Cyclewear of choice

Some of the Rapha stuff
Some of the Rapha stuff certainly appeals, but I’m not totally sold on Sportwool cos I don’t find Merino that comfortable and polyester does the job and it’s not like you are going to live in it – mind you I hadn’t realises that there was more polyester than wool in sportwool… so maybe I should give it another look.
http://road.cc/content/news/3896-rapha-swift-jersey-now-stock

I tend to go for the best stuff I can afford on the basis, as Jon said, that good kit pays for itself in the end. On the other hand I don’t buy the most expensive kit. The higher end of mid-range is what I go for on the basis that at some point the law of diminishing returns is going to kick in.

Those Bontranger shorts reviewed here this week would appeal – a pair of Rapha shorts are almost double the amount of money, but at best I reckon they will be a few per cent better and very possibly no better at all.

I am 6ft 6 and a little on
I am 6ft 6 and a little on the cuddly size, so clothing is always an issue as most cyclists, road and mtb, seem to be little skinny whippet types…

For the wet commute I have a 5 year old Nike ACG jacket which fits and has unusually long enough sleeves, this is paired with my dry weather gear which is a Motocross jersy from Shift (wicks well and is big enough), cycle shorts (any brand going big enough) which are underneath a pair of camo cargo shorts (which pocket inner tubes, tools and keys).
Luckily my feet aren’t giant so the current foot wear of choice are dhb mtb spd shoes. Gloves are troy lee design full finger jobs (may be hot but I fall off too often and my hands are too precious) and finally a bell helmet, again because of the falling off and bell and met seem to be the only people who make helmets for my 61cm head…

I will say that it was a
I will say that it was a classic sportwool jersey that started the whole obsession off for me!

Piggy bank beware…

Worth is a very subjective
Worth is a very subjective thing…

I love Rapha clothing, they have great attention to little details, such as the mini pump pocket inside the centre cargo pockets of their jerseys and jackets. I lost a very nice Topeak Micro Rocket pump from another jersey before I started buying Rapha, so that jersey cost me an extra £20. The Rapha pump pocket holds the pump perfectly securely and also upright so it is comfortable.

The fit is just right, and the styling – which is a major attraction to me – is understated yet classic with a real nod to early days of time trials and all black kit that was required in the 50’s etc.

The gloves are amazing, and amazingly expensive! I now have 3 pairs, I have built up a good wardrobe of Rapha gear through replacing worn out other brand kit, birthday and christmas presents and some good ebay bargains.

If you do go for a jersey, the Classic Sportwool although the most expensive, does come with armwarmers, has a full length zip and drawcord waist that makes it really versatile from cool right up to very hot days.

My mate at work laughs
My mate at work laughs everytime I get a mail from them, he reckons I am targeted by them when business is looking quiet.

Title of mail goes “You have been paid this month but not ordered from us, are you okay or should we notify the emergency services?”

I have their customer services number as my ICE in my phone!

Spring – Rapha 3/4 bibs,
Spring – Rapha 3/4 bibs, Rapha merino baselayer and either Rapha lightweight or classic softshell jacket depending on temperature. Rapha Grand Tour mitts and merino socks. Rapha biretta

Summer – Assos F1 Mille S5 bibs, one of several Rapha Jerseys, merino socks and rapha Crochet mitts. Rapha biretta

Autumn – As spring but maybe Rapha Winter Jersey instead. Rapha biretta

Winter – Assos bibs under Rapha bib tights, Rapha merino baselayer or winter jersey under Classic Softshell, LewisKIT merino socks, Campag Textran overshoes. Rapha biretta.

I like Rapha…..!

three quarters, longs if it’s
three quarters, longs if it’s winter, jersey (road.cc, Foska pirate jersey, De Marchi really nice multi pannelled effort, and currently testing some merino), jacket, must get some arm-warmers… er that’s it, except often a rucksack cos I hate carrying loads of stuff in jersey pockets, but gonna try stuff stuff in the wool one.