tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post8627154300833185186..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Rapha Women's Line, Take 2Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30359209065010180022014-11-16T20:35:35.650-05:002014-11-16T20:35:35.650-05:00You look fabulous in Rapha gearYou look fabulous in Rapha gearAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82856493470075072882012-11-12T10:42:57.468-05:002012-11-12T10:42:57.468-05:00I'm puzzled by your comment that they don'...I'm puzzled by your comment that they don't make womens bib shorts. Am I missing something? I wear Hincape bibs (what my team provides me) but have worn several different kinds in the past. <br /><br />Real Cyclist has a whole page of bib shorts for women:<br /><br />http://www.realcyclist.com/womens-cycling-bib-shorts<br /><br />They even have a pair of wool blend bibs there. I really feel like I must be missing something. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84521657720959494782012-02-17T02:15:43.581-05:002012-02-17T02:15:43.581-05:00I also have their winter jersey, the gaiter, booti...I also have their winter jersey, the gaiter, booties and embro (won a gift certificate from some racing). I commute/train in Seattle outside 6-7 days a week year-round and ski in my off time. I've been using these for riding in 35-50 degree rain and skiing in 10-20 degrees.<br /><br />As a 5 foot, 110 pound competitive cyclist, I normally wear a 0-2. The XXS jersey is made for tiny children. I exchanged for the XS and the fit is quite trim, but fits perfectly for me with a lightweight base and allows me to wear a vest or jacket easily. I do a lot of core work and used to be a climber, and this fits my larger biceps, as many Euro jerseys do not.<br /><br />I live in the gaiter since I got it. Warm but breathes well, and unlike others that I have tried, it has some shape and drape, more like a scarf. I have considered wearing it to work with a sweater but it's usually sweaty from the weekends. I got the pink and it's almost a bubblegum color, but very fun. I am tired of owning all black, grey and blue.<br /><br />The embro is nice, but I still like the brand Greyhound Juice better because it's a solid that I can put on like deodarant rather than rub on. Could be a tad warmer and longer lasting for heat.<br /><br />The neoprene booties are nothing special and if they weren't a deal and my old ones torn, I would have returned them. I wear a SIDI 37 and like that the S actually work with my road cleats. Most other booties are too loose and get in the way when clipping in. Could use some reinforcements on the sole...I suspect these will wear out quickly.<br /><br />Waiting for that gilet to go on sale...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82768048666566563012012-01-23T12:47:23.041-05:002012-01-23T12:47:23.041-05:00Well I like the reflective strip, the warmth, and ...Well I like the reflective strip, the warmth, and the multi-sport potential of the full winter tights, so I'll keep them. But maybe next year I will also get the 3/4 and the legwarmers : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80049560060484179182012-01-19T17:18:04.775-05:002012-01-19T17:18:04.775-05:00Velouria, Thanks so much for contacting Rapha abou...Velouria, Thanks so much for contacting Rapha about the combination. Do you plan to swap your full winter tights for 3/4 tights and legwarmers now?kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11525877213737991273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19523529806325182392012-01-19T15:01:34.175-05:002012-01-19T15:01:34.175-05:00Okay I went ahead and asked Rapha about this. They...Okay I went ahead and asked Rapha about this. They replied that the 3/4 tights and legwarmers will work together.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36053514931938023942012-01-19T14:54:06.738-05:002012-01-19T14:54:06.738-05:00Velouria, I think that sounds like an excellent id...Velouria, I think that sounds like an excellent idea, pairing the leg warmers with the 3/4 tights (unless the double coverage would be constricting at the knee). I had thought about buying the women's shorts and the leg warmers instead of the 3/4 bib tights, but ultimately, after going back and forth on it, I decided on the 3/4 bibs.<br /><br />I was worried the leg length wouldn't be long enough for me--a reviewer elsewhere on the web said she wished the length below the knee was longer. Thankfully, I am comfortable with the length. <br /><br />Since I'm keeping everything I ordered but the women's long-sleeve jersey, I just might exchange the jersey for those leg warmers. I think your idea is a good one, and it's certainly worth a try.kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11525877213737991273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-25432274775264855372012-01-19T13:49:03.151-05:002012-01-19T13:49:03.151-05:00Kim, do you think the 3/4 tights could be worn wit...Kim, do you think the 3/4 tights could be worn with leg warmers to make a combined full leg tight? Or is there something in the tailoring/length that prevents this? I am thinking now that maybe I ought to have gone with that option.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your sizing issues and measurements, I think this sort of thing is very useful for everyone!