[Closed] Rapha interview from 2008

...and some skin care products as well

Really?

I don't like all Rapha stuff, some of it is just downright poncy, but some stuff is really nice and I can't afford it. But what I do like is that they are making stuff that's a bit different and nicer than most of the overpriced nasty looking 'cycling' clothing that's available. Most of my riding is urban commuting, and I don't want to look like lycra lout freak in garish colours and embarrassing designs. But I do need functionality such as windproofness, waterproofness, hardwearingness and comfort. Very often, adding a 'for cycling' tag to a garment doubles it's price, because quite a lot of cyclists are insecure mindless fools who will pay extortionate prices in the misguided belief that their lives will be enhanced.

A few months ago I wanted to buy a lightweight jacket that was warm, windproof and water resistant. I didn't mind spending a bit to get something nice, but everything I found in bike shops was garish and nasty. In the end I found a simple plain black jacket with a light fleece lining that did the job, and looked great. £40 in Decathlon. Not cycle specific, but does a good job when riding my bike. I don't have to look like a tasteless spod when I use my bike to accompany friends to a concert of classical music at the Barbican, for example.

There's a lot more people who cycle who don't want to look stupid. Rapha at least is one company that is making an effort to provide alternatives. They can get ****ed with their prices though. £100 for a pair of riding mitts? You can have a smack in the mouth for free is what you can have. Take the piss.

In fact no most of their stuff is poncy and bought by pretentious ponces. I take it all back.

I quite like their classic softshell though. I'd nick one if I could. Wouldn't pay £240 for it though, but some mug will, I'm sure. I might just nick it off them. Ponce.

It's a good brand, but some of their stuff is way OTT. I've got a backpack (Christmas present), a long sleaved merino base layer and their Fixed shorts. All three are functional and I use them most days for commuting, but I doubt they're are that much better than cheaper kit. I wouldn't buy their shorts or tops as I'd look a total ponce.

I was looking at their tailored jacket in Condor the other day, because I was bored. It is £400. It is however an exceedingly nice jacket. Really very nice. For example, the cuff buttons actually undo, and the detailing of the pocket fastenings is lovely. Also, the buttons and tie to do it right up to the neck is lovely.

I came away with the impression that it was more-or-less £400 worth of jacket (unless there's something about the quality of the cloth, or some really bad workmanship somewhere).

Now, not everyone pays £400 for a semi-formal sports jacket. I generally don't - mostly I'll spend £250-£300 on such a thing, which is about the right relationship in my mind between what I can afford, what value I get from such a thing and how good it looks/well it fits.

So I probably won't be buying the Rapha one. But it's not mental to consider it.

Likewise with their jerseys. If you tend to buy good quality formal shirts you pay quite a lot for them, £75 is easy to spend. If that's the comparison then suddenyl a Rapha jersey isn't all that much, and again, they are really very nice indeed.

This may all be "more money than sense". But I think it's probably just "more money". 🙂

Oh-oh: Ponce alert:

[img] [/img]

That moustache really is quite something. 🙂

No actually it was the Fixed jacket I liked. They don't seem to do it any more.

[img] [/img]

Not too dissimilar to my £40 Decathlon jobbie. Perhaps a little nicer. But more the kind of style I'd want to wear. I could turn up to a performance of Greig's Peer Gynt Suite at the Royal Fest looking reasonably presentable, wearing that. And not embarrass my friends or frighten children.

And if you can possibly ignore this unfortunate young man's dreadful haircut, this jacket is a little bit more subdued than the usual lary coloured ghastly abominations from Endura etc:

[img] [/img]

That is a particularly dreadful haircut though, and this individual looks quite whey-faced and effete. Thankfully I will never look like that, and can go about my business confident that I won't get my face punched as a result on my physical appearance.

And not embarrass my friends or frighten children

Especially, as seen there, accessorised with a nice silk scarf. 🙂

TBH, this thread just makes me want to bust out with some Local Motion Dominator gloves. And maybe a Bula hat.

confident that I won't get my face punched as a result on my physical appearance.

However you will get punched on account of being a total dick. quite often I imagine.

Not you, is it Warton?

Noteeth, possibly some Been Bag clothing?

No but seriously, sartorial gentleman such as BigDummy and my good self need to look reasonably tidy as we go about our [i]affaires du jour[/i]*. Thus, we require garments that fit our needs, not just practically, but also in terms of aesthetics. What Rapha do is say 'look, it can be done differently'. There is no need for companies to produce exclusively nasty things. Some of us want something nice.

