[Closed] Team Sky Kit.

We will be subjected to loads of Rapha films of team sky this year. Disasterous. If its nalani making the kit why not put it out to young british designers to design the kit as a competition. They could even get it made here? I'd see that as a better promotion of a UK based team, whatever that means these days!

You don't have to watch the films
Disaster? Have you let the red cross know?
Do you have any idea how sponsorship deals work? Your quaint notions are plucked from the utopian La-la land in your head.

Final word on the whole Rapha thing. For the bull you spout and the prices you charge; give us the real deal.

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Buying Rapha? - You've been suckered in to the marketing. Well done them and their massive profit margins!

Giant build frames for specialized, santa cruz etc.. lots of manufacturers make stuff for other manufacturers, who makes everything 100% in house these days?

That's different, as I read it the inference was that the race kit is being made by (and thus will exhibit the logos of) Nalini, ie the Sky guys won't actually be using Rapha kit, hence my surprise.

If it's the case that it's Rapha products made to their spec, from their materials in a factory owned by Nalini (like the frame example) then it's still Rapha kit IMO... MrSmith can make himself feel better with the 'hilarious' condescending remarks.

Frankly I really don't care either way, not interested in replica kit, the old stuff looked better, but it's the epitome of first world problems.

Why all the hand wringing over a jersey? Cycling (and other sports) are full of rebadged/rebranded bits of equipment.
Don't like it? Don't buy it then or pledge your doe-eyed support to a team that doesn't offend your middle class sensibilities.

That's funny and original CFH, never seen that before in a Rapha thread. People who care about what clothes other people buy are worse than people who buy Rapha, fact.

STW forumites in snobbery and funpolice shocker. if you like the kit, buy it, very simples. If you dont, then dont. If you want to buy, and can afford a Di2 equipped Colnago or Venge etc, then go ahead, spend the money on what you enjoy. Some folk on here seriously need to get a life.

That's funny and original CFH, never seen that before in a Rapha thread. People who care about what clothes other people buy are worse than people who buy Rapha, fact.

That's the added value of Rapha, the consternation of those who don't own any.

[quote=MrSmith ]
That's the added value of Rapha, the [s]consternation[/s] condescension of those who don't own any.
FTFY

No worse that the lurid motocross storm troopers using their full face lid to hide their lips going brrrrrrrrm-brrrrrrrm as they roll around trail centres

Good post ^

On the Rapha thing, why do people get so hot up about the pricing... if its not for you dont buy it, if your poor dont buy it, move along get yourself onto wiggle and DHB. It will look gash, you will think you look good, you wont. Ive got some DHB shorts, thankfully the logo came off so that I now actually look cool, and because I look cool im fast as lightening, boom!

Seriously though, get over it.

CaptainFlashheart - Member

Final word on the whole Rapha thing. For the bull you spout and the prices you charge; give us the real deal.

Buying Rapha? - You've been suckered in to the marketing. Well done them and their massive profit margins!

Oh narcissistic one, you forgot the nauseating wink on the end of your post. (you know... just to cover yourself)

I think the issue is that even fanbois like MrSmith refer to it as a lifestyle brand, which at least has some honesty about it. I have no issues with buying or others buying pricey kit (my motorbike kit is all Dainese) , my issue with Rapha is the amount of lifestyle BS marketing behind it, rather than the heritage and race-proven design of other brands. Rapha take themselves too seriously as do some of their defenders (and haters) and anything with a strong following and heavy marketing will generate detractors. If you did a Venn diagram of Rapha owners and Apple product owners it'd look like one circle...

Evangelists of any persuasion invite baiting as they are soft targets.

And the question is, is it 'just' re-badged, or sub contracted. A high end brand simply re branding someone else's product (rather than getting it made to their spec as per the Santa Cruz example) is laughable, admitting your own designs and materials aren't fit for purpose.

Edit for following post; if that's done for individual rider preference I don't have an issue, but wholesale re badging can't do the visible brand any good in the long run when it becomes well known?

Halve of the Pro's gear/equipment is made by other companies and then badged up with the Sponsors logo, Tyres ,wheels,Saddles,Shoes etc.

Pretty certain Cav is sponsored by Nike for his shoes,but Nike have not made cycing shoes for a couple of years now,so are his one-offs or rebranded shoes from another manufacturer?

Who gives a rats ass about it, if you like it buy it, I do and I do. So what, I also buy other kit, enjoy whatever you like and ride your bike.

Pretty certain Cav is sponsored by Nike for his shoes,but Nike have not made cycing shoes for a couple of years now,so are his one-offs or rebranded shoes from another manufacturer?

Not now he isnt at least on the OPQS media stuff produced today, also isnt using his signature PRO line stem and bars. probably as OPQS are using SRAM. No wonder it takes a while to sort contracts for pro riders with massive commercial potential.

I've just used a DHB jacket today, far better than the Aldi one I had before.

