We talk about how silly we look in our cycling clothes. I mean. Really. They are all stretchy and hug every curve I don't have to show off and hug them a little too tight. They usually come in either black, red and occasionally white for men, and women's stuff is all pink, baby blue and purple in the floral patterns that make me vomit quite honestly. And, what's up with the helmet, right? I gave up looking for a helmet that makes me look good. That just doesn't exist. It's like a unicorn. It's just a fantastic idea.
I've written about the very expensive Assos Bib Shorts, that are amazingly comfortable, if not heavenly, and frankly they don't look half bad either. (My post about the bibs HERE) And, their other items like jerseys and jackets are rather pretty as well. So, yes. I do love Assos cycling apparel. I don't buy other stuff any more actually. I save up, don't buy anything forever and wait for the sale and raid the Assos rack. That's how I've been doing. But really... I can only wear so much Assos. I want more variety. So I keep looking.
As you look for pretty cycling clothes, you are destined to hit Rapha. (Check out Rapha.) And, yes, Rapha's stuff is pretty. Very European. Merino wool classic jerseys and cycling hats with stripes... ALL THE PRETTY STUFF IS FOR MEN! They even have the designer Paul Smith designing some of the limited items like leather gloves for them! It's Haute Cycling Apparel!! Well, this season they finally came up with the women's line, and I was super excited about that. But alas, their women's "LINE" consists of 5 items. One basic jersey in 2 colors - Red and black. (Oooooh, it comes with a set of matching arm warmers! Whatever.) One design for the shorts. One color only - black. Wind/Rain light jacket in 2 colors. White and Red. And, that was it. Granted they are all very classy and well designed. But that's it. I ride a blue bike, and I don't mind being a little matchy-matchy with my bike. Although I like the color red, black and white, sometimes I don't mind a green. What about orange? Navy? Chartreuse? No. Rapha only gives you 3 colors to choose from. And, I'm being generous here since black and white are not even a "color."
Ben recently purchased a very cool merino wool jersey from Rapha. It's light blue with Belgian tri-color stripes. And, it looks well made and SUPER cute. Why can't we have that?
As I was so excited about Rapha's women's line, I emailed the company about a year ago to see if I could get any scoop on the new line. The North American head honcho guy and I had a few emails back and forth. He promised me that he'd let me "review" the new products when they become available. Did he send me anything? NO! Am I bitter because of his lack of commitment? YES! :)
Nah. Actually. I really don't mind spending a little extra cash on high quality, cute cycling clothes. (Note my Assos collection.) I'm just personally sick of big companies treating women like we are second class citizens! We want more variety like men have. That's all I'm saying.
So will Rapha expand on their women's line next year? I sure hope so! In the mean while, I hope someone from Rapha will read this and give me free stuff to review.
I had to put a legal disclaimer in my "about me" page because my attorney (Ben) told me to... so now if someone gives me a freebie to review I have that clearly stated in my blog. OK. I'm ready. Bring it. The only thing missing here is a company who wants me to review their stuff... Hmm.
Dear Rapha. Please bribe me and give me some freebies so I can write up something nice about you.
Thank you.
