I don't know why, but I'm not a big fan of riding in groups or with other cyclists in general. Solo riding is the best because I can go at my own pace, enjoy the scenery, and think without disruptions.
I agree completely. It's nice sometimes getting the advantage of being at the back of a peloton, but staying at a fixed pace isn't enjoyable if you are having a dip in energy, or you want to go a bit faster. I went on a nice solo 60 miler today and it was bliss, had a break when I wanted and went at my own pace. Almost feels like meditation.
@@madeiraislander sometimes on Strava you get to the end of a challenge and win a "voucher" for so much off a Rapha item.. so expensive you wouldn't have dreamed of paying even the amount off for such an item !
I ride in their kits cause I find them look good. A lot of brands make you look like a mobile billboard. Love their minimal designs and aesthetic. Compare to similar brands I do find their core products pretty affordable.
I don’t understand why people get so pent up about people spending certain levels of money on something. I have bought Rapha but I never buy coffee, do I moan or judge about people spending £4 a day on coffee, no because I have my own life. It’s a joke
I felt pretty much the same when I first looked at Rapha. Kits to pricey. Felt kinda like the cool kids that wouldnt be welcoming. I joined just for the bike rental. But since then Ive done rides with them that I wouldnt have tried solo, and really came around to the group. Plus thanks to sales and discounts now I have a decent few pieces of Rapha kit. Sometimes it seems like the hating on Rapha becomes a more pretentious group then the actual group!
I like RAPHA's mission statement about making cycling "accessible to everyone, of all abilities ". That's a good thing. Unfortunately, it does not also read "of all equipment levels". I find cycling, here in Canada at least, is populated by a lot of snobs. The elitist mentality seems to be helping to kill cycling as a general utilitarian mode of transport and exercise- you can't possibly ride if you don't have an outrageously expensive bike and accessories. A lot of these groups always seem to look like a MEC catalogue coming at me! Yes, I do have fairly expensive bikes but I have also biked around Europe on a cheap 5 speed woman's bike and rickety old 1 speeds when I lived in Sweden for 8 years and commuted by bike. For me the height of cycling technology still is a CCM Targa 10 speed.
lol...I thought to try going out with some clubs here in T'rana. but all clubs in North Am require you wear a helmet. In the event, I've come across other 'extroverts' who also like cycling for the thrill of it, not to race (we still do 100km outings, and I'm mid Seventies) and about the only thing frowned upon, albeit not outright stated, is to wear canary outfits. I guess some insist on wearing their 'team' identity as it appeals to inner insecurities.
Very Glad for you Katie! That's awesome. As long as you feel comfortable... I have been a solo "lone wolf rider" since I started road biking, I have probably been out with 5-people in all of the years of biking. I noticed that riding with others was enjoyable but, when people showed up late, and another wanted shorter rides, turned around to head home in the middle of a planned ride, etc etc. Was nerve racking. Specially when wanting to set goals. Never have a problem now, I prepare the night before, you know the ritual in getting everything you need ready, dress accordingly to weather, snacks, bike inspection etc... don't have to wait for anyone, and just except the adventures of a long ride, great therapy, great scenery, full on enjoyment. NOW, if I had a girlfriend who liked the same type of riding it would be tops!! Gosh, that guy friend of yours should have just stayed with you and enjoyed endless adventure rides, both of you together! I personally would said no to the Rapha group. PINK!! Really!!lol Remember if you're not happy in the near future, just go off and do your thing girl with your small group. Lovely channel, thx.:-) :-)
If you’ve ever heard Simon Mottram being interviewed you’ll understand that there is nothing pretentious about Rapha as a brand (Same experience in the stores - nothing but nice people interested in cycling wanted to talk to about cycling). If there is, it’s projected onto them by others. If you don’t want to join the club, don’t, but choose either way for the right reasons. For the record I am not and never have been a RCC member.
Great video Katie. For years I cycled alone, then in 2016 I was introduced to my local club ride by my neighbour. Best thing ever. Added a totally new dimension to my cycling. I learned how to group ride, discovered lots of new gear, new routes, improved my fitness, bought some smart club kit and made a bunch of good friends. Thoroughly recommend joining a club. And I still go out for solo rides.
If people did a little homework on Rapha, they'd be surprised. Rapha just wants people riding, and if they're riding together as a group or just friends, that's what it's all about. I almost thought the same thing at first glance of the brand and culture. I've bought products from them, and I absolutely love the idea behind Rapha and why it got started. Glad you changed your mind, Katie.
did a local sportive last year and we were on a bad pot-holded road, a Rapha group came thundering past towards a blind bend totally ignoring all the shouts to slow down due to some massive holes on the road just on the bend, they ignored the slow down signs which were all over the place, and surprise surprise five of them came down in a right mess in the middle of the road, sad to admit much to the amusement of all,
I love their kits! I don’t make a lot of money, but I save up a little from every paycheck and by the end of each year I’m able to buy what I want from them. I’m still wearing jerseys/jackets/bibs I bought 5 and 6 years ago from them, so their stuff does last!
