Our Honest Opinion On Rapha

I bought some thermal (fleece) leg and arm warmers that have totally changed the game for me, much more versatile than tights but heaps warmer than normal arm and leg warmers. Even just the arm warmers over normal baselayer/jersey combo is really warm on a cold day.

Fair comments. Francis ended this clip in a cryptical way saying there are other brands producing better kit. Sure but if you picked Rapha by name, it would be nice to mention the others, would it not…? 😊

Very interesting question! Love the debate! From both of your perspectives, which brands are underrated? And what brands would be a better option than Rapha? Thanks again!!

Rapha archive can be a winner!
Or in the sales

Rapha is like The Beatles for cycling kit. So many bands have been inspired by/ripped off their sound over the past 60 years that for a casual listener who’s never heard of them, they wouldn’t sound revolutionary. Yet, they’re the sole reason that rock/pop sound is omnipresent today.

Whatever cycling kit brands Francis can name are better than Rapha. They have been inspired/copied/borrowed bits from the Rapha look and formula.

Before Rapha it was just team kit and black/yellow, black/red, black/blue kit with large letters saying PERFORMANCE or SPEED.

Thanks for your opinion. Yous guys are cool baby cool.

Overrated as opposed to or based on what? Wasn't a very insightful opinion here.

They are so highly rated, it’s hard say they are overrated, such that you almost have to say they overrated

So a bit unfair.

As they both said, they are very good kit, I really love. But it is $$$

Nowadays with people buying PNS stuff because Rapha is not "subcultural" anymore I would say they are underrated. Quality is great and the prices are fair.

F Rapha because they took LMNH out of the biz.

Can’t comment on the lycra stuff but I’ve owned or at least tried most mtb clothing brands and love rapha. Great fit, non-plasticcy feeling materials and the shorts hold their shape very well, unlike fox, tld and the like. If you factor in the repair service they’re not that expensive.

Been watching your videos from day 1. Have to say disappointed the material is going down this route..

One thing Rapha is massively underrated on is that it’s sizing mirrors normal clothing.

Buying cycle kit can be a lottery and sometimes you need to buy several sizes with the knowledge you’ll have to send stuff back. With Rapha, I’ve found if you’re a small t shirt, you’ll be a small in its sizes too.

That said, Attacus is always my first port of call!

Not tried it, but have tried Castelli, ridiculous fitting. XXXXXXXXXL (vs L in Endura)

The Rapha core range of kit represents good value for money for the average cyclist in my opinion

RAPHA- "We want to be ASSOS but we have no history or heritage. So let's just make it all up! Cycling consumers seem to be extra gullible, so we'll make a killing, then sell out to some clowns with massive trust funds!"
Marketing-marketing-marketing. Overrated? Of course! There's no there there. Just marketing.
Quality depends on who is making the stuff for them. I've seen Chinese labels on it as well as Made-in-Italy so the RAPHA name guarantees just one thing - a high price!

ooooh, Zelda cup

I'll always be grateful for rapha being at the forefront of helping usher in stylish cycling kit. That said, their quality took a nosedive in recent years and they got away from the subtle branding that drew me to them initially - everything they put out now seemingly is plastered with multiple large RAPHA logos.

Wait a second. I’m lost here. How did Rapha lead to the closure of Look Mum No Hands??

I really like Rapha, I like the things they do off the bike I like that they have a club house and if I lived nearby I would definitely go on a few rides, I like that they have a mobile coffee bus that shows up on sportives to have a free cup of coffee, I like there gear from core to pro but I only buy it in the sales as they are hella expensive.

Like most cyclists, I own a hodge podge of kits. Primal, Rule 28, Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, and a couple throwback kits from random websites. In terms of comfort, my 2 Rapha kits are the most comfortable out of all of them.

I’ve tried Oakley, but after ordering 3 different jersey sizes and none of them fit right, I quit trying.

Cafe du Cycliste for ever!

Rapha lead the way to vastly improving cycle clothing and the image of the sport

Do one on Muc-off

Fwiw, almost my entire kit is from Rapha. Mostly because their fit is consistent and as much as I love things from other companies, as a newer cyclist that is taller and not stick thin, I’ve often had to return them. Rapha has been amazing for this consistency.

Attacus crotchless bib shorts are my fav

My relationship with Rapha started when I couldn’t fit into any cycling kit due to my weight. After a medical incident I got my head right and lost 5 stone. At that point I walked into their Manchester store and bought an xxl classic jersey and never felt prouder, I could fit into it, it was tight but I could. Rapha was a goal now achieved.

Look mom no hands was such a cool spot. When I was at uni I lived down the road from there and happened upon it. It was my study spot before I knew a thing about cycling. Just now finding out it’s closed RIP

How about Biehler syndicate clothing? What’s your thoughts?

Wait it is not about Quake...