The Rapha hater thread

[Damiano Machiavelli]

You really need to be careful or your hard earned cash could be used to promote disgusting exploitative projects such as these:

http://www.rapha.cc/usa-pro-cycling...11-_-textlink-_-pro-cycling-challenge-stage-6

That is a project? It reads like the typical d-bag's blog about his ride or what his cat did that day except that most d-bags are not vain enough to have their own personal photographers follow them around to take pictures for their blog. This reminds me of Bear Grylls surviving in the wilderness, braving danger, drinking elephant pee, and all the while with a camera and production crew fifteen feet away. Yeah, way to keep it real...real phony.

How long before the founders of this scam sell it Salomon?

 

[blutto]

If you want to pocket all of your profit, that's your perogative. You earned them. I'm just happy that the guys at Rapha choose to give a little back.

...I guess if you are schleping a high priced product made for peanuts in some fourth world factory, giving, as you put it, a little back, is the very least you can do...and its especially cost/image effective when you dress up that little bit to look like a humanitarian gesture rather than just a line or two in your advertising budget....

Cheers

blutto

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

...I guess if you are schleping a high priced product made for peanuts in some fourth world factory, giving, as you put it, a little back, is the very least you can do...and its especially cost/image effective when you dress up that little bit to look like a humanitarian gesture rather than just a line or two in your advertising budget....

+1 on this.

What also gets me is the business model that I will term "cheap quality with a great warranty." When the stuff breaks, the company immediately replaces it, and the customers rave about the company's customer service. No one seems to complain that if a flimsy plastic piece was made of metal or even just thicker or higher grade plastic then the product would not have broken in the first place. It is actually advantageous to a certain degree for the product to break because it allows the company to build good will with its customers. Of course the company uses the cost savings from manufacturing in conditions that would make Upton Sinclair blanch to launch an all out marketing assault on manufacturers that still make their stuff in first world countries. Looking at you, SRAM.

 

[LugHugger]

+1 on this.

What also gets me is the business model that I will term "cheap quality with a great warranty." When the stuff breaks, the company immediately replaces it, and the customers rave about the company's customer service. No one seems to complain that if a flimsy plastic piece was made of metal or even just thicker or higher grade plastic then the product would not have broken in the first place. It is actually advantageous to a certain degree for the product to break because it allows the company to build good will with its customers. Of course the company uses the cost savings from manufacturing in conditions that would make Upton Sinclair blanch to launch an all out marketing assault on manufacturers that still make their stuff in first world countries. Looking at you, SRAM.

100% agree with you on SRAM. I've learned that lesson well. It's all well and good being light - cheap, strong, light, pick two as Keith Bontrager said.

On the other hand, whilst Rapha clearly have significant margins on their product because of where they manufacture, in my experience the quality is far higher than most other brands including those that have apparently earned their pedigree over 50 years or more. My Rapha bibs and jersey are going strong after 3+ years of regular use. I can't say the same about my team kit made by an Italian company in Croatia that fell apart at the seams after less than a seasons use. You pay your money...

 

[blutto]

100% agree with you on SRAM. I've learned that lesson well. It's all well and good being light - cheap, strong, light, pick two as Keith Bontrager said.

On the other hand, whilst Rapha clearly have significant margins on their product because of where they manufacture, in my experience the quality is far higher than most other brands including those that have apparently earned their pedigree over 50 years or more. My Rapha bibs and jersey are going strong after 3+ years of regular use. I can't say the same about my team kit made by an Italian company in Croatia that fell apart at the seams after less than a seasons use. You pay your money...

....that is kinda the point isn't it...that is, that products, and the companies that produce them, succeed or fail solely on the merits of the product...and not because they have spun a myth thru slick advertising that is tantamount to selling tickets to heaven...

...find below a product that, if the early indications hold true, is a step forward...something that is the result of profit spent developing a better product...as opposed to a product whose profits are used to dupe the great unwashed...

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=9612&status=True&catname=Latest News

Cheers

blutto

 

[LugHugger]

....that is kinda the point isn't it...that is, that products, and the companies that produce them, succeed or fail solely on the merits of the product...and not because they have spun a myth thru slick advertising that is tantamount to selling tickets to heaven...

...find below a product that, if the early indications hold true, is a step forward...something that is the result of profit spent developing a better product...as opposed to a product whose profits are used to dupe the great unwashed...

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=9612&status=True&catname=Latest News

Cheers

blutto

That is hilarious. We couldn't have scripted this better. I'm willing to bet that it falls apart within a season.

 

[blutto]

That is hilarious. We couldn't have scripted this better. I'm willing to bet that it falls apart within a season.

...don't mean to get all conspiratorial on you but exactly just who are the we that you speak of...

