lazzarello

https://www.rapha.cc/index.php?page=92

Are they worth $195 US?

chzman

Ralpha makes some good gear... worth it? probably not. but then again, i'm usually cheap on the clothes and only buy the best for the bicycle.

shakeNbake

Rapha's more fashion oriented. So you are paying a premium for that.

If you are going to spend that kind of money, might as well get an assos or other high end bibs.

lazzarello

my thinking is that if the Rapha shorts feel the same as Assos's high end shorts, I'd rather go for style. I'm more interested in hearing from someone who currently wears Rapha bib shorts.

ViperZ

The key pocket is a bit interesting considering most people that will wear those shorts, will also be wearing a jersey with back pockets.




Seeing it uses a Nalini Chamois, you should search on Nalini bibs, and see what users have to say about that those as well.

botto 

exactly.

if you're going to spend 200$ on bibs, make them assos.

CrimsonKarter21

My Cannondale shorts has a key pocket, I wish my Pearl Izumi's had one because it keeps my jersey from getting cluttered. I hate it when I pull something out of one of my pockets, and something smaller falls out.

ViperZ

I can dig it


Good thing most of my jerseys have a zippered pocket as well for keys, cash and/or phone

ekimeno

I can't believe I almost dropped £175 on a s/s jersey from Rapha.



I've come to my senses but its soooooo cool

dogpound

all my bibs have the back pocket, maybe its more common on women's bibs.

VanceMac

That shirt rocks from the armpits down...and would be a nice addition at a quarter that price. But that collar is the dorkiest thing I have ever seen on a cycling jersey (items known for their dorkiness).

kleng

In addition to Assos, I'd consider the Adistar Flow bibs with the vent patches.

oilman_15106

Got a WCP catalog the other day in the mail and Assos does not have a lock on high bib prices. Seems everyone is testing the $250+ range.

Ghostman

I'm getting it most definitely....

Gordo789

I thought the collar was pretty boss on that one. Actually I like their tri-color jerseys, but they dont have many in stock anymore.

lazzarello

I guess Fausto Coppi would be a dork by that account

0_o

If you haven't wore anything from Rapha ya can't talk smack about em .
if you want reviews on the Rapha stuff check out https://www.thewashingmachinepost.net/
Man that collar they slapped on the Paul Smith Shirt must be a UK retro thing.... it looks really strange.
I prefer Rapha clothing over Assos clothing, but every person has their own needs and desires so only you can make up your mind on what line is a better fit and feel.
I say go for the Rapha Bibs. Screw the notion of the high cost. It's always good own a couple pieces of high-end cycling clothing once or twice in your life. That away you can finally figure out if high end stuff is really worth the price or not.
As for Rapha's clothing I dig'em because their stuff has that simple look, excellent design is well crafted and comfortable to wear. Their jerseys are so damn friggin comfy and easy to take care.
I am not the best rider in the world but I buy good cycling gear not based on name but more on how the clothing feels and wears.
The premium price to their clothing is due to the quality of material they use and how it's made. If ya don't like something you have purchased from them just send it back ... If you have questions about their stuff Call Rapha up and talk with someone there, they are a great group. Their office hours are 9:30am -6pm .

dogpound

made
in
china

lazzarello

I heard a story about a Chinese business that made counterfeit designer clothing. They would do it up 100% to look like the real thing. Dolce & Gabanna, Versace, Gucci, et al. The most important detail was the label. They couldn't say made in Italy if it wasn't, so the business opened a sweat shot in Italy, imported some cheap labor from their hometown and went to town sewing up "made in Italy" designer clothing, for less!

botto 

only difference is that assos is worth it.

bianchiboy71

I've got a lot of Rapha stuff but none of their shorts - I've got a few pairs of the Assos F1.13s that I swear by.
I was in Condor in London yesterday (bought my wife some Assos Lady F1 bibs) and had a good look at the Rapha bibshorts there, it's one of the few places you can buy them from apart from Rapha themselves. The pad seemed very nice indeed, well padded and low friction. Similar to what I'm used to but blue not orange. The shorts were also a nice matt finish, very classy indeed.
I might give them a go next time I buy some bibs but I can understand the reluctance of spending megabucks without trying them on first.
Incidentally their jerseys are the most comfortable thing I've ever worn on a bike, period.

VanceMac

Yea, because styles and fashion never change over 5 decades.

0_o

bump
Yea I feel the same way about their Jersey's... classic wool & 2007 Race jersey is so damn comfortable make me end up neglecting all my other tops ...
I have the Rapha Fixed Shorts, have them for my bike runs to the coffee shops and 20-30 minute fun rides. Perfect for when i dont want to wear road gear. I got luck my wife bought them on b-day last year...
If anyone goes out and orders the Rapha shorts, kindly post a review on them for us pleazzzzeeee