Rapha - worth the money?

May 21, 2009 11:59 AM

Experiences with Rapha cyling gear?

I've heard great things about Rapha stuff, and I've seen it well reviewed in magazines. I'm looking for opinions from anyone who has bought some of the clothing and used it regularly over time; dirtied it, washed it, stretched it, dried it, etc. I am happy to shell out if the quality is right, but I don't want to spend money on a label and a fitted cut if the materials and construction aren't up to scratch.

So.. it looks great, people say it's great, but how is the quality and durability of the Rapha stuff some way down the line? Worth the money?

posted by fire&wings to shopping (5 comments total)

It does look great, and washes/wears really well. My boyfriend splurged and bought a couple of pieces last season for the windy/colder weather cycling we have in the Bay Area, and they still look brand new despite lots of wear/washing. He never dries any of his cycling gear in the dryer (well, with the exception of base layers, gloves, socks), which I think helps the pieces keep their shape.
posted by mochilove at 12:43 PM on May 21

It's definitely spendy, but it's also well-made and a lot nicer in styling than the usual stuff.

mochilove is right; the key to not ruining nice cycling gear is to wash in cold water and line dry it.

There was a Rapha review by James Huang on cyclingnews.com recently but my iPhone-fu is insufficient to the task of linking it here, sorry.
posted by lonefrontranger at 1:08 PM on May 21

I've heard it's great stuff and even more overpriced than Assos (also great stuff). I think the only reason to buy a piece is because you found a specific style no other line has - Rapha and tweed come to mind - or because your club jersey is Rapha. :)
posted by kcm at 1:08 PM on May 21

I've raced in the same long sleeve Rapha jersey for two years. I machine wash & dry it and generally treat it like dirt. The jersey has held up beautifully and feels just as good as the day I got it.
posted by cuando at 1:43 PM on May 21

I'll admit to wincing with regards to the pricing of Rapha gear but it is AWFULLY nice. Wearing it regularly brings to mind the saying that the pleasure a high quality item brings you often lasts far longer than the pain of the expense. I've been pleased with everything I've bought from them. For what it's worth, once you get into their system as a customer you'll get the occasional notice of a sale. That helps reduce the pain a little bit.
posted by LastOfHisKind at 2:59 PM on May 21