How does BF feel about Rapha?
02-22-10, 01:17 PM
#26
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,304
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
Fixed.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
02-22-10, 01:22 PM
#27
on your left.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 1,802
Bikes: Scott SUB 30, Backtrax MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah the company is named Apple, but most people think of the company as "Mac," as in Mac Computers, Ipods made by Mac. Much of branding has little to do with the legal designation of a company but with the image left in the customer's minds.
They do not market their laptops as Apple Pro..they are marketed as Mac Book Pro.
They do not market their laptops as Apple Pro..they are marketed as Mac Book Pro.
also...Macintosh...that's an Apple. nuff' said.
I'll drop $200+ on a tiny computer that fits in my pocket and is as good for everyday stuff as the laptop that i'm typing this on. But I won't spend $400 on a jacket.
02-22-10, 01:37 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-22-10, 01:37 PM
#29
On the Move
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,219
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I hadn't been to their website in a while. I have no investment in Rapha, but the story with Andy Hampsten in really nice so I'm including the link.
Go look at the Google map satellite view of the road he talks about between Sassetta and Suvereto, it just makes you want to jump on a plane to Italy right now.
https://www.rapha.cc/the-four--a-ride-with-andy-hampsten
Go look at the Google map satellite view of the road he talks about between Sassetta and Suvereto, it just makes you want to jump on a plane to Italy right now.
https://www.rapha.cc/the-four--a-ride-with-andy-hampsten
02-22-10, 01:56 PM
#30
Up on the Down Side
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Chicago(ish)
Posts: 6,334
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
We passed a bunch of Rapha riders, complete with support van, when riding up in Wisconsin last May. They looked like a bunch of riders wearing Rapha stuff who couldn't be arsed to carry their own spare tubes and mini-pumps.
02-22-10, 02:07 PM
#31
Bromptoneer
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 2,942
Bikes: Brompton S2L
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gorgeous marketing, really nice looking apparel, but never actually have tried any of their stuff. A bit out of my cycling price range, rather use that money from the cycling budget on s*** I'll need this year...
02-22-10, 02:23 PM
#33
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
Come down to Texas, I will teach you how to ride a bike and talk..
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
02-22-10, 04:22 PM
#35
One legged rider
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Moraga, CA
Posts: 1,390
Bikes: Kuota Kharma, Surly LHT, CAAD9, Bianchi fg/ss
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Actually I find that Rapha's marketing approach tries a little too hard to be cool–to the point that they come across as pretentious. More Abercrombie and Fitch than Apple. Ironically i do see something in their marketing that gets at the soulfulness of cycling being in the ride, however, and not the product. You have to dig deeper into their website though to get at this. As far as I'm concerned, the cycling apparel equivalent to Apple marketing savvy is Assos. Both have a history as innovators. Both market a premium brand based on this innovation and technological advances in their product lines. Both take packaging beyond the norm and make opening their product an experience in and of itself.
02-22-10, 04:37 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,309
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't know about BF, but I like Rapha, overall.
Not everything works (their criterium gloves for example didn't work for me) but in that case you can return the item fairly easily.
When they work their products are pretty nifty: many feature cool user friendly features, and the look is understated which I like (I avoid on the bike gear with the logo too prominently visible).
It is expensive, but you should be able to wait for what you want on clearance, or a sale, or a discount (at least on shipping). For the same price, I'd rather have 2 jerseys that are subtle, super comfy and durable than 8 loud, poorly made 1/4 zip, ill fitting ones.
Not everything works (their criterium gloves for example didn't work for me) but in that case you can return the item fairly easily.
When they work their products are pretty nifty: many feature cool user friendly features, and the look is understated which I like (I avoid on the bike gear with the logo too prominently visible).
It is expensive, but you should be able to wait for what you want on clearance, or a sale, or a discount (at least on shipping). For the same price, I'd rather have 2 jerseys that are subtle, super comfy and durable than 8 loud, poorly made 1/4 zip, ill fitting ones.
Last edited by Blaireau; 02-22-10 at 04:40 PM. Reason: fear of grammar nazism!
02-25-10, 11:36 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 89
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just received my first piece of Rapha gear yesterday. I ordered the '09 Club Jersey direct from their site. Even on clearance, still a pricey bit of kit, but I wanted something 'nice' and splurged a little. In any event, I received the '10 Country Jersey instead. I'm guessing they sent that one after running out of the last year's Club Jersey. So, I got the newer jersey for the clearance price of last year's model. Even if it was simply a shipping mistake, no harm done, and frankly I feel like I come out ahead. (The red '09 Club Jersey & red '10 Country Jersey are mostly the same, minus stripe placement)
As for the jersey itself, the quality seems really high, and the attention to detail and features is definitely better than the lower-end stuff I had previously been buying. I'm sure there are other jerseys out there that stack up well feature and material-wise for less, but I really like the look and features of this one. That's ultimately all that matters, right?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the first ride in it this weekend and expect it to be comfortable.