*I bet I've cocked up the spelling or grammar of that, in my feeble attempt to seem sophisticated. What a pretentious posing ponce.

I might dig out my Axo Pony boots to wear with the Bula hat and Calange fleece jacket......

However you will get punched on account of being a total dick. quite often I imagine.

You imagine quite wrongly, my angry friend, and I suspect have taken this just a leeetle too seriously.

Personally, I'm more concerned with this sudden and quite violent bout of wind with which I seem to have become afflicted. I fear it may put the kybosh on my afternoon swim. 🙁

noteeth, no, but I've just forked out 100 quid for a haircut like that...my beard isn't as neat though

and I suspect have taken this just a leeetle too seriously.

yes you're probably right. I might go for a little lie down,. Enjoy your swim, rapha trunks?

Rapha would do well to learn from Team Hot Pies. The urban sophisticate above would look far better with a Etto helmet, accessorised with some nice furry ears.

£100 for a haircut?
Sheesh, you could have a decent luncheon for that. Some people obviously have too much money.

[i]Sheesh, you could have a decent luncheon for that[/i]

More to the point, you could probably buy a stylish hat.

[chuckles at noteeth] 🙂

I was working on the ST stand at SITS last weekend, was chatting to a guy who'd turned up on a battered SS touring bike to watch some of the racing, he'd bought a subscription and he was trying to tuck the free gift of a guide book into his Rapha jersey pocket. It did fit (just about) but he said how unbelievably good the top was, really comfy, well thought out etc and he was a proper hardcore audax type - huge mileage so the jersey had had loads of use.

For that you can argue that it IS worth £125, especially as it comes with arm warmers so it's effectively 2 jerseys in one.

I've got one of the older Rapha jackets (freebie), a Rapha shirt (present) and a pair of Rapha trousers (heavily discounted) but there's no way I'd wear all of it together and little chance of me buying anything for full price! Most of there products are good quality though and you've got to admire them for their marketing - actually getting people to buy gloves for £100! 😯

I wore my Rapha touring shorts as swimming trunks on the beach last week. I do believe I was the best dressed sad old Mod in Biarritz.

Its lovely stuff and only looks expensive next to purely cycling clothes. Lets be honest, a lot of road kit is horrible and mountain bikers as a group are ugly and need smartening up sharpish.

[i]and mountain bikers as a group are ugly[/i]

I resemble that remark. Besides, I just look well-used.

Of course, one would have to consider the correct footwear:

[img] [/img]

Undred and fifty pahnd to you guv'ner.

And for when one is not in town:

[img] [/img]

They're actually really rather nice, those...

I resemble that remark.

😆

Quality.

I was speaking to a bicycle polo-ist the other day who was at a Rapha-sponsored bash earlier in the year.
Apparently it was full of their customers who'd come in full racing kit (this is an afternoon do, in town and indoors, remember) and clopping about in their Sidis. Come the end of the event, they all - or possibly just most of them, but that spoils it - got on their iPhnoes and called black cabs to take them back to their city offices from Old Street.
So, barely a bike RIDER amongst them, apparently. He didn't seem to be that impressed with the VFM discernment abilities of Rapha's core clientele.

they all - or possibly just most of them, but that spoils it

...some of them...one of them...might have.

It's a fabulous story for sure. But it isn't true. 🙂

I can understand rapha, but personally I'm unwilling to liken cycle clothing to fashion clothing. Mainly because cycling makes you sweat and smell, so I consider looking good pointless if you stink. Far better to get changed afterward riding into something good.

I cannot say Rapha's style appeals that much, being all black and boring, although they've improved a lot. And while the quality looks good, I can think of a couple of brands which I consider far better.

I certainly don't understand people getting worked up by the price. If you think there is better available for that price, then buy it. Why get upset that something is expensive if it's so unappealing to you?

http://www.retrotogo.com/2009/03/-rapha-campionissimo-vintagestyle-cycling-shirt.html

I missed out on one of these. You either love clothes like this or you dont.

I have the cross knickers and top, and very very nice they are too. They wick well, fit wonderfully, and look classy. Expensive? Maybe, then they'll look as a good in cross 5 season's time as they do now.

I do admire their business model and buy into their marketing, however a number of their products, (Paul Smith line, leather racing gloves), seem too overtly stylized.

Be interesting to see their new skin care range in a month or so. Wonder if we'll be able to use Rapha embrocation for our winter rides?

