The Rapha hater thread

[Wallace]

I have a Rapha wool winter hat--I wear it under my helmet in cold weather, keeps the ears nice and warm. I live in Seattle and commute all year. I've had it for four years of heavy use and it's as good as new. I also have a Rapha jacket that's held up just as well. Yes, the sales pitch is deeply annoying, and also, as another poster said, when I'm looking for cycling clothing of the best quality, Assos is where my money goes. Still--Rapha stuff is very, very well made and holds up. If you buy any of their outer wear, you'll have it for years. Long after your Castelli, Pearlizumi and Capo garments have dissolved into little piles of stretched out, worn-through lycra.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

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.

It's actually not phony, I've been in contact with Rapha since the get go, most everybody there is in it because they're passionate about what they're doing. People have actually been FIRED from there because they were trying to make it too 'exclusive'. But you never tried their product which is a shame because it's some of the best. They have the right to charge a premium, because that's exactly what they offer. Do you also give bad reviews to books and restaurants before you read or eat?

 

[KnockloftyNomad]

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.

I agree some of their product is rather optimistically priced and well beyond what I’m prepared to pay, but other items are pretty reasonable. I, like you, have Castelli and Nalini but have found the extra (a lot less than 100GBP btw) well worth it. That could be simply due to things like body shape (ie fit) and the rides I do where I am. Who knows? Although I’m fairly certain neither of us will lose saddle time over the matter

 

[kuoirad]

or a poncho made out of a plastic bag for raingear

Hey! If I hadn't had that trashbag poncho and my coach's old wool legwarmers, I wouldn't have made it 10 miles into AMBBR this past year!

For me, the most "hoity toity" brand I can buy cycling stuff that fits me is Mt. Borah - their Plus stuff...

 

[KnockloftyNomad]

I do not like lifestyle marketing.

Why single one company out for lifestyle marketing though? You could have easily chosen McDoggles and their sales pitch to get you to drop in on them and purchase a thing they call coffee, a piece of toast and an apple. The cycling world is filled with lifestyle marketing, Rapha is no better or worse than anyone else.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

It's actually not phony, I've been in contact with Rapha since the get go, most everybody there is in it because they're passionate about what they're doing.

Passionate about selling their image to the mugs. If I was selling a two dollar pair of gloves for $135, I would be passionate about it too.

People have actually been FIRED from there because they were trying to make it too 'exclusive'.

That is why their products cost a hundred times what it cost to make them in China, to make sure that the riff raff will not be kept out of the exclusive club. Their advertsiing is also filled with fred-like schmoes wearing helmets while they are out for their once a week ride. Oops, I guess not. The Rapha tribe is too cool to wear helmets.

But you never tried their product which is a shame because it's some of the best. They have the right to charge a premium, because that's exactly what they offer. Do you also give bad reviews to books and restaurants before you read or eat?

I do own some Rapha stuff. I did not buy any of it because there are much better options for my money. They were gifts, a couple of jerseys, a pair of gloves, and a really stupid essentials case. The case has an embarrassing motto that makes me think of d-bags with M-Dot tattoo on their legs, so I tend to use a ziplock freezer bag instead. Maybe one day I will be totally bonked fifty miles from home with no water, the sun pounding down like a sledgehammer, a three thousand foot climb to grind over, and I will curse not bringing my essentials case to give me extra courage.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

We've gone over Rapha already, and extensively well before you got here. Nothing's changed, ignorance is bliss for the "haters" I guess. You don't know anything about the company, it's all too clear to see.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Keep in mind you're surrounded by stuff made in China. Take away China, or SE Asia, what would your home look like?

 

[LugHugger]

I wonder what bike Damiano rides? Is there a chance that it was made in China and sold at an astronomical mark up? Just like Rapha. To pay for sponsorship and huge marketing campaigns. Yes, Rapha marketing can be precious but the product is markedly more luxurious to say my Champion Systems team kit (which does a fine job, by the way).

 

[kiwirider]

Question for the OP:

I've got two pairs of Assos bib shorts - both exactly the same model and same size. I used to think that the chamois was the most comfortable around - until I bought a pair of Louis Garneau bibs last year (the ones with the compression panels in them - brilliant and without a doubt the nicest shorts I've ever owned). Anyhow, back to the Assos ... despite being supposedly identical, the legs on one pair are about 5cm shorter than on the other. The ones with the short legs ride up so that it looks like I'm wearing the shorts that my partner uses when she takes kettlebell classes! Not a good look - especially not given the price that I paid for the shorts. As a result, I can only use them when I'm wearing leg warmers or tights over the top.

I've also found before that Assos socks don't last long before I put holes in the toes of them ... and the only time I've had a pair of Assos gloves the velcro gave out after a short period of time.

Given all of these experiences - which are 100% honest - do you think that I should start a "The Assos haters thread" or should I just stop buying Assos and buy other brands that I have found that I like more instead?

This question has been bugging me for a while, so your thread is timely - and your guidance on my dilemma would be appreciated ...

 

[simo1733]

If Rapha ads make you cringe, what about Solo! All those smug looking old dudes looking into the distance.
And the tagline "The most beautiful cycling clothing in the world" Foxtrot Oscar!

