Rapha the best...?

[okgo]

I was chatting to a mate earlier and he mentioned he knew someone that worked at Rapha, I said see if he can get discount on a softshell jacket, which is apparently as good as it gets...

I love their stuff, sadly just cant justify the costs...

Who do you think makes the best gear?

[DrMekon]

Assos.

[Rouleur]

Castelli is a great (slightly) cheaper alternative.

[itsnotarace]

I agree Castelli make good stuff. I think Assos and Rapha are pretty equal in terms of quality, but I do prefer the plainer design look of Rapha. Campag and Mavic also make good stuff

If you can't bear the Rapha prices there is always ShuttVR or http://www.torm.cc/

[Chicken Chaser]

I prefer the look of Castelli stuff.

[The Walrus]

They are all pretty similar, you can throw in Santini as well but most of it comes down to fit rather construction, the pad and stitching plus material could be second to none on a pair of assos shorts but if they cut off the circulation to your little fella then they could be made of silk with a mink shammy and make no difference

[oyster]

Are these products really so good, or is there a lot of brand snobbery?

[okgo]

oyster said:

Are these products really so good, or is there a lot of brand snobbery?

I think there is always an element of snobbery, but its quickly apparent if a bit of cycle wear is crap because it will not do what it is meant to do.

[louiebaby]

The Assos catalogue of women's stuff is better than any others I've seen. I don't know about the gear though...

[tomw2000]

oyster said:

Are these products really so good, or is there a lot of brand snobbery?

Same old, same old. Another way to signal wealth innit.

I have assos shorts. I have to say, I think they're very good. Comfortable.
But I have endura shorts that are also very comfortable.

I do not have Rapha shorts, but have a few merino tops which are good quality. But then so are my Howies merino tops. /shrug/.

[Raoul Duke]

Rapha is lovely stuff, the merino tops are a little prone to snags on the material but otherwise the fit and finish is superb and they often have bundle offers which make the cost a little more palatable. I much prefer the plainer, slightly retro look to some of the alternatives but thats personal choice. If the cost is a little prohibitive then i'm another fan of Shutt VR as an alternative, have a few of their bits as well and very impressed with both the quality and customer service.

[andySC]

My mate rides for Rapha Condor Sharp. He's got me the bib tights, long sleeve training top & rain jacket. I don't think the training top is generally available but the tights & rain jacket are. Gotta say, it's all lovely stuff. The quality of the tights & rain jacket is top notch. The fit is very good so as long as you're a skinny bugger. It's almost too nice to put thru the usual winter of slime/salt & crap. Whether I'd be be prepared to pay what Rapha ask for them is another thing but I would be tempted. Overall I'd say it is quality stuff & if you are prepared to fork out for it, you'll be pleased with it.

[RRS_Staffs]

I have a major kink for Rapha but.......

Their sizing is a bit variable, I suspect they knock out gear from several different factories a long long way from the UK which may account for me randomly being a Rapha L or XL
I only buy if returns are free

Their prices are definitely premium
So I only buy their sale stuff

However Rapha gear is lovely
Really lovely
And clearly designed by people who understand what cyclists want/need
Top drawer gear at a price to match although Assos shorts and pads are better IMHO
Oh and my softshell didnt wash as well as Id hoped for the price too.......

[Rocksteadyeddie]

I have a load of both Rapha and Assos stuff. IMHO Assos SS13 stuff is probably the best out there. The fit is superb, and the quality excellent (although you need to size up). "Normal" Assos and Rapha are probably on a par with one another.

What I do absolutely love is Rapha merino wool base layers and socks. A total extravagance (although as others have said bundles and the sale help) but they have a remarkable knack of keeping you warm when it is cool, and cool when it is warm.