This young lady would happily accompany you to a Holbein exhibition at the National, and maybe a coffee afterwards:

[img] [/img]

Whereas this feller just wants to talk to you about Stain Removal:

[img] [/img]

My case resteth, M'Lud.

riding companion of mine wears a lot of Rapha, seems well made, it fits, looks nice, and doubtless wears well. I can't afford it, and even if I could I'd probably get a dirty look from mrs nickc.

Right you are, 'elf - though it's not impossible that having a coffee with her [i]might[/i] ultimately lead to the tricky matter of stain removal. A carelessly spilt beverage, for example.

Also, is CFH just out of shot? I imagine him, G n' T in hand, holding forth on Respro humps and the Great Game. She looks a bit puzzled, though.

It's a good point you know. I'd maybe advise her on wearing more practical colours. I'd imagine chain oil might show up on that outfit somewhat.

Rapha-lovers might like this: http://www.rapha.cc/a-throw-of-the-dice

It'll be more ammo to Rapha-haters.

rapha stuff is very good, the best bit about it is how much consternation it causes on cycling forums. it's great VFM

I thought the little film was quite good.

You can buy a two suits from suits plus for 99 quid, or buy a Paul smith for 600. They are essentially the same item, but one will make you feel good, stylish and perhaps a bit different, the other will make you sweat like a glass blowers arse and the static will make your hair stand up. Rapha has it's place, but best purchased in the sale.

You know who buys those cheap suits?

The Accused...

Talking of Paul Smith I'm contemplating getting the Rapha/Paul Smith bag 😕

😯

You're joking right?

[img] [/img]

(Is for once quite speechless)

This young lady would happily accompany you to a Holbein exhibition at the National, and maybe a coffee afterwards

I think your thoughts betray a bent for Rapha clothing.

I go out cycling in a 2004 England shirt(red) and I was pondering how amenable she may be to experimentation with a box of mixed veg.

Trailmonkey, earlier:

[img] [/img]

If I'm going out/meeting people and I'm using my bike, I don't want to have to take a change of clothes or look like a 'cyclist' more than I can help. Too much 'cycle clothing' looks like 'cycle clothing'. At least some of Rapha's stuff looks reasonably subtle and not too 'oh look at me I'm a spod'.

Saw a bloke in a pub once; full on lycra, road cleats the lot. I said 'have a word with yourself mate'. Even his friends were ashamed to be seen with him.

See, us urban types go out, do something called [i]socialising[/i], and like to look reasonably tidy. And not like we're refugees from a Greenpeace campaign.

box of mixed veg

She'd probably spit in your face, and do you with a claw hammer if you dared to suggest such pervertitude. And rightly so.

I'm just hoping someone does something sensible with mtb clobber sometime soon. I should be used to it by now but really.....what do we look like? Far too many old blokes that should know better going around in camouflage baggy shorts that would look bad enough on a 16yr old, let alone a 45yr old angry accountant.

We can start by binning the helmet visors.......and camelbacks......why am I wearing a rucksack for a 2hr sprint around Epping Forest?

Clothes are important. They maketh the man.

as said have to admire them really.

I have a few bits cap, the original jersey to come out, and that there green fixed jacket (without looking quite as unfortunate as the ginger man in the pic)

bought the jersey. other bits were free/swapped for a bit of work.
And i agree that it is wonderfully made stuff. though i rarely use the jacket on the bike its just really rather nice as an 'about town' jacket.

and the movie was interesting. see what the one about sean kelly is like next week!

You can buy a two suits from suits plus for 99 quid, or buy a Paul smith for 600. They are essentially the same item,

PS suits are very, very well made items of clothing, I've got one and its the best suit I've ever had. other expensive suits off the peg suits don't come close, let alone cheapo 99 quid ones!

Rapha, Ridiculed, Violently opposed & Now Accepted on STW.

Also agree with ^ on PS suits, I've had tailored suits fall apart way before PS ones ever do, they are well smart.

Only ridiculed and violently opposed by people who are happy to look like spods.

And me, partially, for things like that bag above. That's £225 you know. For a bag. Which looks really ****y.

This is a 'wash bag'. It's eighty five pounds.

[img] [/img]

This is a 'key fob'. It's fifty five pounds.

[img] [/img]

I wish I had the ability to part fools from their money like that. Hats off to Rapha.

Or should that be 'chappeau'?

I liked them at first when I first came across them as a result of doing the etape in 2004, they turned up in their Citroen van and their marketing harked back to the 60s and 70s. It was clever. Indeed I have one of their jerseys, a present, and it is absolutely lovely. However, for me their success has meant that it is now worn by people that I would rather not be mistaken for.

However, for me their success has meant that it is now worn by people that I would rather not be mistaken for.

that's exactly the point of Rapha. it's for those who don't want to be mistaken for people like you.