For the record; I think Rapha gear is pretty good, I recommended it to all the guys that I shot down to Paris and back with, I hate the bull and hype.
I think people who just go straight to the top i.e the proverbial Colnago with Di2 without having turned a pedal are prats. I believe in a bit of humbleness, an apprenticeship if you like.
I don't want to see discs on road and cross bikes anytime (too) soon.
I can't abide Strava, but value it's worth.
I'm a snob when it comes to cycling, but just because I love it so much.
I'll give up my time for anyone that want's to ride a bike, I'll sit with them at the back until they get home or spend all day on Go-Ride unofficially babysitting other peoples kids, just in case one of them does actually enjoy it.
All riders, superstars, poseurs, out and out dangerous idiots I'll ride with any of them.
But I have opinions that are founded back in the seventies that's all.

[quote=oldgit ]
I'm a snob when it comes to cycling, but just because [b]I love it so much[/b].
Not trying to be funny or owt, but your posts rarely come across like that.

Hmm

Well I love bikes, have a fair few, ride em a lot, race em a lot. And do shed loads to help people into the old game.

I really really hate bullshit, I think that's what it is.

fanbois like MrSmith

And the question is, is it 'just' re-badged, or sub contracted. A high end brand simply re branding someone else's product (rather than getting it made to their spec as per the Santa Cruz example) is laughable, admitting your own designs and materials aren't fit for purpose.

It's cycling clothing, no more no less, it's as expensive as castelli/assos
Are you that naive? You have no idea who Merida and giant manufacture for? Or who actually makes those expensive tubeless rims?

I'm well aware how sponsorship works, I am sponsored myself and and know the game between athlete/product/sales. The thing is sky is the top of the tree for cycling, and with that much clout and cash could do something interesting with a clothing company in the UK. Rapha must be loving it. Lifestyle high end paired with pure athletes = quids in. The two things that most aspire to, but never reach; being race fit and thinking you look lush as you pass any reflective surface.

[b]I think people who just go straight to the top i.e the proverbial Colnago with Di2 without having turned a pedal are prats[/b]. I believe in a bit of humbleness, an apprenticeship if you like.
I don't want to see discs on road and cross bikes anytime (too) soon.
I can't abide Strava, but value it's worth.

Pot... kettle...

You do come out with some crap! What business of yours is it if people want to start with decent bikes? Jealously.

Must say I like Assos kit (although it was better 5 years ago IMO, but have never tried Rapha, because I'm not a fan of the shit they spout, a friend has several bits though and it looks like really decent kit.

Has anyone considered tat it's ok to buy Rapha, just because you like it. I'm pretty sure that I've liked the look of nearly evrerything I've ever bought in some way shape or form. My kitchen looks nice, it's not just a load of boxes in a pile. My shoes match my coat, I like to buy things from Paul Smith, is it REALLY such a big deal?

I cannot understand one of the earlier comments on how its acceptable to wear old/vintage style replica kit but not the current stuff.

Why thats like saying its ok to drive a vintage Ford but not a current one.

Personally I wear what I want which does include one of last years Adidas Sky Team tops,Also have a Nike TDF yellow jersey.
I'm in no way disallusioned at my cycling prowess of trying to kid people into thinking I'm some sort of Pro(the hairy legs are a dead giveaway) its nice looking gear and beats cycling round in a Man U(insert random football team) shirt.

I cannot understand one of the earlier comments on how its acceptable to wear old/vintage style replica kit but not the current stuff.

+1

I wouldn't wear team kit (retro or otherwise), and frankly I'll judge people who do, because I'm an elitist snob, but I don't think retro stuff is any better, looks even more like you're trying too hard IMO!

Has anyone considered tat it's ok to buy Rapha, just because you like it.

Oh it's far more complicated than that. How can you be so dismissive of the suffering that surrounds such an epic purchasing decision

njee20, everyone should start with a decent bike? There's decent bikes and there's decent bikes.
It's no business of mine at all you're right, but they are prats AFAIC.
Forgive me on being opinionated about certain things.

You do come out with some crap! What business of yours is it if people want to start with decent bikes? Jealously.

He gave his reason and you quoted it

you may disagree with his given reason but to make one up is a bit daft.

It's no business of mine at all you're right, but they are prats AFAIC.
Forgive me on being opinionated about certain things.

Nothing wrong with having an opinion. Bit odd for somebody who loves cycling so much to dismiss others for feeling the same and putting their hard earned behind it. You have no way of knowing if that di2 was bought on a whim or scrimping and saving, it shouldn't matter either way.

True, but I've had good friends go a bit excessive and seen the disappointment when the hard earned didn't elevate their ability.
Today I rode with a guy that's been riding just over a year on a decent Trek, but recently bought a Madone and is over the moon.

Strangely enough, rapha is one of the biggest sponsors of UK cycling.
Make of that what you will.
Is adidas sponsoring UK cycling?
Is Nalini?
Is Pinarello?
Is Endura? (Which is all made in china now)
Is Howies?(china?)
Is Orange?
Is sidi?
Is giro? (All made in China)
Is fox?(china?)
Is animal?(china?)
Get over yourselves. You're all like little spoilt children.

