Rapha Softshell Gilet - Should I ?

[Lard Armstrong]

I am looking for a decent quality Winter gilet (planning ahead). I know the Rapha stuff is pricy, but it's good quality kit and I believe it lasts well.

Any suggestions on alternatives ?

Any personal experience of this item or other Rapha kit ?

Thanks in advance. Lardster.

 

[yello]

Rapha is expensive, too expensive for me in truth, but it is quality. There's no doubt in my mind that it works and is well made too. The function and design is beyond question. Pays your money etc.

I have the Rapha softshell jacket, and their audax shirt. Both were stupidly expensive. Both are the best kit I own. In fact, I'd willingly swap all of my other shirts for another audax shirt - I seriously think it's that good.

 

[Slaav]

Well that answer has answered some of my own questions.... Damn!!! Not what I wanted to hear

Hence my own question re an Assos jersey

Everyone I know has said that Rapha is the real deal etc. Pricey but great gear.

It seems a shame that to get slightly better gear you have to pay loads more - to get really good gear, you have to sell your first born! I bet manufacturing costs are qithin a few £GBPs


Oh well.....

 

[Willo]

Made the mistake of trying on an Assos jersey that was in the sale and it was a lovely fit and felt very comfortable. Couldn't bring myself to buy it given I have enough jerseys (and it's winter!) but did think to myself that providing it lasted I'd get plenty of wear to justify the price. It all depends if you have the £s, or what you're sacrificing to buy it, but I'd say go for it - my logic to justify most cycling (or running) purchases is always that it's cheap if it inspires you to get out on the bike (out for a run), get fit and prolongue your life

 

[John the Monkey]

Rapha is undoubtedly good stuff. Whether it's £40 better than Pearl Izumi (f'rinstance) is debatable, imo.