Visited a Rapha Clubhouse; was underwhelmed
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Visited a Rapha Clubhouse; was underwhelmed
Was visiting San Francisco last weekend and found myself near the Rapha "Clubhouse." Decided to stop in, as I have purchased just a couple of their items from the website (heavily discounted during end-of-season sales) and wanted to look at a few jerseys.
The whole environment was weirdly depressing: a couple staff members with little apparent enthusiasm, a handful of people sitting around drinking coffee while staring into electronic devices, and some of their merchandise parked in glass display cases -- yes, they put some of the clothing in display cases. In other words, the Clubhouse was the real-world embodiment of their website: self-serious, trying to elevate cycling into something quasi-mystical rather than fun. As a potential customer -- and one who is probably right in their target market -- I almost immediately wanted to leave, but did stay to look at a few items.
Worst of all, I tried on some of the clothes, and they seemed overpriced, even on sale. The only item that seemed worth the price was the Classic II jersey, but even the clerk admitted that it's too warm for most conditions in which one would wear short sleeves.
The whole experience left me less interested in the brand, rather than more interested.
The whole environment was weirdly depressing: a couple staff members with little apparent enthusiasm, a handful of people sitting around drinking coffee while staring into electronic devices, and some of their merchandise parked in glass display cases -- yes, they put some of the clothing in display cases. In other words, the Clubhouse was the real-world embodiment of their website: self-serious, trying to elevate cycling into something quasi-mystical rather than fun. As a potential customer -- and one who is probably right in their target market -- I almost immediately wanted to leave, but did stay to look at a few items.
Worst of all, I tried on some of the clothes, and they seemed overpriced, even on sale. The only item that seemed worth the price was the Classic II jersey, but even the clerk admitted that it's too warm for most conditions in which one would wear short sleeves.
The whole experience left me less interested in the brand, rather than more interested.
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I was going to write that you're really not their target audience if you think their clothing is overpriced, even on sale, but I decided not to.
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I was going to answer no, but I decided not to.
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I was going to join the conversation, even though I had nothing to add, but I decided not to.
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I loved the old Rapha riding jacket with a red hot lust.
One of my friends said she would get it for me (I think it was $600 back then), if I could get skinny enough to wear it. I have had trouble losing weight since I had to stop backpacking. So I don't have the jacket. I'm sure they'd make a bespoke version of it, if you asked nicely.
But that was their moment of greatness, the thing that put them on the map.
And now it's gone.
One of my friends said she would get it for me (I think it was $600 back then), if I could get skinny enough to wear it. I have had trouble losing weight since I had to stop backpacking. So I don't have the jacket. I'm sure they'd make a bespoke version of it, if you asked nicely.
But that was their moment of greatness, the thing that put them on the map.
And now it's gone.
#7
Non omnino gravis
I see guys locally in head-to-toe Rapha, and it does nothing but make me wonder. How does one get to that... level? where a kit that costs more than a mid-level bike seems like the way to go? I continue to buy the cheapest Pearl Izumi bibs I can find, because when the sun rots them out after about 12 months of use, I don't feel bad, I just throw 'em away. If I started to see the lycra dying from UV exposure on a pair of $300 bibs, I think I would become inconsolable.
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I am not worthy--apparently. meh.
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TBH the new cargo bib shorts look like they'd be pretty great for long solo gravel rides, and I wouldn't mind trying a pair of bib shorts that are a cut above Castelli/Pearl Izumi (which to date are the nicest things I have), but they are not $280 tempting.
#10
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In SF, I never visited the Rapha store, but there were plenty other cool bike shops and destinations: Mash SF, Chrome, Mission Bicycles, Mission Workshop, Box Dog Bikes... and probably a whole lot of other cool places I never even got to. Rapha would be near last on my list...
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Thread moved from Foo to General Cycling.
#12
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I really like the ibex bib shorts but they went out of business. Due to the holes all around the crotch my current pair will go back on the shelf once I stop wearing tights under them, but I did buy one more pair to hoard when I heard they were folding.
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I made my first two million off a little invention you may have heard of: the deely bopper.
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Why not write what personal/group characteristics you think sets apart the target audience for Ralpha products and/or the Ralpha Clubhouse from the hoi poloi?
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I thought my point would be obvious, but open wide: The target audience are those who do not think their apparel is overpriced, even when not on sale. Capisce?
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Welcome to my 'iggy list.
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There's no shame in failing to understand the term "target audience." There should be some shame in offering so many posts of so little substance.
Just fyi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target...ic_information
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In SF, I never visited the Rapha store, but there were plenty other cool bike shops and destinations: Mash SF, Chrome, Mission Bicycles, Mission Workshop, Box Dog Bikes... and probably a whole lot of other cool places I never even got to. Rapha would be near last on my list...
Also, while out west, I plan to stop in Calabasas and visit Pedlar's Fork (Local Restaurant | Calabasas, CA | Pedaler's Fork). Pedlar's Fork is a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, bike shop in one...looks like a cool place.