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13140506486694206052012-01-19T13:03:27.871-05:002012-01-19T13:03:27.871-05:00i received my Rapha order today, and will add my c...i received my Rapha order today, and will add my comments on fit on the chance it will help another female who's trying to decide whether to try the gear. I ordered the 3/4 bib shorts in small, the women's long-sleeved jersey (Fig) in medium, the merino roll-neck sweater in small, and the men's long-sleeved jersey (gray) in small.<br /><br />The bib shorts fit wonderfully, but the padding felt like a LOT compared to what I am used to in my Sugoi 3/4 tights. That said, the overall fit of the tights was spot on, and I think, after I have washed them, maybe the pad will have a bit more give. On the bike, though, they feel great, and I think the 3/4 tights will get a lot of use. The length below the knee felt good to me.<br /><br />As I mentioned in another posting, I have the women's gilet in a large, and it's great for layering, though i probably could have gotten away with a medium. The women's jersey (in medium), however, just does NOT fit my body shape. It bunched in weird places, and was too big in the neck. The arm length was decent, but the arms felt large over all. I did not order a women's small, because when i first tried the women's gilet, I ordered a small and I couldn't zip it! The large vest is slightly loose, but in a good way (for layering).<br />Interestingly, the men's long-sleeved jersey in small fits me perfectly. There's no bunching anywhere. It fits my neck snugly, and it's perfect across the shoulders. It's snug in the bust, but not in a bad way.<br /><br />Lastly, the merino roll up jersey in small was a perfect fit. The neck is cut pretty slim, and it looks great as a turtleneck (I'm not sure if you're to roll the neck down or not, but it fits my longer neck nicely without rolling it down). For reference, I am 5'8-1/2"or so and around 132 lbs with a 36A bust. In Outlier women's pants I'm a solid 6. Don't mean to tell you more than you want to know about me, but i hope it will help others figure out what sizes might (or might not) work for them.kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11525877213737991273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13233302620009261802012-01-19T11:41:28.085-05:002012-01-19T11:41:28.085-05:00No, the winter jersey is warmer, made from 52% mer...No, the winter jersey is warmer, made from 52% merino, the regular jersey is 29% (I think). Also, the way the material is made puts the polyester outside for wind resistance and gives it the sheen, the wool part is on the inside next to skin for wicking.<br /><br />They don't "hide" the country of origin on their site, they promote it and have a rather defensible case for those actually interested.<br />http://www.rapha.cc/made-in-chinaMarknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27729800414516018382012-01-18T13:49:48.880-05:002012-01-18T13:49:48.880-05:00Ha! It's true : )Ha! It's true : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74894509661303664822012-01-18T13:40:44.262-05:002012-01-18T13:40:44.262-05:00Photo #2 - You are Elastigirl! (Sorry - cheap shot...Photo #2 - You are Elastigirl! (Sorry - cheap shot.)Karl On Sea (twitter: @karlonsea)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07906750569320971196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-7689084207589401232012-01-16T22:48:05.048-05:002012-01-16T22:48:05.048-05:00I cannot wear the fully waterproof rain pants on w...I cannot wear the fully waterproof rain pants on warm rides either, my legs just get too hot even if the pants are described as breathable.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49420093502770205742012-01-16T19:10:34.562-05:002012-01-16T19:10:34.562-05:00I'll just answer here...
I have not worn the ...I'll just answer here...<br /><br />I have not worn the rapha tights in heavy rain. My choice of rainwear varies a bit depending on temperature, type and length of ride. <br /><br />For staying the dryest - I have a nice pair of Mountain Hardwear Goretex PacLite pants that I've had for several years. These are great when I'm out all day and want to keep a base layer relatively dry, like when touring, or doing a spring brevet. I've also used them a lot for commuting where I don't want to have to deal with trying to dry wet tights at work. I vary the weight of the baselayer under them to deal with warmer or colder conditions. I don't see the model I have anymore, but I think they have something similar and suspect a few other companies make something similar as well. Of course, I need to mate these with a tall overshoe to really stay dry. <br /><br />I also have some nice *warm* pants made by showers pass. These are water resistant for a while, but not waterproof and will soak through in heavy rain.