I think I fit into their target market, I just don't need to advertise it.

No some of it's just taking the piss though.

These are 'Paul Smith Grand Tour gloves'. They are ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE POUNDS.

[img] [/img]

The reason these gloves exist is purely so that the owner can think 'I'm special, because I can afford cycling mitts that cost £175'. I just think that's quite sad really. Especially when you consider their virtually identical non-PS ones cost *only* £100, and their far more functional winter gloves a mere £60 (They look very nice indeed actually).

I'm not a rich man. Probably never will be. But I do appreciate nice things. £175 cycling mitts cease to be 'nice', they merely descend into the realms of vulgarity. Someone who needs to buy them in order to feel 'special' is, well, [i]special[/i].

£175 for a pair of gloves 😆

I'm really interested to hear from anyone who can argue a case for buying those.

There will be things in life that I truly fail to comprehend. Count this amongst them.

elfin, yeah true, 180 quid for a pair of gloves if mental, but thats the world we live in. why drive a 50k car? why have a four bedroom house. material items are there to make the person feel special, no other need for them really is there

But I do appreciate nice things. £175 cycling mitts cease to be 'nice', they merely descend into the realms of vulgarity.

You have made the point I was trying to make quite eloquently.

and no I would never buy them in a million years!

There will be things in life that I truly fail to comprehend.

like driving half the way up the country to cycle round and and round a muddy field in the dark on a bike made from welded bits of steel that costs over 3k but only has one gear?

why drive a 50k car? why have a four bedroom house. material items are there to make the person feel special, no other need for them really is there

I think at some point comes the realisation (to anyone with their head screwed on right) that enough is enough, and beyond that is too much. I'm all for striving towards perfection, to try and make something superlative. I can see why someone might want to spend £100k+ on a lovely car. The reward must be tremendous.

£175 cycling mitts just fall into the 'there is really no need for this on Earth' category however. I dare say there will be those who might say 'you're just jealous because you can't afford them'. To those, I'd reply that in some way I'm actually glad I can't; I'm shielded and protected from my own potential stupidity.

The journey into the world of Rapha is a fascinating one. I discovereda very nice short sleeved shirt in the sale section. Something I'd actually really like to wear. And amazingly, at a price that falls into my level of affordability.

As per ****ing usual in such situations, the bastard thing is no longer available in my size. Arse biscuits. ****ing typical. I'd even pay the full rrp on it, as I feel it would be worth my money.

[img] [/img]

I'm really interested to hear from anyone who can argue a case for buying those.

There is no case to argue; only the inane bleatings of a deluded fool who believes they are 'worth it'.

Someone who really understands marketing will be along in a minute but in the meantime......I don't think they are going to actually sell a whole lot of £175 gloves and lairy washbags. It's flag waving for the brand, both for Rapha and Sir Paul. I'm guessing most of their profits will come from jerseys and arm warmers and the like.

Agreed on the sale being the place to go. The Country Jerseys are £80 now........that's no more than a good one from Gore or PI.

I think that's a good pint mcboo, their core line of cycling products is extremely good and priced to compete with the top of line Perl Izumi and Assos gear, whilst the one off's raise awareness and continue to create a buzz about the brand.

As per ****ing usual in such situations, the bastard thing is no longer available in my size. Arse biscuits. ****ing typical. I'd even pay the full rrp on it, as I feel it would be worth my money.

i can't believe you fell for the branding/marketing bullshit and wanted to buy an overpriced brown shirt that you could pick up for less in tk-max/uniqlo/any high st clothing retailer

Brown? It's dark grey, according to the picture!

From what I've seen of Rapha gear, I'd imagine it's possibly a bit nicer than other stuff. I wouldn't buy it without trying it on first anyway.

I don't think all Rapha's stuff is overpriced; some of it is, but other items are priced reasonably well in terms of what else is out there or similar quality. IE, you'd be paying similar or more for a garment with a 'designer label'.

The Paul Smith stuff is to get the suckers in. And to make the rest of their range seem reasonable by comparison.

Assos is another 'top' cycling brand. Some of their gear is a cut above the rest. Bloody expensive though. Pearl Izumi? Now that's overpriced ime. But only because the rest, Endura, Altura etc are too. Cycling is a rip-off activity to a larger extent than other sports. I have a lovely pair of leather Adidas football boots, they were £60 rrp. I got them for £30 in a sale. They are nicer made than most cycling shoes below £100.