 

[saronni 9]

I will throw my hat into the ring here. I personally really like what they do for cycling enthusiasts. I mean their videos are awesome. As far as the cost of their stuff, you get what you pay for. Over the years I have gone through soo many bibs and jerseys so I finally broke down and got some assos bibs and the things have already outlasted 2 sets of my other bibs and still have alot more life in them. It seems as though rapha is the same way. On another note, the rapha continental team was up here in colorado to ride stages of the quiznos race. ALL of those guys who were riding were super down to earth and stoked to share their love for our sport. As far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with that. I think it is cool that you dont have to be pro to dedicate you life to something you love.
Just sayin

 

[Race Radio]

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

Bingo.

My #1 criteria for cycling gear is if I can I get it for wholesale/free

 

[Benotti69]

i like Rapha's marketing. At least it aint some doper who won such and such race trying to convince me wearing/using the same product makes me like him. yep it is expensive, but you dont have to buy it.

i dont own any rapha products yet, but it sure is a lot better looking than any current pro team kit.

 

[Wallace]

Question for the OP:
I've also found before that Assos socks don't last long before I put holes in the toes of them ... and the only time I've had a pair of Assos gloves the velcro gave out after a short period of time.

My Assos socks have lasted years, the I haven't had any problem with the velco on the gloves, because the gloves (and I have both Summer and Winter Assos gloves) don't have any velco on them.

 

[kiwirider]

My Assos socks have lasted years, the I haven't had any problem with the velco on the gloves, because the gloves (and I have both Summer and Winter Assos gloves) don't have any velco on them.

Thanks for the post - which I think actually reinforces the point that I was making to the OP very nicely ...

 

[US Patent Exploding Cyclist]

I'll admit, I'm a little put off by the marketing campaign, but I won't hate on the product for that, marketing has nothing to do with craftsmanship.

I do think the by in large Rapha is overpriced, that being said I have their arm warmers and am pleased with the quality and comfort. If the gillet wasn't so expensive, or if I ever find one on sale in my size, I will buy that as well as the fit is perfect.

Rapha's "Attitude" or "Image" they promote is most certainly heavy handed. But, when sifting through the bs, the Gentleman's Race events look like a really fun time, just don't tell me it's "epic" all the time.

 

[blutto]

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.

...ahhh...a fresh face and so full of promise gets reefed on that rocky coast called fashion...truly a sad story...and you were doing so well...

Cheers

blutto

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

i like Rapha's marketing. At least it aint some doper who won such and such race trying to convince me wearing/using the same product makes me like him.

Instead they have a J. Peterman wannabe writing purple prose about pain and epics. I thought most of those people got over their high school literary magazine phase after they got their a55es kicked one too many times..

Where is Elaine Benes in all this? Will she come up with Rapha's new urban sombrero?

 

[titan_90]

If you don't like their advertising then don't buy their products. Why have a thread dissing something you don't like?

 

[The other McHoy]

Some good points + & -'s. OP has he right to his opinion, as do those who like the brand. As someone who works with 100s of UK cyclists when they come to ride in Spain I must admit the head-to-toe Rapha brigade tend also to have City Jobs to go with their pink T-shirts, Rapha Man Bags, Rapha chamois cream, Rapha purses, etc. etc. They will have bikes with Di2, they will have been for a bike fit in Covent Garden, they will have paid 2 Grand to be a member of the ViP club and they will make me laugh - - - but so what? They also tend to be decent guys and girls at heart. I wish I had their money, they wish they had my lifestyle, horses for courses and all that.

 

[Elagabalus]

i like Rapha's marketing. At least it aint some doper who won such and such race trying to convince me wearing/using the same product makes me like him. yep it is expensive, but you dont have to buy it.

i dont own any rapha products yet, but it sure is a lot better looking than any current pro team kit.

Hey ... if you want to believe that you're "keeping it real" by buying outfits that make you look like a combination of Bud and Sandy from the original Flipper TV Series and Ashton Kutcher from That 70's Show-don't let me stop you!

I kid ... I kid ...

 

[oldborn]

First time ever heard of Rapha

 

[fatsprintking]

While we are at it I would put in a plug for Castelli. I just brought a couple of pairs of their mid range nicks and they are tops. I still have gear from 10 plus years that is going strong and their simple designs are pretty classy to me at least. Plain jerseys with the castelli on the sleave will do me.

But my all time fave gear is exteondo. Thier winter stuff is very good. I am not sure if you can still get their nicks and tights witht he natural chamois (ie real), but they are fantastic if you can. I have a pair of tights that got worn night after night in the rain as winter training gear and they are still going strong - very high quality lycra.

Louis Garneau thick overshoes are pretty cool too.

I say wear whatever floats your boat.

 

[pedaling squares]

Bingo.

My #1 criteria for cycling gear is if I can I get it for wholesale/free

See, I don't have those important contacts.

Lil' Prince.. Chuck those ol' freebie Rapha jerseys my way. I'll rock that poseur crap for you!

Good to hear that the LG bibs are comfortable. kiwi, how's the quality of the build?