So This is a bit early for me to be posting questions about what i want for xmas, but the new Rapha Fall line came out today and I got super excited. My mom always gets me one really big gift (I'm way too old to be getting this much spent on me, but lets face it, I cant afford to spend this much unless I save up, while she can so I'll take it lol).

I just bought a rapha pro team jacket for the colder riding which I'm super excited to use this winter. I was thinking about asking for the matching pro team insulated bib shorts for Xmas. (I would rather have insulated bib shorts over knickers and use leg warmers) The regular pro team bib shorts seem to be a rather thick material when comparing them to any other brand of bib shorts I have had in the past. I have always ridden with regular bib shorts for the winter but though having insulated ones would be sweet for winter. Some of those cold rides can leave you looking like an 8yr old getting in the shower after a really cold ride if you know what I mean

BUT...

I have also been in the market for a rapha vest so I could just layer for my cooler rides. Rapha is releasing a new LS jersey and Gilet combo and I'm in love with it. I was thinking that the LS jersey and vest would be more versatile than insulated bib shorts. PLUS the Vest and jersey would match my current Lime green rapha pro team bib shorts and SS jersey I already have.

Which would you feel to be a more beneficial item?

Insulated Bib shorts-$260
New LS jersey/Gilet-$300


Here are some picts of the new LS jersey/vest




Here is my current kit

Coincidentally, I just splurged today too, after surfing the Rapha website and deciding on buying an Assos winter jersey instead because the Assos jersey was MUCH less expensive. (it was on sale at colorado cyclist, if anyone is interested.)

Just thought I'd share because I know you'll get a chuckle...I bought the other plaid sugoi jersey. So now I have a red/blue one and a black/white one.



I really need to get rid of some jerseys.

HAHAHA I CANNOT believe you got the white and black one too!!!!!

Assos (Ribble has extra 10% off) or Danny Shane (for the plaids)....

Is the color of the gilet/jersey also listed as lime green, also? Maybe I'm alone in this, but I avoid colors that are "close, but not quite."

Haha, I couldn't resist. I have to admit, it looks pretty awesome while wearing it. It has all the drop shadows printed perfectly, so it looks like there really are buttons and pockets on the jersey.

Also, to answer your questions...I say, go with the LS Jersey/Gilet. The Rapha bibs are great I'm sure, but you can get away with wearing another brand of plain black bibs at the moment...and the bibs will always be there. I think the jersey/gilet combo will move fairly fast since its something new. It's also relatively cheap in Rapha terms - you're getting two items for a little more than the price of 1. Right now they have the hi-vis gilet for $160 and $200+ for any long sleeve jersey...you're saving nearly $100 by getting the pair together. (I think I might have just talked myself into getting it as well.)

gc3, you're my hero. I had never heard of Danny Shane before, but they have been appropriately bookmarked. I really need to stop buying jerseys. I think I can honestly say I have more jerseys than properly fitting work shirts. Perhaps I can get away with wearing kit at the office, all the ladies love the spandex anyway.

They are exactly the same color. Rapha refers it to chartreuse. My picture looks lighter because of my cell phone but they are the same.

Personally, I'd purchase the item that you could use most immediately (what gets you out riding) and what your climate demands, rather than having nice, new gear just waiting in the closet to be used. I'm not exactlty sure how cold it gets up in Oregon City.

I'm digging the gilet by itself actually... I will definitely be picking up one of those, as most of my kit is all black.. the ls jersey is just icing on the cake... although, i don't exactly see the benefit of a long sleeve jersey in comparison to a ss with warmers or with a ls base layer underneath.

my vote goes for the gilet combo. more versatility, and high-viz iz in.

also, @bianchi10, did you happen to grab the hardshell jacket in chartreuse? that would compliment your kit quite well.

thanks for the input. I wouldn't get the hardshell, but I do still want the chartreuse wind jacket.

for some discounts, when on the Rapha site, check out the clearance section. there's still a pretty good selection of sizes, and they'll keep marking them down as sizes diminish.

Also, any word on when the chartreuse gilet releases?

Late October ;-)

The US headquarters is in Portland and I may pop in to see what they say.

I'd go with the gillet. Why?
1. I think matching is cool.
2. I don't fully understand the benefits of insulated bib shorts (haven't experienced a winter yet).
3. Matching is way pro.

I'm lusting after Capo's new GS-13 bibs and jerseys for a matching, attention grabbing, aspect. I've always liked Rapha's chartreuse bibs as well. So matching them is awesome IMO.

My parents are super into safety (not that that's a bad thing), but maybe I can convince them to get me a Capo GS-13 jersey. But that might be the only thing I get for Christmas.

Dammit now I want one of those plaid jerseys. I new I should not have read this post. The Rapha are cool as well. .

I was seriously considering this also, but I just saw the price. $300 for a jersey and vest are out of my price range.

+1. What does a yellow cycling vest cost when it doesn't say Rapha? Jaysis.

Lol!!! "Jaysis"

Probably $50

That's an extra $50.00 per letter.

b10, where you around these boards when OCP was the big thing? They'd struggle to keep up with you...

Lol yeah I can get a bit OCP for sure

At least they're printing "RAPHA" really large now so people on the other side of the road can see it.