Rapha..theyre taking the pi$$ right?

Did they not have 20 or 25% off everything over the weekend? And it has now adjusted back to ‘normal’ prices? Only ever buy things in the sale anyway 🙂

Either that or their Black Friday sale ended

Are they intending to go bust or are they simply very very very greedy?

Nope.
Just relying on the rich & gullible.

They did - those were the prices before the Black Friday discount. Except for the jacket which wasnt in Black Friday anyway. Just sheer greed really.

Are you sure you are not looking at Dollar prices?

Cargo winter tights £260 in my browser…

End of their Black Friday sale, prices back to normal.

There's an archive sale on at the moment at their Manchester store if you can get there. Sign up on their social media - if you go to their bio on Instagram, there's a link to get a free ticket to the archive sale which I think is on until Friday.

In person only.

Other brands are available.

Sounds like you have champagne tastes on a lemonade budget...

You're getting to see the nasty effects of inflation now, plus the fall in the value of the pound. £350 quid doesn't sound especially out of line for a premium goretex jacket, Ive just compared it to a bunch of similar

Classic GoreTex Winter Jacket £290

Simple solution, if you don’t like Rapha don’t buy it. Why all this angst

Yeah, really, why bother?
Honestly, it's clothing to ride your bike in. Some works better than others, for sure. Some looks better than others, which is subjective.But really, the difference between Decathlon and Rapha is nowhere near as big as the price differential would make you think.

Rapha stuff half price in 'Sportspursuit' sales right now too. It's terrible looking (IMO) but it might float your boat without sinking your bank balance?

Sportspursuit

Got a mate who rides bikes - road mainly but gives mountain biking a go, he has a few rapha bits of kit bought in sales but says he hates mountain biking in crowded places as he says a lot of people aren't too friendly when he is in his rapha kit.

I've told him to stop being so paranoid and people will just not like the look of his face!

If you can afford it and it works for you then go for it, otherwise, as said by someone else here, there are other options available.

Isn't my cup of tea as the price puts me off but it does seem nicely made kit.

DickBarton
Full Member
Got a mate who rides bikes – road mainly but gives mountain biking a go, he has a few rapha bits of kit bought in sales but says he hates mountain biking in crowded places as he says a lot of people aren’t too friendly when he is in his rapha kit.

It's like driving an Audi or BMW.
It appeals and is marketed to those who like to define themselves by what they own, rather than what they do.

Shakedry is being discontinued, so buy it while you can...

I think most cycling kit is quite pricey these days! Pretty much on par with most brands. Rapha do have some decent kit though, I’ve bought a couple of things in sales and it’s all been excellent. Though when you buy a pair of trail shorts for £40 and they supposedly retail for £100+ you do wonder what the mark up is…

Not got much Rapha stuff but what I have used has been spot on…maybe only the cheaper Core bibs that didn’t last too long, little over a year before being assigned to turbo duties.

I don’t mind paying a premium for decent kit that will see plenty of use.

Plenty out there charging premium prices for average clobber.

They stopped my favourite bib 3/4s. Bought the last pair for £120. And two indoor sleeveless T shirts for £20 each. For premium stuff I buy my club kit, but the Rapha shorts are very good.

I also bought a festive 500 jersey in the sale to sew on the patches (after I’d ridden it not before and that made the price a little more palatable). No more patches 🙁

People who pay rrp for Santa Cruz bikes and Maxxis tyres need something to differentiate themselves from the rest of the rabble. They can't just ride around looking like they raided the sales bin at TK Maxx and Decathlon.

I hope no one slagging off Rapha prices rides a £5k when a £1k would do. 🤣

I've bought a few bits in sales or second hand off ebay. It's (mostly) well thought out, great quality and durable. I've a couple of tops still going strong after 10 years. And I quite like the subtle styling, though some of their stuff can be a bit "Look at me!"

I'm sure some of the hate is based on money envy as much as dislike of people flaunting their wealth. See also Audis and BMW

Showing as £310 for the Insulated Gortex Jacket and £260 for the Cargo Bib Tights? Same price as always?
Riding road a lot I have to admit I buy most of my gear from them.