Ooops Dads home.

Strangely enough, rapha is one of the biggest sponsors of UK cycling.
Make of that what you will.

oldgit - Member - Quote
njee20, everyone should start with a decent bike? There's decent bikes and there's decent bikes.
It's no business of mine at all you're right, but they are prats AFAIC.

Is Pinarello?

Buy cheap Chinese ripped off team strips. Jerseys 20 and fit for the job
C

I don't mind the team kit but i won't be going out to buy it as i think we all know on here its just for the mass public to spend cash on and we are all entitled to do what we want with our savings, but lets be honest with the year that cycling has had with being in the Newspapers or on the T.V for all reasons good or bad Cycling is now more than ever becoming dare i say it main stream, never mind if you can ride a bike or not everyone knows who Bradley Wiggins and company are now and they want more of them and Sky will give into that Demand, How long before we are being forced to pay for the Tour of France and the rest by having to Subscribe to Sky sports, its coming mark my words...There is now too much money to be made..!!

[i]I think people who just go straight to the top i.e the proverbial Colnago with Di2 without having turned a pedal are prats[/i]

What an odd attitude. Why does it bother you so much? You should concentrate more on yourself rather than what others are doing, maybe if that happens we'll see less of your whinging 'I'm not very good at racing' posts this season.

oldgit, I don't think you really realise it but you're very much the epitome of why so many road clubs died on their arses in the last 20 years and why so many of the older clubs are being ignored by all the wiggo-inspired newbies even now.

You often moan about the problems with road racing and the lack of support in the UK. Ever thought there might be some connection?

What an odd attitude. Why does it bother you so much? You should concentrate more on yourself rather than what others are doing, maybe if that happens we'll see less of your whinging 'I'm not very good at racing' posts this season.

This. It just seems pathetic that people feel others should have to 'earn' a nice bike.

How long before we are being forced to pay for the Tour of France and the rest by having to Subscribe to Sky sports, its coming mark my words

They're not gonna sell a one month sub though are they! Must admit I'd not be surprised, but I think it'd be a shame. I like the ITV coverage anyway.

TdF is free to watch in France...

They're not gonna sell a one month sub though are they!

afaik - they can and do.

Anyway, it'll always be on Eurosport 🙂
And cycling is one of those sports where I really enjoy the highlights.

As a cyclist you should be concentrating on the pleasure of riding your own bike and not the bitterness of seeing others ride theirs - whatever bike it is.

I'm so glad I'm not a 'proper cyclist'. It seems to be very stressful.

I believe in a bit of humbleness, an apprenticeship if you like.

I kind of get where Oldgit is coming from on this. In the motorbike world, you get older folk going out, passing their test and then buying the latest fastest bike to wobble around on. Not that it affects me in any way apart from the fact that if there's a sportsbike involved in an RTA, nine times out of ten it'll be a middle aged bloke who has only been riding a year or so.

In cycling circles, I went out on a club ride (in winter!) with a local club in Kingston. Without question I was on the least expensive bike there, literally every other bike was a De Rosa with carbon this and Di2 that. Now this alone doesn't bother me, but was does bother me is the fact that they had absolutely no road sense whatsoever. Riding three abreast, no clue about riding in a group, not stopping at red lights - just generally incapable of riding as you should on a club run, almost to the point where they think buying posh gear somehow lets them overlook the need to learn certain skills.

Additionally, ride the fourth cat race at Dunsfold on a friday and look at the value of the kit being ridden there. Then look at all the brakechecking/dropping wheels/inability to ride a bike that goes on. My point (and I think Oldgits to some extent) is that you need to put the time in to learn about riding on the road. Buying Rapha and lots of carbon portrays an image that you know what you're doing. Rapha themselves portray this image that most folks wearing their kit are time served cyclists who put the hours in - ironic as most don't have a clue.

The fact that Nalini make the kit for Rapha sponsored Sky team is a joke. A triumph of marketing in my eyes - fair enough Rapha are funding Team Sky just like QuickStep sponsor a team (I'm pretty certain Boonen doesn't have cheap laminate in his living room). But for a cycling clothing 'brander' (I'm not going to use the term manufacturer) to sponsor a team but their kit not be good enough to race in is a joke considering the image Rapha portray (and charge for).

This. It just seems pathetic that people feel others should have to 'earn' a nice bike.

Bit like say in racing you start of in carts, then get cars then something else
You dont just have pots of money and therefore go straight to a F1 car.

TBH you seem more annoyed at their view than they are about folk being over biked...can I start insulting you now I disagree with you ?

Pathetic, Jealous etc 🙄

TBH i dont actually care what bike folk ride but if you have an expensive bike - be it an Orange 5 for canal towpaths or a top of the range road bike for pootles then i will consider you overbiked and a tad foolish [ or wealthy enough to have really expensive toys that dont add any to your ability to do the "sport"].