When I first became aware of Rapha about 6 or 7 years ago I was turned off by the price. I got my first Rapha Core bibs when I found them on sale at a time when I was looking for some bibs. I usually had to buy new bibs every year. Since using the Core bibs I have learned just what Rapha quality is all about. The bibs last about twice as long. I started buying Jerseys and other stuff. I now own Rapha for everything cycling kit related and Technical T's and socks for everyday casual wear. I am hooked. Maybe pricier? yeah, but the quality is there too and I like that when I buy a piece of clothing I like to wear I don't want to wear it a few times and then it falls apart or stretches out of shape.
I'm new to the sport and their core line at Rapha is on par with other brands' prices and the fit and quality is evident. Prices do balloon upwards but then again why would I buy a $600 bib when I can get the $150 one? I would love a $50 bib with fit and quality to last 2 seasons, sure, but haven't found one. Great gear, great quality, great business vision. What Rapha has likely done is twofold, 1) urge other premium brands to level up and 2) created a higher quality entry segment.
In my rather experienced opinion, Rapha bibs are worth every penny. I’ve gone through a lot of bibs from a lot of different manufacturers, Castelli and Assos included, and they’ve been the best I’ve worn by a country mile.* *I’m wearing Pro Team and my newest pair of bibs were purchased late summer/early autumn 2015, so I’ve no experience in regards to developments thereafter
…and sadly, with the end of Team Sky, their bidons by CamelBak disappeared as well as the very stylish team apparel. :( Best bidons I’ve ever had and now irreplaceable and very much missed, thanks to a curious puppy… haha😂😢
Rapha clearly entered an already crowded marketplace and did well in a fairly short space of time. While the stuff they charge is very pricey, this isn't exactly unusual for anything cycle-related, especially clothing. A lot of cyclists I think are willing to spend good money on kit in addition to their bike/accessories. However, I think Rapha has a reputation as being for people with a bit of an elitist attitude. It has a niche, for people with fairly deep pockets who perhaps aren't overly bothered about price, but just want nicely designed kit. I personally wouldn't go to Rapha because I think there are better brands that offer well designed clothes for an cheaper price, and I think many would agree. Rapha definitely do NOT dominate the market place at all.
I hear people say there are better options for cheaper, but I don't really know of any. DHB is the closest one that comes to mind, but Rapha is still significantly better from my experience. If there is better for less and still looks decent, I'd like to know.
Their core line is not expensive. Great quality for the price. The pro team flyweight jersey is worth the expensive price because it feels invisible in hot humid areas. I’m hooked, it’s the only brand I buy now. A bit more than castelli but lasts twice as long and is way more comfortable.
I'm new to the sport and their core line at Rapha is on par with other brands' prices and the fit and quality is evident. Prices do balloon upwards but then again why would I buy a $600 bib when I can get the $150 one? I would love a $50 bib with fit and quality to last 2 seasons, sure, but haven't found one. Great gear, great quality, great business vision. What Rapha has likely done is twofold, 1) urge other premium brands to level up and 2) created a higher quality entry segment.
When I first became aware of Rapha about 6 or 7 years ago I was turned off by the price. I got my first Rapha Core bibs when I found them on sale at a time when I was looking for some bibs. I usually had to buy new bibs every year. Since using the Core bibs I have learned just what Rapha quality is all about. The bibs last about twice as long. I started buying Jerseys and other stuff. I now own Rapha for everything cycling kit related and Technical T's and socks for everyday casual wear. I am hooked. Maybe pricier? yeah, but the quality is there too and I like that when I buy a piece of clothing I like to wear I don't want to wear it a few times and then it falls apart or stretches out of shape.
As the saying goes... buy cheap, buy twice!
Not sure how people can say that Rapha is expensive, look at other cycling brands of the same quality and they are just as expensive.
I'm new to the sport and their core line at Rapha is on par with other brands' prices and the fit and quality is evident. Prices do balloon upwards but then again why would I buy a $600 bib when I can get the $150 one? I would love a $50 bib with fit and quality to last 2 seasons, sure, but haven't found one. Great gear, great quality, great business vision. What Rapha has likely done is twofold, 1) urge other premium brands to level up and 2) created a higher quality entry segment.