Interesting reading the comments here to find I’m not alone in being a solo rider. I am a shift worker though so it would be hard to fit in with group rides. The only thing you miss out on is group riding practice so you are at a disadvantage in races or sportifs. Anyway you should ride with whoever you want katie. If they weren’t nice you would soon convert them.
An open mind sometimes reveals that there can be more to things than one assumes. I’m not a member, but I think they do a lot of good stuff. Kudos to you Katie!
Though I'm not a fan buying overpriced products for the sake of a brand (in cycling or the rest of my life) I have to admit that rapha does put on some quality events.
Haha yep we all get our own number tattooed on our calves. Otherwise you’re not a fully fledged member. Rapha do promise an extra 10watts if you get the tattoo though.
Rapha's vision is to make road cycling the most popular sport in the world. Understanding this as well as the time and thought they put into their products it is something that more should get behind. I was never anti-rapha, but when I first found out about Rapha I was on board. What most people dont know is that the kit is far superior to others kit and is not much more expensive if not equal to other premium kit brands. The club also includes cycling insurance with your membership which is a bonus.
I completely understand your point of view. Alot of clubs seem to have that reputation of being a bit uppity, but alot of times it's just a few of their Club members. Not saying that there aren't any clubs that act better than you, because you don't wear a matching kit, don't have a $2k aero wheelset, race, or whatever. Clubs ultimately should be about comradery and getting more people on the bike.
I find it interesting - I used to agree with the "this isn't what riding is supposed to be about". But the more I ride, the more I realise we all do it for very different reasons. Who am I to decide what riding is about for anyone but myself, if you know what I mean. If you aren't horrible and like bikes, then it's all good isn't it! Personally I don't like riding with clubs at all. Unless it's very close mates, I worry about my riding more than having fun and that's not right. But that's just me
Not into clubs. Where I live in rural Oz there are hundreds of kms of dirt roads & almost nil traffic. So good to go out early & alone with the wildlife. For me, riding with a group would kill the 'getting away from it all" feeling. Although a few close encounters with brown snakes have left me thinking that solo isn't always a good idea.
I got no issues with Rapha, but in my neck of the woods, rapha has nothing but out of shape dentists that ride their 14k steeds to the coffee shop down the street and back. But hey, do what you want.
10after10 in your group maybe but not in mine, guy on a 1k Chinese carbon bike and tiagra is crushing it,it's upset the rest of us on our bling machines.
Nice one! Glad you joined in the end. I remember talking to you about this exact thing on my first ride with the RCC (which was mega!). I'm loving it and everyone makes me feel very welcome.Hope to see you on a ride soon
As a mountain biker i really like Rapha stuff even when i don't wear it or need that type of gear. Their design is fantastic. However, and i could be totally of the mark here, I think a lot of roadies take themselves far too seriously - when i'm not on the trails, I ride my mtb on the road just to get my fitness ticking and whenever i meet a roadie, i always nod but i never get a nod back lol.
Rapha just killed one of two clubhouses in Australia, the second is likely to go too. Fairly shitty way to repay their Australian Members who pay those fees to wear RCC on their back.
Ben Whitmore not enough membership.maybe. Australian riders tend to be loyal to a club for years so if Rapha had small members probably realised it was bit worth it.
According to an interview with Cycling tips it’s about the recent acquisition of a big chunk of their business and a step away from membership and into adventure.
@@glennoc8585 There were a few shut down already around the world, I'm sure the UK will be the last to go and they haven't confirmed the future of the RCC Clubhouses, but I believe their new model is starting with Adventure cycling, but in the future will push more towards a Patagonia-style outdoor brand with cycling at its core.
One thing where they are particularly useful is if you travel a lot and can’t bring your bicycle (for example, airline pilot). Their rental rates are relatively low, and I figured if I rent through Rapha the savings would make up for the membership fee in about eight to ten rides. There are a number of serious riders where I work that do this.
Nice, honest and personal assessment of you experience. Haters are gonna hate. Yeah, there’s a RCC in my town (Boulder Colorado), and I see them on some of my regular routes. Not a member here, but have attended some interesting evening talks at their “club house”. Looks like they’re having fun, enjoying cycling and each other in a supportive way. It’s easy to it to be a target with such a loyal following, but it’s not worth the breath in casting stones. Save it for the climb and let people work at the speed, pace and place that’s good for them.
Isn't this a lesson in life? How many times have you assumed something about others only to find you are mistaken? This is why at the age of 58 and having graduated with Distinctions from The School of Hard Knocks, I endeavour not to judge anyone or anything now.