I like the fact that cycling is becoming 'cooler', and a more desirable leisure activity. The number of people out there on bikes is increasing,and it's great. So, people will want clothing etc that suits their image; demand will drive the market. Rapha have identified that there is a market for their stuff, and are exploiting that. It's up to others to come and take a slice of that pie, create competition, drive prices down.

If I need to buy something, I decide what my budget is, then go looking for something. If I find something that fits my needs for less than my budget, great. If the thing I like best is at the limit of my budget, no problem. If I don't find something I like, then I won't buy anything at all. More often or not, the latter scenario is the case, sadly. There's so much nasty stuff out there. Good on Rapha for moving the goalposts. Altura, Endura etc; employ some decent clothing designers ffs. Not all of us want to look like spods.

Elfinsafety has a point, prices for cycling gear have got stupid now. I was reading Cycling Weekly yesterday, they reviewed 2 pairs of bib shorts, one form Assos, one from Campag. Prices were nearly £200 each! 😯

[i]Rapha have identified that there is a market for their stuff, and are exploiting that. It's up to others to come and take a slice of that pie, create competition, drive prices down. [/i]

You're wrong there though, there IS competeition but it's in seeing how much they can charge before someone finally says enough is enough. At the moment, they haven't reached that point so prices keep rising!

That haircut reminded me of
[url= http://yepwecan.co.uk/london-fields/ ]Hoxton ****[/url]

LOL! It's sooo true though!

John Barnes says:
August 9, 2010 at 11:10 am
I don’t know who I hate more, these people or terrorists.

😆

Have to say, it's people like that who would wear Rapha. Puts me off slightly.

I like Rapha and their marketing. But, sometimes you look at something they've made, or something they're using as advertising, and you wonder if they're deliberately taking the piss.

Rapha's forthcoming autumn/winter range here:
http://road.cc/content/news/21415-rapha-autumnwinter-2010-preview

i cycled for 4 months through africa, pretty much kitted out in rapha (club jerseys, merino socks, stowaway, cross jersey and shorts). i had a couple of regular polyester tops too, but they stank and fell to pieces. rapha equipment was as good at the end as the beginning and wonderfully comfortable. If you cycle a lot, equipment matters, and rapha make some of the best clothing available. Expensive, but worth it.
Naturally, they produce some ridiculous items for the etapists/fixie-hipsters with more money than sense, but overall Rapha is a great concept.

Right, I've calmed down a bit now.

I, your humble narrator, was in a pub last night with a lovely devotchka, when I spied upon a must disturbing sight; that of a chelloveck with an asymmetrical haircut, jabbering on about nothing of any real worth. Whilst playing with his iPad his equally foppish companions were fawning over. And what was he wearing, my droogies? Yes, you guessed it- Rapha. And to cap it all, he'd arrived on a fixie.

Now you can imagine my displeasure, and it upset my companion somewhat. It took all my powers of self control not to tolchock the bratchny, and to unleash a bit of the good old Ultra-Violence, until the good red vino flowed. I could fair hear the good old Ludwig Van playing in my head.

And all this time, I felt a sickness, a pounding in me gulliver, and an overwhelming desire to oobiva the radrazzy moodge.

[url=

Clicky piccy for to make lovely music automatically come.

I'm better now...

ffs Alex, It's just a brand, same as any other. You're out there, in your bowler hat, same as the city toffs, but it doesn't mean you're the [b]same[/b] as them.
FWIW, the fixie shirt you mentioned earlier is really nice, but I'm not sure the colour would suit you. 😉

😀

Brown or black, I'm told. With a natty little armband adorned with an ancient Hindu sun symbol...

It pays to be a fat f£cker as all the stuff left in the sale is usually XXL 😆

Damn you all for showing me the sale pages - quite liking the pocket T shirt at £35! I seem to be on the cusp between large and extra large though.....

I've got the pocket t's in large. I'm 6 2", 73kg, and single figure body fat, and they're fitting but not tight on me. Very nice they are too, although the grey is slightly nicer IMO.

Hope that helps.

Wierdly I really like Rapha whereas I think Howies are utterly full of corporate shit.

what pub are drinking at next? i'm going to roll up in rapha gear but can't decide between riding my baby blue condor 'fixie' or my expensive Italian custom steel road bike?
it's going to worth it to see you squirm.

(i don't have an ipad so will a macbookpro and an iphone do?)

Rapha's forthcoming autumn/winter range here:
http://road.cc/content/news/21415-rapha-autumnwinter-2010-preview

Some nice stuff there. Too pricey for me, but nice.

I was thinking of making some reflective patches to attach to buttons on a couple of non-bike jackets I own. Great minds...