Lol rapha is far from the most expensive nowadays, actually competitively priced if you look at similar RRP.

What I find odd is people who drop 4k on a bike then spend under 100 on kit from decathlon

Or turn up at cafes on 4k bikes on a Sunday morning and moan about the price of the coffee.

Sounds like you have champagne tastes on a lemonade budget…

But as it's not from the Champagne region of France, it's only really a sparkling faux champagne, the overpriced Cava of cycling kit if you will. Or maybe Prosecco...

Or turn up at cafes on 4k bikes on a Sunday morning and moan about the price of the coffee.

Or park their 60k T6 laden with 20k of bikes, just outside the trail centre car park which is ‘too expensive’.

Or park their 60k T6 laden with 20k of bikes, just outside the trail centre car park which is ‘too expensive’.

Or turn up to a cross race in their 60k T6 laden with £10k of bikes and loudly express their outrage at the idea of a £1 donation to a teenage cancer charity in support of one of the junior riders racing despite a brain tumour.

Never a problem for the guys in shitty Corsas, who will throw in a fiver if they have no change, or come running back with a pound coin after they've got change from the barista van.

MAAP also have a sale on.

https://maap.cc/uk/products/ascend-pro-rain-jacket-desert

There does seem to be a bit of a boom on expensive top end cycle wear over the last few years.

I bought a Rapha Trail jersey and although looks great and fits well, it doesn't perform as well as my cheaper DHB jerseys.

🤷‍♂️

As others said, other good brands are available.

Rapha rage, an intrinsic part of digital cycling since - googles - er, 2004 🙂

ps: traditionally someone needs to pop up and claim that their Aldi shorts are every bit as good and only cost a fiver.

Just relying on the rich & gullible.

It appeals and is marketed to those who like to define themselves by what they own, rather than what they do.

Totally pointless comments that just smack of jealousy and bitterness. We should all be wearing tolstovkas comrades!

I have a mix of riding gear, including 20 year old Campag bibs that really should go in the bin, Endura, Nike (liner shorts), and more recently some Le Col and Rapha. All either gifts or bought in the sales. Le Col and Rapha prices are eye watering but I have to say they are the most comfortable and well made that I’ve owned. I used to sneer at people wearing Rapha and make pointless comments like those above, but actually if I had the money I’d buy a lot more of it.

Are they intending to go bust or are they simply very very very greedy?

They're far from the most expensive now, Mapp, La Passione, Cafe du Cyclist etc - loads of brands are more expensive.

i have a Rapha hoodie... which i bought in the sale. Thats where my Rapha wardrobe starts and finishes.

I would like more of their gear, but i am not willing to pay the prices. Always look at the sale stuff, but again, its usually outside of what i am comfortable with spending or what i perceive to be good VFM.

The mark up is undoubtably high, but thats how you keep your brand exclusive and lusted after. And as stated by others, you know someone has a few quid if they are head to toe in the gear. That is (oddly) important to some folk. Status symbols, will waving, virtue signalling etc.

But by all accounts, i dont often read bad reviews or real world feedback about the stuff. Plus they will do their best to fix any damaged garments and give you a discount if you need to size down due to weight loss etc. So not all bad.

+ beihler, velochio, even good old Assos, patagonia

There does seem to be a bit of a boom on expensive top end cycle wear over the last few years.

Arguably a lot of that is [b] because [/b] of Rapha. When they came onto the scene everyone was like "HOW much?!" because most if what you could buy was basic Altura/Endura type stuff or roadie-style tops (or your own cycle club kit) and they really did shake the market up. There were a few companies who tried to copy them in the early days (most with very limited success) until eventually brands like Assos caught up and new ones like Pas Normal Studios, Mapp etc managed to get a foothold.

Now, Rapha are priced relatively upper mid range compared to some brands and kit you can get.

Have one short sleeve top that I bought just because of the colour (it was one of the Lost Legion ones) and it does feel a wee bit more premium than my usual Sportful/Morvelo tops, maybe just the waist and sleeve construction which is good and grippy.