I used to be a 100% Rapha until I discovered Pedal Mafia a small Australia brand, amazing quality and really great price bracket! U should Defo check them out!! Not so same, same like Rapha can be.
I only go on Rapha rides with my cheapest road bike. It’s caused other guys to bring their budget builds. At least here in Chicago the guys aren’t TOO bad. We have the occasional douche.
Good evening Katie, i was wondering what camera you use whether its GoPro or what and what mounts you use? Any information greatly appreciated and looking forward to hearing back from you!
Maybe I have gotten some bad luck with people wearing Rapha but this is my experience: I recently started riding.. I’ll say probably around a year and a half and when I started I bought not brand clothes… just something basic to ride and every time I saw someone with rapha clothing they kind of looked at me weird….like I was beneath them…. Kind of looking me down….Couple of times I stopped at the lights and make conversation to them and they were always acting like jerks…. Why I don’t know but I’m guessing it was based on my appearance, a month ago I bought my first kit from rapha and that make a lot of difference, because now when another guy with rapha sees me coming and we have to stop at the same time they always make conversation and I think hats really bad reputation, if you’re letting a brand define the kind of person you are oh boy….. rapha is an amazing brand, I have never feel more comfortable riding my bike than I feel wearing rapha but that doesn’t makes me better than other people wearing other brands. I hope they change the way they see the sport but then again, me believing in that is like saying tooth fairies are real.
I've bought a few Rapha products. The original softshell jacket was the best. Got the new winter jacket but the pockets are far too deep. Means they are too high up the back. I had to get a size larger just so the back was longer and the pocket openings were a bit further down. Most of their products have flaws.
I'm new to Rapha. As soon as I discovered them, I fell in love with the brand. Joined RCC and bought their club gear. From wanting a cycling jersey I bought much more! I have to say people can't complain about prices - you always pay what you get. It's better to pay premium but know that that thing will last years not months!
Rapha....? Come and join the FCC Katie, it’s free and I organise group rides all over the country and you never know you might win a ‘rider of the week’ cap 🧢😀😉😂👌🏻🚴🏻♀️🚴🏻
The problem with club rides is you usually get some know it all leading the ride and bossing everybody around. These elitist clubs also tend to be rather cliche and frown upon cyclists who don’t measure up to their kit standard.
Hmmmm probably not in my opinion. There is a group of people who joined Rapha and have their own meet ups in Leeds. But I like the clubhouse as a meeting point and somewhere to store bikes when having a brew :)
Cycling is rapidly becoming an elitist sport and Rapha are very much playing their part in that. I wouldn't wear their kit if they paid me. Which a sceptical person may surmise that you are.
@@Zimmerh90 True. But Rapha made it even worse. The real rot started to set in around the time Pinarello started making crap overpriced bikes in the Far East instead of decent quality frames in Italy and everyone had to ride deep profile carbon rims.
Rapha and cycling maven (mark Ferguson ) were the first cycling videos that introduced me to this sport in a dark time in my life. I did like the concept of Rapha of not dressing and looking on a bike like a billboard on wheels. Then I saw the price and can't afford their cloth. Nevertheless props to them for promoting other style of riding that is not "I'm better faster than you". Although I saw another vloggler here in you tube visiting Los Angeles rapha chapter and in the ride they drop him. He didn't care a continue recording lol. Keep winking Kate, you are a total cutie!😍😆
There isn‘t a Rapha Club here in Switzerland. I’m not that into clubs anyway. However I wear their kit for no other reason than comfort and quality. It’s no more expensive here than any other good quality brand. I also really like Maap kit which is around the same price. I do get the pretentious thing though. I once went into the London Store near Regent Street and it was not a good experience. However elsewhere in Europe, I found it to be completely different with helpful staff and other cyclists that are just into bikes, whatever you wear or ride.
I must say, I miss the days when cycling was largely a working class sport, and you'd have people like Coppi working in a butcher's shop before going off to train or race on a £300 bike or Hinault staying true to his agrarian roots. Now people spend enough on a bike to buy a small car, with much the same on turbos and other bits of kit. Kinda feels like the sport is more and more about buying upgrades than it is riding up grades.
I guess it’s the same with a lot of technologies - cameras, phones, computers. For me as long as people are enjoying riding bikes there’s so many options out there for everyone. I do still ride my first ever road bike - bought a carbon as everyone does but sold it. I love it too!!
@@KatieKookaburra Aye, I accept it's the way things are going, I guess I just prefer talking about where people have ridden than what kit they've used to do so, and really hope we don't get to a stage where speed is all down to how much money you've spent rather than miles ridden. There's something romantic about the characters of yore, whether an Obree or a Millar, that isn't there when you read of Andrew Critchlow blowing £25,000 to race as an amateur for a year (www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/11559084/25550-the-incredible-annual-cost-of-amateur-bike-racing.html)
Is there an assos club? Or.What about a friends of cheap kit club i.e. the Aliexpress cheapuns cc Surprised Katie that in winter the guys had do much black on and no rear lights, from what I could see.