...and by the way, will be more than happy to look at your white paper on the long term reliabilty of said product...until then, I'm sorry to say, you are just blowing white smoke out your...( well you get the point )...though I have to admit its a very good way to provide cover when a hasty retreat is required...

Cheers

blutto

 

[The Gnome]

I guess hatred thread is about right...so you don't like the clothing or advertising? I don't wear their stuff but have never even tried...but who cares...don't buy...no big deal...seems like somehow it should be in the clinic with the ridiculous arguments...don't like Rapha? no problem...don't buy...who cares at all...your choice...and then to make a big point about some bike ride they sponsored...really? I have tried and don't like pearl izumi stuff...but I couldn't be bothered to start a hate thread...maybe someone?

 

[The Gnome]

and somehow, I can't see Upton Sinclair writing about his Rapha problem...don't think he would bother...much bigger fish to fry for the man...or there was and is...so don't buy any friggin rapha stuff...coming off like a petty b#tch somehow here...no offence...but seriously? what did your girlfriend leave you for a guy who likes rapha or what...?

 

[blutto]

I guess hatred thread is about right...so you don't like the clothing or advertising? I don't wear their stuff but have never even tried...but who cares...don't buy...no big deal...seems like somehow it should be in the clinic with the ridiculous arguments...don't like Rapha? no problem...don't buy...who cares at all...your choice...and then to make a big point about some bike ride they sponsored...really? I have tried and don't like pearl izumi stuff...but I couldn't be bothered to start a hate thread...maybe someone?

...maybe you haven't spent much time here, or if you have, you have just skimmed instead of reading for comprehension...but this is the CN Forum and hate is what we do...

...if you want intelligent comment, humour, a sense of community you may want to amble over to another site...like say, The Podium Cafe, which is the gold standard among cycling sites for reasonable people...stay here and its hate 24/7/365...and we like it that way...think of it as the Northern Ireland or the Middle East of cycling sites...and along those lines I wonder why we don't have a discussion thread that deals with religious issues...something along the lines of the wildly successful Politics thread...now that would really attract a CN type crowd....of course the possibility of real conflict would rise dramatically but what the heck traffic would also increase ( like....everybody loves a car wreck, eh... )...

Cheers

blutto

 

[ggusta]

If you want to pocket all of your profit, that's your perogative. You earned them. I'm just happy that the guys at Rapha choose to give a little back.

I really wasn't going to bother. He seems to make missing the point somewhere between 'hobby' and 'tourette's syndrome nervous tick'. As do 2 or 3 other participants in this very appropriately titled thread.

 

[Race Radio]

...maybe you haven't spent much time here, or if you have, you have just skimmed instead of reading for comprehension...but this is the CN Forum and hate is what we do...

While I agree there are posters like yourself, Cobble, and some doppelgangers who spew hate with most of their posts there are plenty of members here who still can see the good things in the sport and enjoy discussing them

 

[ggusta]

...maybe you haven't spent much time here, or if you have, you have just skimmed instead of reading for comprehension...but this is the CN Forum and hate is what we do...

...if you want intelligent comment, humour, a sense of community you may want to amble over to another site...like say, The Podium Cafe, which is the gold standard among cycling sites for reasonable people...stay here and its hate 24/7/365...and we like it that way...think of it as the Northern Ireland or the Middle East of cycling sites...and along those lines I wonder why we don't have a discussion thread that deals with religious issues...something along the lines of the wildly successful Politics thread...now that would really attract a CN type crowd....of course the possibility of real conflict would rise dramatically but what the heck traffic would also increase ( like....everybody loves a car wreck, eh... )...

Cheers

blutto

fine line between hating and making an @ss yourself. it's all good. i don't mind.

 

[ggusta]

That is a project? It reads like the typical d-bag's blog about his ride or what his cat did that day except that most d-bags are not vain enough to have their own personal photographers follow them around to take pictures for their blog. This reminds me of Bear Grylls surviving in the wilderness, braving danger, drinking elephant pee, and all the while with a camera and production crew fifteen feet away. Yeah, way to keep it real...real phony.

How long before the founders of this scam sell it Salomon?

Is someone forcing you to buy Rapha?

 

[Race Radio]

If people hate Rapha because there stuff is made by inexpensive labor then they should be hating 90% of the cycling industry. That is how things are done these days.

While some of their marketing is over dramatic I appreciated how they feature small craftsmen, IF, Moots, Parlee.

I also like how how they promote the idea that there is more to do with your bike then ride it at 12 mph down to the beach....which is what a surprising number of $8,000 bikes are used for. I like that they promote the idea that fun is a 7 hour ride with some dirt roads, lots of climbing. Yeah, epic is overused but long hard rides are what the sport is about. Toss in some beer with your buddies at the end and life is good.