Had some core bibshorts which for the price were easily the nicest fabric and cut I've ever worn, just didn't get on with the pad sadly. When I damaged them on a ride (later discovered they'd been snagging on a stray but of seatpack velcro) Rapha replaced them free of charge, no quibbles, which makes the upfront costs a bit more palatable.

Not my go-to brand but I'm less judgemental about the price and image than I used to be 😎

All those sponsored athletes and fancy marketing costs money. Thats what you're paying for. I've a few Rapha items mainly because they're one of the few brands that sell male clothing in hi-viz pink which is great for visibility on the roads.

Well I think Rapha is a fantastic company. Considering they only started in 2004 they ought to be commended for what they have achieved as a buisness. Castelli is 100 years older(!) and the Rapha brand is now just as strong, (stronger in the UK probably) and the kit is just as good, if not better in places. No, I wouldn't buy a 300 quid jacket, but if people will then why on earth wouldn't you sell it to them?! Live and let live...

Totally pointless comments that just smack of jealousy and bitterness. We should all be wearing tolstovkas comrades!

More that people have sympathy for people struggling to cope when their monthly food shop went up from £300 to £400*, very little sympathy for middle class cyclists moaning that their jacket has gone up from £300 to £400.

Let's face it, the inflation on food and heating has been a lot more than that Rapha Jacket, and the jacket you really won't notice if you don't buy it.

Am I a dirtbag for getting the £36 womens all day leggings?

As a point of comparison what's the cheapest Goretex cycling jacket on the market - rrp , no funny discounted prices.

I don't have much Rapha stuff - the quality on most of it is pretty good/very good, only one thing is meh. Pricing was inline with other brands..

And as stated by others, you know someone has a few quid if they are head to toe in the gear. That is (oddly) important to some folk. Status symbols, will waving, virtue signalling etc.

How is wearing Rapha 'virtue signalling'?

Agree on the Core shorts for being very good. Mine are looking a bit tatty now but are 4-5? Years old now and seen plenty of wear.

I do think we should be championing Rapha a bit more for their style, quality, warranty and being from these shores.

I couldn't see an Italian slagging off Castelli kit for being too elitist.

Maybe we culturally (a big generalism) don't really like to see others showing off their wealth.

But I do empathise with the OP about the price increases we are seeing.

But It's maybe a sign of our sport/pass time (or could be just this forum) that inflation is being highlighted by top end cycling kit and not by necessities like food, mortgages/rent and energy.

How is wearing Rapha ‘virtue signalling’?

apologies, my mind was wandering whilst typing, i meant people being ostentatious.

Which, just for the record, i am cool with. Folks can wear what they like in my book.

How is wearing Rapha ‘virtue signalling’?

It clearly isn't but you have to hate other people for a reason so just make some up.

Just got back from my ride in my core long sleeve that was £60 7 years ago and worn 8 months of the year and still looks like new with my core winter jacket on top that is around 3 years old and worn 4 months of the year and also still looks like new and was around £90 and it was comfortable and as well performing as ever

Not a bad price for nice fitting, well performing and IMO nice looking cycling gear that gets a lot of use.

being from these shores.

The brand is. The clobber, not so much.

As above, all the Rapha kit I have is very nice, has lasted very well and these days, seems to be in line with everyone else’s nice kit.

I do think they were the driver behind nice kit at ++ pricing though, but as long as the kit is good, I’m fine with it.

Am I a dirtbag for getting the £36 womens all day leggings?

If you have to ask.....

And as stated by others, you know someone has a few quid if they are head to toe in the gear.

You also know they are several years out of date, most self respecting stylish cyclists wouldn't touch Rapha but prefer Pas Normal, Assos, Maap, Chpt3, 7mesh etc.

It's owned by Walmart, that's the final nail in the dead brand coffin.

As a point of comparison what’s the cheapest Goretex cycling jacket on the market – rrp , no funny discounted prices.

Cheapest Shake Dry jacket is Raphas.....

