Koyote

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.

indyfabz

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.

Koyote

Do I need to point out that your post betrays its own illogic?

indyfabz

I was going to answer no, but I decided not to.

chewybrian 

I was going to join the conversation, even though I had nothing to add, but I decided not to.

late

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.

DrIsotope

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.

skijor

Me too. I had to google Rapha for Pete's sake. And that got me to google "for Pete's sake" etymology. No wonder I'm getting little accomplished this morning.

I am not worthy--apparently. meh.

ksryder

I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.

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.

mconlonx

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...

cb400bill

Thread moved from Foo to General Cycling.

HardyWeinberg

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.

indyfabz

I made my first two million off a little invention you may have heard of: the deely bopper.

indyfabz

On behalf of the entire world's population, allow me to say "Thank you."

HardyWeinberg

de nada

I-Like-To-Bike

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?

indyfabz

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?

Koyote

You obviously know little about marketing.

Target audiences are about demographics.

indyfabz

Must have stung you by pointing that you positing that are probably the sort of customer Rapha wants and then declaring that you feel their merchandise is overpriced, even on sale are inconsistent.


Welcome to my 'iggy list.

Koyote

And with your above post, welcome to my "syntactically-challenged" list. I haven't seen such a garbled attempt at communication since George H.W. Bush was in office.

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

Brob2

Where the hell have you been the last couple of years????

hillyman

I started to Google Rapha Clubhouse but I didn't so I still don't know what it is but I don't care

Defyme

I have been following Mash SF for some time now. Love the design of their kits. In fact, I plan to be in SF in November and have that on my list of places to go. You mentioned it as one of the cool bike shops. Can you elaborate?

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.

02Giant 

Anything with the word Clubhouse in the name is of no interest to me.

jefnvk

Meh, they can't be that trendy if they haven't made it to Detroit.