This weekend they had the Rapha Gentleman Race. Entry was $30 and a case of beer. Teams of 6 started every minute and had to stay together and work together for 9-10 hours over a crazy hard course.....that sounds like a lot more fun then another parking lot crit.

I was in SF for the Alp d'Huez stage of of the Tour this year. Stopped by the Rapha store and at 7:00 in the morning it was overflowing with people watching the stage, cheering on the race. I did not see anything to hate there, just a lot of people loving the sport.

I do not own any Rapha clothes. Likely would not buy anytime soon as I get most of my gear for free or at a steep discount. While they occasionally misfire they do appear to be a group of guys who love the sport.....and that is a good thing that we need more of.

 

[mewmewmew13]

just spotted this at the top post and will add my quick thoughts..
I have not worn Rapha...I also get a dis or free with a couple other brands..but had a Castelli jersey that had a bad zipper...heard from others that the quality is real hit or miss. For their women's shorts they sometimes have this slippery cheap-feeling fabric that isn't pleasant.

PI looks nice but they are needing some re-tooling on their chamois..

Best shorts I've owned for a while are the Hincapie but their sizing is wild on jerseys, tops...

oops guess this is not really pertinent to Rapha hate, but thought some feedback would be more pos...

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Is someone forcing you to buy Rapha?

Is someone forcing you to buy a copy of Das Kapital? Why else display an avatar glorifying a fantasy of the economic ubermensch that most people spot the flaws in shortly after adolescence?

I do not understand why people like you get so upset about other people voicing an opinion. It is like I have stumbled onto the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation, where no one has an opposing opinion, everyone is nice, and human kind is above petty conflict. Well, The Next Generation sucked. Captain Picard was not fit to wash the silver jock strap of the green alien loving Kirk. Captain Kirk knew how to handle badly make-uped space aliens. Sure they had a Prime Directive, but Kirk was like, "You killed my little red shirted buddy. We have been together on this three hour tour from the beginning. Where's the science officer? Professor, give 'em the phasers at 100%." The Skipper did not take crap from no one, and he was not afraid to give an opinion.

 

[Martin318is]

Guys,
Would you like me to split this entertaining conversation re: Castelli out into its own thread?

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Guys,
Would you like me to split this entertaining conversation re: Castelli out into its own thread?

No. I am an equal opportunity hater. I need to retain the possibility of hating on Pearl Izumi as well as other clothing miscreants.

I will say that I have never had a problem with my Castelli jerseys other than the zippers are too small.

 

[Martin318is]

No. I am an equal opportunity hater. I need to retain the possibility of hating on Pearl Izumi as well as other clothing miscreants.

I will say that I have never had a problem with my Castelli jerseys other than the zippers are too small.

okay then - do we instead rename the thread to something that isnt Rapha specific?

like, "The Big-name clothing companies Hater thread"?

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

okay then - do we instead rename the thread to something that isnt Rapha specific?

like, "The Big-name clothing companies Hater thread"?

Could you come up with something more politically correct like the "Unspecified product discontent thread"? I know you can.

Plus I feel this thread will get back on track as soon as I can muster another anti-Rapha rant.

 

[Martin318is]

okay - on reflection, this sub conversation about Castelli has gone to its own thread: "Castelli clothing quality and reputation" in this sub-forum. I will leave this note in place for a while so that anyone who cannot find the original posts knows what happened to them

 

[ggusta]

Is someone forcing you to buy a copy of Das Kapital? Why else display an avatar glorifying a fantasy of the economic ubermensch that most people spot the flaws in shortly after adolescence?

I do not understand why people like you get so upset about other people voicing an opinion. It is like I have stumbled onto the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation, where no one has an opposing opinion, everyone is nice, and human kind is above petty conflict. Well, The Next Generation sucked. Captain Picard was not fit to wash the silver jock strap of the green alien loving Kirk. Captain Kirk knew how to handle badly make-uped space aliens. Sure they had a Prime Directive, but Kirk was like, "You killed my little red shirted buddy. We have been together on this three hour tour from the beginning. Where's the science officer? Professor, give 'em the phasers at 100%." The Skipper did not take crap from no one, and he was not afraid to give an opinion.

Wow, now you're angry about my avatar. May I ask what you are NOT angry about?

 

[Cervo Rosso]

New options in high performance wear

The one thing that you must give the brand some credit for are their willingness to bring new products to the market. Good or bad, it challenges the market and keeps it interesting.

They have certainly provided inspiration for us to create a truly European Brand Born in Switzerland and Made in ITALY. Check us out cervorosso.com.

The weirdest thing about this thread is not the love or hate relationship, but that the moderator has lost his objectiveness....great support for a brand but a true departure from effective moderation!

CR Switzerland

 

[Spider1964]

Wow, now you're angry about my avatar. May I ask what you are NOT angry about?

Himself?