<br />http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/men/mens-pants/roadie-pant<br /><br />Note that they don't have a women's specific model. Mine actually were originally bought for Fear Rothar, but they somehow ended up on my side of the closet. These are good for cold and damp, less so for heavy downpours or all day rain. <br /><br />I tend not to use rainpants in warm conditions - tradeoff in sweat versus rain. But again, it also depends on whether it's an all day ride/rain or an hour or two.Fixie Pixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12932022188247682078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37194770399815301372012-01-16T17:07:03.293-05:002012-01-16T17:07:03.293-05:00I like the look of your new kit. It might be worth...I like the look of your new kit. It might be worthwhile to call a local cycle courier and see if they have some tips for you on durable, comfortable and good value winter gear.davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04192796243497201485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66301952207491163572012-01-16T13:26:39.944-05:002012-01-16T13:26:39.944-05:00Shooting promotional video for a company is typica...Shooting promotional video for a company is typically a paid job worth more than an airline ticket. I know you are joking, but sadly I think people are too willing to do this sort of thing without fair compensation.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10365163995052488052012-01-16T13:16:56.544-05:002012-01-16T13:16:56.544-05:00Not 100% sure what you are asking, but there are r...Not 100% sure what you are asking, but there are rainpants that are basically made of the same shell material as rainjackets, and you do wear them over tights or regular pants (my husband wears <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/03/his-rain-gear.html" rel="nofollow">this stuff</a> for commuting). <br /><br />The Rapha tights shown here are compression tights that are meant for strenuous cycling. They are water resistant, but would probably not withstand a downpour. You may want to ask <a href="http://blayleys.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-lovehate-relationship-with-bib.html" rel="nofollow">here</a> though; the reviewer has almost certainly worn them in heavy rain.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3080107894117365502012-01-16T13:06:32.991-05:002012-01-16T13:06:32.991-05:00maybe rapha will sponsor your dark hedges trip if ...maybe rapha will sponsor your dark hedges trip if you wear these and promise to shoot a video? ;) just brainstorming here!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21979775714105639852012-01-16T12:36:01.533-05:002012-01-16T12:36:01.533-05:00I assume this question would apply to the men'...I assume this question would apply to the men's versions as well.<br /><br />I am new to cycling in inclement weather. These tights keep you warm but do they keep you dry? Do you need tights and an outer shell as well? Iv'e seen Izumi pants that zip into shorts and those seam reasonable. Are you supposed to wear them over tights?<br /><br />Sorry for such noob questions but this is the first year where the Seattle-threatens-to-move-to-California syndrome has started in January for me. Usually it doesn't begin until March!<br /><br />So I am very interested in what I'm supposed to wear because my wool knickers and t shirts won't cut it.<br /><br />Happy WInter Riding,<br />RyanRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12614547821474854228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22585397708509098392012-01-16T11:21:47.147-05:002012-01-16T11:21:47.147-05:00"If you have a big bosom and slim legs... wel..."If you have a big bosom and slim legs... well, then you might be out of luck."<br /><br />Strange to think that way.<br />Big bosom and slim legs is what I have always wanted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36581553887135606512012-01-16T11:19:42.553-05:002012-01-16T11:19:42.553-05:00Look, you might like the jacket even though I don&...Look, you might like the jacket even though I don't. There are other blogs reviewing it if you search for it, so maybe have a look at them as well.<br /><br />But to answer your question, no I still find that jacket hideous. From the matronly shade of red to the awkward fit, I just don't know what else to say. I would gladly buy a lightweight summer rain/wind jacket from Rapha if they made a nice one, but this ain't it for me. I do like their softshell winter jacket and their rain jacket very much, but those are very expensive and I've never seen them go on sale.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41718274020270418942012-01-16T11:10:23.615-05:002012-01-16T11:10:23.615-05:00Have your feelings about the clothes in your previ...Have your feelings about the clothes in your previous review changed at all in retrodspect? I've seen the stow away jacket on sale for 1/2 price and it's so tempting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68553675476484821242012-01-16T10:56:14.636-05:002012-01-16T10:56:14.636-05:00Gee, thanks a lot : ) I don't wear pants often...Gee, thanks a lot : ) I don't wear pants often, but a month ago I wanted to buy some jeans and yes it was tough.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60157899005622568572012-01-16T10:46:41.316-05:002012-01-16T10:46:41.316-05:00Saw those earlier, but they are listed as disconti...Saw those earlier, but they are listed as discontinued unfortunately.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-25548385960286654122012-01-16T10:46:04.781-05:002012-01-16T10:46:04.781-05:00Good point about listing the country of origin, wi...Good point about listing the country of origin, will add this to the text.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com