I don't mind paying a lot for something if it lasts several years. My solution for warm weather commuting has been board shorts, they are great for biking. I bought some cheap Quicksilver board shorts and they lasted about 3 months of riding and washing. Bought some $60 pairs from ParAna and 3 years and 300+ washes later they are perfect. I run, bike, workout or swim in them like every day. Quality is always worth the money, it's just hard to find.

I don't know much about Rapha quality so I'm not willing to gamble 140 on them. I think their cycyling clothes are more about fashion than cycling so you are probably just paying $$$ for the brand name.

I tried on some Levi 511 Commuters the other day, they are made for cyclists and have the full wicking/anti-microb/water-resistant/stretch package plus a ulock loop on the back but it just felt weird. I can't imagine biking in something as thick as jeans.