The Rapha hater thread

[Damiano Machiavelli]

I hate the stuff. It is more than lifestyle marketing taken to ludicrous levels. It is a brand that is barely half a decade old pretending that it is steeped in the history of the sport. The entire brand reeks of phoniness.

 

[leftover pie]

well aren't you glad you got that off your chest.

 

[Archibald]

well aren't you glad you got that off your chest.

**** me, if your avatar doesn't give that comment an extra dimension!

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

well aren't you glad you got that off your chest.

I did have to get it off my chest. Every time I see marketing material from Rapha, I roll my eyes and wonder who falls for that kind of con job.

 

[KnockloftyNomad]

While the marketing may have a little too much fromage for the sensitive palate, the simple colours, pump sleeve and security of a zip pocket do tick a few boxes for me when selecting jerseys…

 

[Martin318is]

While the marketing may have a little too much fromage for the sensitive palate, the simple colours, pump sleeve and security of a zip pocket do tick a few boxes for me when selecting jerseys…

So get a GBP15 red jersey from ProBikeKit

Have to agree with others that Rapha is for people with more money than sense.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

You hate the culture they front, I get it. I also own one of their jackets, best I've ridden since the old Castelli stuff from ten years ago.

Don't knock it if you've never tried it is a good rule of thumb to go by. Don't hate the player, hate the game. You know what I mean.

 

[MarkvW]

I hate the stuff. It is more than lifestyle marketing taken to ludicrous levels. It is a brand that is barely half a decade pretending that it is steeped in the history of the sport. The entire brand reeks of phoniness.

Is the product any good?

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

I also rode Colnago for many years, soon to be back on it too and people immediately pigeonholed me into the dentist, lawyer, dr., cpa, bullcraploadof**** typical stereotyping based on brand association. It's a really weak position to take, no different with Rapha or any other high zoot brand. Ya ever think, hmmm maybe they make decent stuff for what they're charging?

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Ya ever think, hmmm maybe they make decent stuff for what they're charging?

If I want to pay Assos prices then I will buy Assos, a brand that actually has the history and tradition that Rapha can only pretend to have. And for the prices, their stuff is made in Europe instead of the cheapest far eastern sweatshop that Rapha can find.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

If I want to pay Assos prices then I will buy Assos, a brand that actually has the history and tradition that Rapha can only pretend to have. And for the prices, their stuff is made in Europe instead of the cheapest far eastern sweatshop that Rapha can find.

I also own Assos, many kits worth. You ever try Rapha gear, or are you just blowing steam off after work, picking targets?

 

[Marcuccio]

One of the guys I ride with loves Rapha - he has 2 or 3 of the jerseys (the French, and Italian ones) and a couple of their knicks, and swears by them.
He also reckons the merino wool base layers are the ducks nuts, and I didn't give it a 2nd thought til he bought me a couple. They are awesome - hard to believe such a thin, lightweight under garment works so well.

As for the knicks - I will wait til my Sugoi and Pearl Izumi ones are worn out, then consider!

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

I'll just say one thing, fashion critics are nothing, wear what suits you, ride and be happy.

 

[KnockloftyNomad]

So get a GBP15 red jersey from ProBikeKit

Have to agree with others that Rapha is for people with more money than sense.

Fair point, but by the same token Sora is perfectly acceptable for 99.86% of all training rides and a Kia Rio is a great automobile for a trip to the local shops. For the product itself Rapha isn’t all that expensive, in fact it’s more like the BMW 3 series of the cycling clothing world.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Well, goodie for the OP. Stupidest thread in a long time.

I buy Rapha and wear it happily. It is the most stupidly comfortable stuff I've worn in 25 years.

I don't feel like a rolling billboard, the bibs and CX knicks are the most comfortable I've ever owned. bar none.

So to the OP, have at it. Couldn't care less. Blow your 15 year old brains out.

It sounds like somone fell prey to the poserwear marketing campaign and is now miffed that someone had the gall to point it out. Do not worry. I am sure that your rides will be at least 50% more epic while wearing Rapha. You can then lounge around the coffee shop while loudly swapping epic stories with the bros.

 

[mulletCobra]

It sounds like somone fell prey to the poserwear marketing campaign and is now miffed that someone had the gall to point it out. Do not worry. I am sure that your rides will be at least 50% more epic while wearing Rapha. You can then lounge around the coffee shop while loudly swapping epic stories with the bros.

Cool story

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Have you ever tried any Rapha gear for the 3rd time? Prolly no. I see, just another fashion critic.

 

[Martin318is]

Fair point, but by the same token Sora is perfectly acceptable for 99.86% of all training rides and a Kia Rio is a great automobile for a trip to the local shops. For the product itself Rapha isn’t all that expensive, in fact it’s more like the BMW 3 series of the cycling clothing world.

To clarify - I have worn both and could not really see the GBP100+ difference in the two. Yes, the Rapha shirt was a bit nicer than the PBK one, but I did not find it any better than the Castelli or Nalini ones I own.

When I was in the UK I found the whole Rapha Tweedy riding a Brompton to work at the trading floor pretty cute to be honest.

The only issue I have with Rapha really - and to make use of your good analogy - is that to me, Rapha is an Audi A4 fighting with BMW 3 series, at Porsche prices...

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

You know what would be funny as hell is if you started typing this thread while wearing painted on jeans, thrift store plad, smoking an American Spirit while adjusting your neon framed sunglasses and twirling your eurostach. Now that would be so 'ironical'.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

The only issue I have with Rapha really - and to make use of your good analogy - is that to me, Rapha is an Audi A4 fighting with BMW 3 series, at Porsche prices...

Have friends in the industry? Retail is for suckers Martin...

 

[Race Radio]

While I do not own any of their clothes I do appreciate the emotional connection to the sport they attempt to promote. Yes, it can be overwrought on occasion however the core message they are trying to get across, that there is nothing better then a long, challenging ride with friends, is a good one.

 

[Martin318is]

Have friends in the industry? Retail is for suckers Martin...

Hey absolutely!

thats ALL I am saying about Rapha really - the price is just that bit too far inflated for what you get compared to other options. If you can get Rapha gear at a good price then by all means go for it!

 

[Martin318is]

You know what would be funny as hell is if you started typing this thread while wearing painted on jeans, thrift store plad, smoking an American Spirit while adjusting your neon framed sunglasses and twirling your eurostach. Now that would be so 'ironical'.

Thats just silly.

Now if you excuse me I am going to put on my new BMC Yellow Jersey and get on my brand new BMC SL01 and go down the end of the road to my local cafe.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Sometimes I can't help myself. The fashion critics give me fits. Who cares really. If you wear cut off jeans and camo t-shirts whilst riding, or a poncho made out of a plastic bag for raingear, who is anybody to judge? WTF. Ride what you got, and don't let the girls tease you into eating disorders because of what you wear. If you think that certain brands are out of your reach, don't waste your time criticizing something you've never tried. First off it's a total waste of time, secondly it makes fools out of otherwise respectable people.

p.s. I'd be writing the same thing if I didn't own a thread of Rapha. Fashion critics just suck, that's all.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Have you ever tried any Rapha gear for the 3rd time? Prolly no. I see, just another fashion critic.

Yes, I do. I also own a metric buttload of Assos. Some of the Assos stuff I still use was bought before Rapha existed, yet Rapha's advertising is filled with fake imagery connecting itself to the sport's history. That is my chief beef with Rapha. I do not like lifestyle marketing. Some companies take it to such extremes that it becomes a joke. Rapha is one of those companies. Every time I see their advertising I want to puke because it is so phony.