycling club to 75gbp. Have requested it as an xmas present on the back of that!

[lauda]

Not Ideal said:

I notice as well that Rapha have dropped the price for their cycling club to 75gbp. Have requested it as an xmas present on the back of that!

Thanks for the heads up on that. I start a new job in London in the new year and will be close enough to the Soho clubhouse to actually make use of the some of the member benefits so may well sign up too.

I know some people think it makes you look like a tosser but I actually like the RCC kit too.

[z4RRSchris]

the benefits are GONE.

so the membership is now pointless.

save your money chaps.

[lauda]

Interesting! What have they ditched?