Totally pointless comments that just smack of jealousy and bitterness

Jealous, bitter? Why’s that then? Do you think I can’t afford it?
I prefer value for money over Chinese imported stuff.
Not all Rapha products are Chinese but a fair few are.
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/stories/ktc-china

Anyway, if you can afford etc etc…….

Its outrageous, lets hope the government step in and do something for the poor middle class cyclists who are struggling with such harrowing price increases in top end leisure clothing.
I'm writing to my MP right now to see if she can get some emergency funding and to raise public awareness. I have suggested the local soup kitchen could go so we can make space and funding available for this.

If you're getting on a bit and blow your dough on exorbitant gear would that be 'will waving'?

surely 'will waiving'

Gore tex have now discontinued the ShakeDry fabric so this might have something to do with the price increase.

Have a few items that were bought half price...which is about right for what they're worth in my mind. When they get things right it makes the garments some of the best on the market, the classic winter jersey for instance. But, and it's a big but...the sizing across various fits across the range is all over the place - I have medium garments which are loose and larges which are skin tight, and that's just across core and classic, not racer cut pro. Got some classic shorts and they are very average even at 1/2th price, weirdly oversized diaperesque pad, fabric pills after a few rides - brands like Giordana make better shorts at half the outlay, and Assos are in a different league...

What Rapha get right though is the all important aesthetics for the new generation of rider whose core goal is to cultivate an edgy appearance on their Insta feed.

Those people saying how ironic it is when people are riding £5k bikes and wearing decathlon trousers.. you do realise that's because all their hard earned pennies went on their bikes? You could arguse that comparatively there's a greater difference between a £1k bike and a £5k bike than there is a £30 - £200 pair of trousers? And anyone who disagrees that there's not a noticeable difference between those two figures needs to go to specsavers!

My decathlon trousers have lasted one season before getting a hole in the bum from the mud grind. Won't be forking out that sort of money though, will just have to bide my time and wait for the summer season discounts and for the hole to get even bigger. I like the quality of rapha gear but thats beyond my wallet as currently paying for two new bikes! I love 7mesh stuff as well and mons royale and have a couple of chosen pieces but again try to only pick them up in sales etc.

They had a clearance no sorry an Archive sale I saw advertised on Facebook recently - surely that's the place to purchase their old stock sorry classic clothing, that they'll no longer make cos no one wanted to buy it.

....anyway, a 5k road bike for 2023 is an entry level Tiagra build. Talking of exchange rates and the strength of the 'great' british pound, have you seen some of the bike pricing for the coming 2023 models - for instance, Trek's good but ultimately mundane ploddy Domane is £7.5k for 105, £9.7K for Ultegra...top end, don't ask. Worlds gone mad, before long as this pricing inflates, riders will be leasing their rides on PCP deals... or shunning the capitalist dystopia bollx and fully embracing recycling the retro.

anyway, a 5k road bike for 2023 is an entry level Tiagra build

Not even close…

for instance, Trek’s good but ultimately mundane ploddy Domane is £7.5k for 105, £9.7K for Ultegra…top end, don’t ask

Yeah, but both those gruppos have gone to Di2, so you're not comparing old 105 with new 105 in function or cost. The issue is that there is a gap in the market where mechanical 105 used to sit.

….anyway, a 5k road bike for 2023 is an entry level Tiagra build.

Presumably a joke?

Worlds gone mad,

the world hasn't gone mad, the pounds gone bad. I bet if you look at their US pricing, it hasn't changed much year-over-year

Just out of interest, what I actually said was.....

It appeals and is marketed to those who like to define themselves by what they own, rather than what they do.

I didn’t say it was exclusively bought by that type of person.

An analogy;
I see loads of German Ego Chariots on my commute. Most are being driven sensibly. But when I do get cut up, pulled out on or nearly get sideswiped on a roundabout due to lack of indication, it's usually a posh German car. Or in the Ribble Valley, a Range Rover, which seems to be exclusively driven by areseholes.

