Do you guys have experience with the Rapha Classic Bib? I would like to know how good it is in terms of quality and performance, enought to justify the high price tag?


Isadore bibs seems a similar product for a fraction of the cost of Rapha´s bid

Bib

Yes I have them. No they aren't worth full retail, on sale yes, but not full retail.

Now the Core bibs are a different story, they are great for the price.

Ah, Rapha.

At another cycling forum (the name whereof I purposely omit) I had the temerity to openly question the value of their stuff and was summarily excoriated by one and all. I had to quit the place with my tail between my legs.

That´s a good one, what do you think about Rapha? please share your thoughts here

I dont like the looks of the Core so much, I guess Isadore can be a good alternative

I vote a Buy It now versus bid.

Subscribing.

I've got the classic and made the mistake of going up a size rather than down (I'm in the middle between sizes snd got large). It's fine but wish I had smaller. I later order the pro model in medium and it's perfect. When they are on same next I'm getting another pair. I've tried most brands and like these the best. I agree they aren't worth the full price though.

the classic bibshorts' chamois is pretty thick, great for long rides. The best I've had so far, comparing to Assos (S5/S7), Pearl Izumi (Pro), Giordana, and 2XU.

The value is up to the buyer. I determined after buying a few of their items (always on sale) that they would be worth full retail to me (because they really are nice) if I were making six figures. But since I'm not, I wait for the sales.

I have not purchased their bibs, so I can not comment on them specifically. In terms of classic vs. core vs. pro team, I did purchase a "special edition" jersey from them that was only 120 bucks full price, so I can imagine it's more than likely close to what I would expect out of a Core jersey. It was a good fit, but not nearly as nice as the pro team jerseys I have. The pro team jerseys have much more stretch without feeling loose and they wick/breath a whole lot better. Nicer than any other jersey I've had. Plus, if you catch a sale they are only a little more than the Core jerseys. I also have a brevet jersey that is awesome for Texas "winters" or chilly fall/spring mornings.

In my lineup right now I have the rapha classic bibs along with a few different versions of PI, Voler and Assos.
I prefer the rapha classics for any ride over 50 miles. Super comfortable, if you like a pad that's a bit thicker, which i do.

I have several pair of the Classic bibs, one pair of the Core, and one of the Lightweight, all in the same size. I appreciate the more relaxed fit of the classic bibs, and find them the most comfortable of all. If you want a tighter, "performance" fit, then maybe the Core or other choice would be better.

I bought mine several years ago, and they are still going strong. I don't know if they are still made in Italy, but that is a factor in the higher price (the Core line is made in China).

Besides the chamois, do you consider them a quality product? I mean long lasting, Solíd construction etc.

Absolutely. I have multiple bibs that I used to rotate. But I wear the Rapha whenever clean. This often is three times a week. So over six months that's probably 70 times out. They still fit the same as new with no stretching. They look new and the construction is rock solid. They go into the washer and get hung to dry which only tsken a few hours. I couldn't be happier.

I bought a Rapha Jersey recently and I am atarting to ser a couple of holes in the fabric next to the seams. I guess this is just a defective unit, given Raphas reputation.

let them know, and they'll most likely replace it for you.

i've been very happy with all my Rapha gear, and like that i can return it if i didn't like it after trying it.
sales do help a lot, but i'd rather have less clothing and love all of it than having a bunch of gear i'd rather not wear.

They also have a crash repair service.

Rapha | Repair Service

A crash repair service? Whatever for? I thought these togs were only to be worn at high tea!

I have a couple of their lightweight kits and they're among my favorite. I just wish I could combine the features of the rapha kits and my blacksheep kits for an ultimate kit.

As crazy as it sounds, some people wear this stuff while on their bikes!

I was just kidding.

Whether it's worth the price of admission is subjective, BUT it does come with private instruction from one of Rapha's brand ambassadors on how to do the "rapha flip" without dropping your bottle.

The French have a word for that: Panache!

[MENTION=333534]SpeshulEd[/MENTION], will tell us about Blacksheep?

Which products do you own? What do you like about them? What do you dislike? How do they fit?

I am sure only pepople wearing rapha kits are able to do that