Check out theblackbibs. They sell relatively cheap bibs and jerseys, pretty good quality too.
I use Castelli. 200 euro is the most expensive one they have and it is made in Europe.
In my rather experienced opinion, Rapha bibs are worth every penny. I’ve gone through a lot of bibs from a lot of different manufacturers, Castelli and Assos included, and they’ve been the best I’ve worn by a country mile.*
*I’m wearing Pro Team and my newest pair of bibs were purchased late summer/early autumn 2015, so I’ve no experience in regards to developments thereafter
Great video! Love the cute bike riding across the video!
Glad you enjoyed it Karen!
Could you do one on PAS Normal Studios, or MAAP, everyone is talking about how expensive rapha is, but the aforementioned, oof.
As an avid fan of Pas Normal, this past year their stuff has actually become more affordable than the comparable Rapha gear. Crazy.
@@tmswfrk I am an official fan of PAS, I'm an avid fan as well.
Agreed. PAS Normal _really_ is pas normale when it comes to pricing. Utterly bonkers!
Entering a experience and relationship?
Emporia’s new clothes springs to mind.
The sky partnership is what catapulted them to the forefront
…and sadly, with the end of Team Sky, their bidons by CamelBak disappeared as well as the very stylish team apparel. :( Best bidons I’ve ever had and now irreplaceable and very much missed, thanks to a curious puppy… haha😂😢
Rapha clearly entered an already crowded marketplace and did well in a fairly short space of time. While the stuff they charge is very pricey, this isn't exactly unusual for anything cycle-related, especially clothing. A lot of cyclists I think are willing to spend good money on kit in addition to their bike/accessories. However, I think Rapha has a reputation as being for people with a bit of an elitist attitude. It has a niche, for people with fairly deep pockets who perhaps aren't overly bothered about price, but just want nicely designed kit. I personally wouldn't go to Rapha because I think there are better brands that offer well designed clothes for an cheaper price, and I think many would agree. Rapha definitely do NOT dominate the market place at all.
I hear people say there are better options for cheaper, but I don't really know of any. DHB is the closest one that comes to mind, but Rapha is still significantly better from my experience. If there is better for less and still looks decent, I'd like to know.
Their core line is not expensive. Great quality for the price. The pro team flyweight jersey is worth the expensive price because it feels invisible in hot humid areas. I’m hooked, it’s the only brand I buy now. A bit more than castelli but lasts twice as long and is way more comfortable.
@@cokebottles6919 Sportful.
I'm new to the sport and their core line at Rapha is on par with other brands' prices and the fit and quality is evident. Prices do balloon upwards but then again why would I buy a $600 bib when I can get the $150 one? I would love a $50 bib with fit and quality to last 2 seasons, sure, but haven't found one. Great gear, great quality, great business vision. What Rapha has likely done is twofold, 1) urge other premium brands to level up and 2) created a higher quality entry segment.
@@cokebottles6919dhb is very good in my opinion! Good point.
Good potted history of how it happened at Rapha.
Thanks Cliff, glad you enjoyed it!
I would like to know there the clothes are made.
Okay I searched my name and this popped up it's a different rapha here
What about Assos? How did they happen and how do they compare?
Thanks for the suggestion! We’ll work on it!
I’ve always been put off by the price tbh
Don't let the price put you off, their sales may suit your pocket. 'Buy cheap, buy twice' :-)
'Buy cheap, buy twice' - Wise words!
You should check out Aldi's selection!
I personally don’t think it’s expensive, look at assos/ Castelli
I quite like Le Col. Great quality and without the Rapha stigma
Dominated the market ????? Hmm
2004? dude do some research, its most likely older brand than you
Feel free to check out their ‘About’ page for yourself 🙂
www.rapha.cc/gb/en/about-rapha
Every time I’m out on the road and see someone wearing Rapha gear I cringe inside and also feel slightly sorry for them.