….anyway, a 5k road bike for 2023 is an entry level Tiagra build. Talking of exchange rates and the strength of the ‘great’ british pound, have you seen some of the bike pricing for the coming 2023 models – for instance, Trek’s good but ultimately mundane ploddy Domane is £7.5k for 105, £9.7K for Ultegra…top end, don’t ask. Worlds gone mad, before long as this pricing inflates, riders will be leasing their rides on PCP deals… or shunning the capitalist dystopia bollx and fully embracing recycling the retro.

Trek website currently has 105 Domane pricing starting at £3400

Specialized Tarmac 105 much the same: £3,500.
Prices might go up at some point next year, but a 100% increase doesn’t seem likely.

Specialized Tarmac 105 much the same: £3,500.
Prices might go up at some point next year, but a 100% increase doesn’t seem likely.

Cube Attain SL is 105 at £1750.

Planet X Pro Carbon Sram Force AXS is 2.9k, buy that and you can go mental in the Rapha shop.....

Presumably a joke?

Alright, am prone to some mild exaggeration... had another look and it's not as bad as first thought down the range, just couldn't get over the sticker shock of a 7.5K 105 bike- am old enough to remember when that would have netted the rider a TDF level build, it's not that long ago...

Alright, am prone to some mild exaggeration… had another look and it’s not as bad as first thought down the range, just couldn’t get over the sticker shock of a 7.5K 105 bike- am old enough to remember when that would have netted the rider a TDF level build, it’s not that long ago…

Yeah, they have gone up a lot over the last few years, but, like I said, electronics and hydraulics have to be paid for. (And the Spesh fanboi tax.) My C'dale CAAD4 105, with Rolf wheels was just over £1k, but that was 23 years ago. 😀

shunning the capitalist dystopia bollx and fully embracing recycling the retro.

You've never looked at the price of [s] old top end shiny but actually crap and not as good as modern altus bike parts [/s] retro bike parts prices have you?

You’ve never looked at the price of old top end retro bike parts prices have you?

I've never needed to, my loft is full of boxes of the stuff. Take them out to give them a good lick every now and again, maybe to build something up for old times sake... maybe I should sell some stuff...

brands like Assos caught up

Surely Assos predate Rapha with the expensive gear?

I think that the difference is Assos is cycling gear, and Rapha has a big line in lifestyle bullshit.

think that the difference is Assos is cycling gear, and Rapha has a big line in lifestyle bullshit.

wasn’t the historical dislike of rapha because of their over stylized marketing, rather than the cost?

They had a clearance no sorry an Archive sale I saw advertised on Facebook recently – surely that’s the place to purchase their old stock sorry classic clothing, that they’ll no longer make cos no one wanted to buy it.

Sneer at it if you want but I got some clothing from the Archive Sale just this morning. Loads of stuff there at silly low prices - I doubt they'll be making any margin at all on it but it's better than it going to waste.

Hope you didn't get the dodgy version of the classic short, the one where they re-designed it in a strange way with the weirdest leg gripper known to man. I got mine with greatly hyped expectations, expecting sliding into them to be like having the buttocks gently caressed by the pillowy hands of angels, and came away mildly disappointed.

Personally I don't get the hate. There's loads of guys and girls I see on road bikes here in southern Manchester and there's a lot of Rapha, and honestly they look pretty good. It's well made, has decent colours and they look pretty pro. Then I look at myself and my riding buddies and we all look like we've staged an ambush at the sports rail at the local charity shop.

I have a few bits of Rapha kit that I love. If you prefer wearing Fox stuff, or whatever, fair enough. Bored of anyone caring any more. Wear what you want.

RRP are just there to hype the market and attract investors.

Most MTB stuff is lavishly overpriced, sometimes the cardinal sin of overpriced and dog shit quality to boot!

Aren't Rapha mostly just priced to sell to the money to burn "we like nice things" customers.

I'm lucky as I've bought a few of their tops and shorts and always sent them back as they just don't fit me. Tops are too short, but fit everywhere else or long enough but then loose in the wrong places. Tried some shorts and they didn't feel or fit well either. My money goes elsewhere.

What I find odd is people who drop 4k on a bike then spend under 100 on kit from decathlon

*waves*

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