Rapha clothes

[robpearson]

Evening all,
I'm looking for some new cycle friendly clothes, and quite fancy the rapha trousers. Does anyone have any experience of the quality and fit?

Cheers

[Gretchen]

I was given some Rapha socks on Tuesday. They are my new favourite thing. I love them.

[castex]

Buy with confidence.

[robpearson]

I don't have the frame of mr wiggins, am I going to have issues getting them on over my somewhat hefty thighs? Hopefully I'll be able to try some in the condor shop next week, but it's some distance from work, and I haven't a clue what hours I'll be doing...

[okgo]

What is it you want?

A mate of mine has just started this company - stuff looks top notch if you want the on off bike stuff - http://www.vulpine.cc/

[Johnny]

Not got the trousers but have a jacket, t shirts etc. Sizing is spot on, quality outstanding.

Just superb kit, buy it. You won't be disappointed.

[joegooner]

Yep, same here. I've got a couple of jerseys, shorts, a jacket and socks.

Believe the hype. Especially the jacket, best piece of clothing I own, probably.

Not cheap, but you get what you pay for and free repairs even if you ruin it in a crash is nice.

[Johnny]

joegooner said:

Especially the jacket, best piece of clothing I own, probably.

This.

[Raoul Duke]

It is indeed great stuff, the softshell in particular deserves all its plaudits!

Not a fan of the whole power ranger look that you get with so many other clothing brands myself, so I find that the aesthetics of the Rapha stuff is perfect. Also, whilst it is certainly on the pricey side I am quite happy to pay a premium for the high quality finish.

Okgo, just had a look at that link and your friends site looks to have some decent looking kit for commuting / more relaxed rides!

[okgo]

Yep.

He wanted to make stuff you could wear on and off the bike. Its going well!

[itsnotarace]

Another happy owner here. The cut, design and fit is so well thought out on all of it, a real pleasure to wear. If anyone wants a referral PM me your real name and email address for 10% off your order and free delivery

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Rapha base layers and merino socks are amongst the best bits of kit I own. For jerseys and shorts I think Assos are better, but Rapha kit is lovely stuff.

[Slaav]

I think there is little doubt that Rapha gear is a step above (together with ASSOS)

Brilliant customer service also.

DO try before you buy as with all cycling gear, sizing from one brand to another can be 'interesting'!

Mind you, fat is fat in most gear

[walm]

I want more Rapha kit than I can possibly justify.
I have the large commuting backpack and a merino LS shirt. They are fantastic.
I want a softshell jacket even more than N+1. How is this possible?

[robpearson]

Slaav said:

I think there is little doubt that Rapha gear is a step above (together with ASSOS)

Brilliant customer service also.

DO try before you buy as with all cycling gear, sizing from one brand to another can be 'interesting'!

Mind you, fat is fat in most gear

Which is fine, as long as the brand cater for it. I can't see a fit option on the rapha site, which is why I'm keen to try some on.

[1878]

Give them a call regarding the fitting, they are very helpful.

[Slaav]

1878 said:

Give them a call regarding the fitting, they are very helpful.

Agree with this; Personally I find that I get away with XL in normal clotehs but in some bike brands I need XXL - Rapha is one strangely but I dont want to look like an uncooked sausage

Gore, I find slightly longer.

Sigma SPorts in Kingston stock tons of good gear and certainly some Rapha. I would suggest trying on is good as it aint cheap ....

But fat is still fat - as the Mrs keeps telling me



ps - Weighed myself this morning and somehow I have crept back up to 17st 6lbs

[itsnotarace]

robpearson said:

I can't see a fit option on the rapha site, which is why I'm keen to try some on.

There are sizing guides on each product and they are accurate.

http://www.rapha.cc/rapha-trousers#sizing

[CooperS]

For anyone near Edinburgh i can fully recommend Ronde Cycle Outfitters.

Great shop / cafe with not only essentail kit that you'd buy in most lbs but some real special kit (for which i class Rapha due to the price) a third of the shop is dedicated to the stuff, very nice!

But for me being the size i am its something if i get a stone off i'll treat myself to (a bit like castelli tops) because no way am i buying XL......

[RRS_Staffs]

I used to love Rapha when they were a niche brand but despite the stuff being absolutely bloody lovely its just a bit ubiquitous these days as the uniform of the middle aged cyclist with money

Id also say that this is for good reason, the fabrics and technical side of their products is just superb and clearly designed by people who regularly ride bikes

However as well as looking a clone I also have issues with their fit being a bit patchy
I strongly suspect they use several different suppliers and I send back as much stuff as I keep due to the sizing just not being consistant
Once again their returns policy is bombproof so no hassles here

I also only ever buy when they have a sale on or I get emailed a discount code for not having bought from them for a while

Despite the negativity of the first bit of my post Ive just bought some softshell trousers in the sale which are just as good as Id hoped they would be

Cheers