As for the jersey itself, the quality seems really high, and the attention to detail and features is definitely better than the lower-end stuff I had previously been buying. I'm sure there are other jerseys out there that stack up well feature and material-wise for less, but I really like the look and features of this one. That's ultimately all that matters, right?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the first ride in it this weekend and expect it to be comfortable.
02-25-10, 03:21 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Posts: 423
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The kit is nice and doesn't make the wearer look like a migrane. Every so often they throw a sample sale in central London, where the prices are more semblant of normal bike clobber, which is nice.
And they're title sponsors, which means that a chunk of the over-price goes back into supporting the sport.
And they're title sponsors, which means that a chunk of the over-price goes back into supporting the sport.
02-25-10, 08:55 PM
#40
Raising the bar
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Newmarket, New Hampshire
Posts: 1,106
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Allez Double (sold), 2009 Kestrel RT 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-26-10, 12:46 AM
#41
Spin Meister
I love Rapha threads, although I've rarely started one. Having enjoyed the over-the-top Rapha advertising, especially essays about bike riding, and as the organizer of a Rapha Continental ride last summer, I have only good things to say about the products.
A couple Rapha jerseys and a windbreaker hang in my closet. Each item has some nice touches. Whether those touches justify the price is up to the individual.
The Rapha riders were great guys, in terrific shape, and they carried their own tire repair equipment (the support van was usually far away, setting up a photo).
My BF story, with pics, about the ride, is here. Here are a few of the pics:
A couple Rapha jerseys and a windbreaker hang in my closet. Each item has some nice touches. Whether those touches justify the price is up to the individual.
The Rapha riders were great guys, in terrific shape, and they carried their own tire repair equipment (the support van was usually far away, setting up a photo).
My BF story, with pics, about the ride, is here. Here are a few of the pics:
__________________
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
02-26-10, 01:07 AM
#42
Senior Member
When I get slimmer, I'm gonna get myself their uber jacket.
02-26-10, 04:33 AM
#43
velo-dilettante
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: insane diego, california
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: 85 pinarello treviso steel, 88 nishiki olympic steel. 95 look kg 131 carbon, 11 trek madone 5.2 carbon
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1628 Post(s)
Liked 3,114 Times
in
1,683 Posts
i dunno, that new sean kelly dark blue/cream/yellow jersey looks pretty swanky...
02-26-10, 04:41 AM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,174
Bikes: 2007 Pergoretti Marcelo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^ - I was digging the Dario Pegoretti pink/cream/grey jersey. It does remind me of T-Mobile however.
__________________
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
02-26-10, 05:05 AM
#45
Senior Member
Kyakdiver, that pic of the troll (baby?) is extremely unsettling. Likely, I will now have to double the sessions with my therapist.
02-26-10, 05:06 AM
#46
velo-dilettante
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: insane diego, california
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: 85 pinarello treviso steel, 88 nishiki olympic steel. 95 look kg 131 carbon, 11 trek madone 5.2 carbon
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1628 Post(s)
Liked 3,114 Times
in
1,683 Posts
all 3 new rapha club jerseys rock! i'd take one for the team and sport any of the 3 should one arrive as a gift...
02-26-10, 11:58 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,309
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
One thing to keep in mind is that Rapha sizing does not correspond to typical US sizing. Usually their medium is a US large. This is especially true with their casual gear: my fixed shirt is tight though I went one size up and got a large!
Once you get the right size it is usually really good quality though.
Once you get the right size it is usually really good quality though.
02-26-10, 04:51 PM
#48
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 294
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I just bought this jacket and sent it back for a larger size. Nice but unassuming. It is supposed to be one of the "best" jackets out there but I will see once I get out on the road with it. I was given gift certificates to Rapha and I figured I'd get their signature piece cuz the other jackets were a little less but quite thin. At the end of the day, my $140 retail Adidas Jacket I got on deep clearance at Nashbar for $31 does a good job.
Look, at the end of the day their stuff is nice, but it is overpriced just like any other brand. This jacket that I just got is their "best" and supposedly one of the better ones out there, but it is Made in China. I sent the large back for an XL as their stuff is a little small and I wear a medium shirt in JCrew, LLbean, Polo if that is any indication.
As far as their advertising, I am very appreciative for their style as their videos are beautiful and capture a lot of the essence of cycling. If you guys are cyclists and don't enjoy their photos and videos, I think you are just being contrarians. There is so little devoted to cycling out there in the media and these little clips and photos are just awesome and whether you think their stuff is for rich Freds or hiptser doofus etc, fine, but their advertising is unarguably amazing.
02-26-10, 05:12 PM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: Moots Vamoots, Colnago C60, Santa Cruz Stigmata CC, and too many other bikes I don't ride
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Yeah the company is named Apple, but most people think of the company as "Mac," as in Mac Computers, Ipods made by Mac. Much of branding has little to do with the legal designation of a company but with the image left in the customer's minds.
They do not market their laptops as Apple Pro..they are marketed as Mac Book Pro.
They do not market their laptops as Apple Pro..they are marketed as Mac Book Pro.
02-26-10, 05:17 PM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: Moots Vamoots, Colnago C60, Santa Cruz Stigmata CC, and too many other bikes I don't ride
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
talking about judgmental! you guys never disappoint.