Rapha launches new City collection

350 is taking the piss, but I don't have to buy one, so not really an issue.  See also 12 quid for a bidon.  Think I'll give that a miss too.

I wish they'd reign in the whole lifestyle/fashion bit, as I'm sure it's great stuff, but comes with such an image that it puts me off wearing it. 

Great to have a Rapha post with sensible discussion.

My experience is the same as most. I have quite a bit of kit like classic jerseys, bibs, jacket, brevet and touring shorts -- all have been fantastic though the merino stuff from 5 yars ago is starting to whiff a bit even after washing each time. Have used the repair service for touring shorts a couple of times (bad button design) and have been delighted with the service. 

Have the commuter jeans and windshirt, both in sales but would now consider buying full price. Very well designed, no problems so far and certainly would not be considered to look 'sporty' at all so can wear all the time. 

My own 'misses' aside from the touring shorts - jacket reproofing needed sooner than expected , brevet longsleeve sleeves are, well, quite long and then odd sizing of merino baselayer which is baggy in L compared to my mesh merino baselayer in the same size which is skin tight. 

I love Rapha gear and find it some of the best made and nicest fitting on the market and in that respect maybe a premium is worth paying ?

But £350 for a jumper ??? They must be on crack..

all depends what you mean by "worth" really, and how much you ride and in what conditions. I do about 200 miles a week all year round, and a lot of the time I go out before breakfast because the only time I ever get the chance to get some miles in (weekends?  You're kidding ...)

I always thought their prices were ridiculous, but never went out even in mild rain because  it was a miserable experience. Then I got a Rapha pro-team jacket for Christmas, and suddenly discovered it is possible to go out even in blizzards and be comfortable, and I lost about 3 stone too. I've now acquired so much cycling gear (mostly in sales, and not all Rapha, but a lot) that the rail in my wardrobe actually collapsed. Properly busted, in both senses

But I now actually look forward to horrendous weather, because there's nothing quite like riding the storm. I've got plenty of Santini gear from Prendas, I think their retro jerseys look fantastic, but as the years go by it's clear that the Rapha kit is just better  made. 

You'll be pretty glad of the free Rapha repair service if you need it too. I had worn a new pair of 3/4s for about 25 minutes last year before crashing, breaking my wrist and shredding all the clothes I was wearing - all immaculately repaired for free. 

but if you've a ten minute commute, or just an hour or so at the weekend, then I'm not sure you'd get the value. Looks nice though, if that's what you're into, and it's totally your busines. I can't conceive of spending any money at all on non-cycling clothes, but I've no opinion whatsover about anyone who wants to spend their cash on designer jeans/tshirts (as long as the workers are properly paid)

I've had to go on the Rapha website just to check that £350 for a jumper wasn't a typo.

I love their kit that I have, including a Merino sweatshirt I got in the sale for £50.

However, £350 is obscene!

Many more hits than misses but, this year, for me, some surprising mis-steps. The Pro Team Jacket is gone and replaced by something that might not be quite as good (given the same name). The classic softshell replaced by the winter jacket which seems nowhere near as water resistant (or indeed proof) and may not be as warm. Those two were standouts, stop messing with them. The Brevet windblock long sleeve I returned as it's more like a thin base layer with a shell suit outer. The shadow stuff is way more than any comparable product. 

I'd say yes, worth it, generally speaking. Commuter gear no clue about. There are quite a few misses though in their regular products, and some design faults are frustrating.

Some examples that are often repeated and I've experienced myself: 

Saggy pockets as a result of making overly generous waist sizes in the Pro Team jerseys, which are nicely fitted everywhere else. Just plain weird and looks daft having sagging pockets. 

Nose wipe only on right hand of glove only (a lot of people wipe with their left so both sides should be used).

Oddly long arms on some pieces, like their newer Pro Team winter gear (Training Jersey, Softshell Jacket) (the jackets of which also suffer from odd bulging in the chest making you look like you have 36DD's when you lean over - maybe not easy to fix if you're designing a stiffer jacket that sits right in riding position - think about it).

Zip pockets that aren't large enough to take modern sized phones.

Large printed text that cracks and makes bibs look dated before their time.

At sale prices they're my favourite outfitter, except Assos which I think make the better bibs from my limited experience there. They're also great for making fun of, so a bit of value there too - they do ask for it, you can't deny that.  For summer gear, pretty much anything will do. Just whatever you like the look of that's temperature appropriate.

But for cold weather gear, then yes I will pay £140 for a bombproof, warm, softshell jacket from Rapha (sale price) and do think that's well worth it when out in freezing, pissing conditions which I struggled with last year. Training Jersey, £110 (well £0, birthday gift last month), will use it 3 or 4 times a week, for 7 or 8 months, bright yellow, cosy down to 6 degrees without a base layer - yes I do think that's worth it. 

Aero jersey, £120? Long Sleeve Aero £150? Dunno. I'd grab one on sale £5 or so sometime maybe, which they do go down to, but for me I can't see value in paying big money for a summer jersey here. That's just aesthetics, which I'm into - but not wealthy so I don't spend purely on aesthetics. There has to be other value there. 

Bit of an essay there 

Is it worth it? Probably not, will people buy it and much more expensive casual cycling kit? just ask vulpine et al. http://road.cc/content/tech-news/209903-vulpine-launches-luxury-winter-c...

You cant blame them for making money when the market is already there and waiting, plus their the cheap ones for once! Never thought rapha would end up the budget option!

And, for what its worth they will be the happiest, comfiest commuters out there

"Worth" is subjective but I've commuted  in thier rain jacket and casual shorts/trousers for about 6 years, nothing has worn out, ripped, or lost its shape or waterproofing. So for me, the initial high cost has actually provided good value for money

Yes and no. It's really good, very well made and very comfortable to wear BUT it is very expensive.
Ultimately it's your own choice.
I have a couple of the short sleeve tops, bought a few years ago and they still look new despite numerous washes

Rapha-wearing commenters: is their gear really worth the money?