I've never ridden with someone else, even one person. It doesn't much bother me, though, as I'm a triathlete and the experience of riding in a group isn't of any real benefit. Plus, I can always ride at my own pace, as hard or as easy as my training plan dictates. Riding with other people seems to involve a lot of training compromises, which may be worthwhile if you're racing and have to manage in a peloton, but otherwise, I can't imagine paying money for the "privilege" to ride with other people.
I am just fine, in our little country club. Rides on: mon, thu, sat. 12 pounds for a sommer season. (6 month) indoor on body bikes 90 pounds for 6 month. an hour: mon, thu, sat.
They're all super-nice people, but generally the crowd they attract is of higher socio-economic status. They also have a bit of an obsession with following traffic rules. I did a free Rapha ride once and most of the peoples' clothes cost more than my entire bike, which is also more than what some of the messengers I ride fixed gear with make in several weeks! It was a short and slow ride where none of that stuff was necessary. Again, personally, everybody is super nice and they don't make you feel out of place if you don't have all of the expensive stuff. However, depending on who you are, you may still feel out of place.
You already understand what I’m about to say because you said it. But it does bears repeating. In Life, you make out of anything what you will. You get out of something what you put in. Clubs are unique for a myriad reasons. They have their ethos, vision and mission. It’s members also help enhance, shape and evolve that ethos. I’m glad they exist. Like Harley Davidson. It’s a culture. It’s also a huge family. I dig them. We all get to suffer together and feel good afterwards. Peace.
I have joined Rapha for the bike hire and rides abroad - i love to go to different Clubhouses and feel at home, and welcomed to ride with the locals. Done it in NYC, Amsterdam, London, Boston and ofcouse Copenhagen. Fantastic for less than 100£
It does seem unfair that I would have to join paying over $100 AU to have access to some discounts. I'm based in my nation's capital, New Zealand and there are no clubs here.
It's just a cycling club - you know, a group of people who like riding bikes. If you hate on people because of your pre-conceived idea of them, that's you're failing as a judgemental person.
not sure why Rapha has this reputation. All you need is chat with any one of the reps online and see how nice and helpful they are! Sure there kits are expensive but not any more then anything other higher end kit, really! I haven't joined only because I don't travel abroad and the closest club is 14hours away! But I have ridden with the rcc zwift and love it!! wish we had club in North Carolina
I used to be a member of the manchester RCC. not a fan of your click bait title but agree with your sentiment. Yes there probably are lots of fancy dan riders but the people who actually go on the rides and get involved are all really nice, normal people. Yes, maybe a bit of vanity but I think we all have that vanity in us, just some of us keep it supressed haha. The only reason i've left the club now is because most of the members are in it for the longer, cafe type rides and i'm doing more race based, not very social riding so not worth the money anymore. Yeah the membership fee is a lot, and it really sucks that they made co-ordinators redundant, but if you get involved in the socials, and all the stuff they put on, you get your money back straight away. ps Les is a wonderful human being!
im glad you ve found a group that fits your requirements , hopefully the group is big enough to make sure your always able to find cyclist with the same enthusiasm and ability has you ,because turning up for a specific cycle to have it changed because 1 cyclist has to get home early,dont feel well, taking easy because big sportive due or recovering is enough to make you dream of the freedom of not being a club member and just meeting up with like minded cyclist who want to make their legs ache
I ride solo, Im not part of the Rapha CC but I do wear a few bits and bobs of Rapha which I picked up second hand from Rapha Club members here in Berlin. Nice friendly chaps and so on with very expensive bikes and the latest tec. Lol I ride Single Speed, they are fascinated with my custom rides when I go and pick up items from ebay Kleinanzeigen. Blessings from a Brit in Berlin. ❤️
I would be open to trying RaphaCC, but you hit the nail on the head with the fact that they’re not all over the country. As far as I know, there’s Manchester and 2 in London. I live near Frodsham, so not that far at all really, but it would still take me an hour to get there and an hour back via trains etc! Glad to hear it’s not as pretentious as it sounds at times though!
Very interesting to me Kate I have been out with Saturday morning group found them really nice and a great ride. I don’t have as much time at the moment so been with them recently. I know of one club you ent out with how many did you try?
Hi Katie. I’m in a London cycling club and it’s only £10 a year membership and get 10% off bike products. And yes Rapha is expensive but the quality of the clothing is great. Hope you settle in with your new club and enjoy happy cycling miles xx
Just found out how much a years membership is...... need to found out what you get for it as as you say it isn’t cheap not to say it’s expensive either.
On the face of it.. you get to buy stuff from the RCC range...! This put me off for ages but actually I've been a member for nearly a year now after some riding pals signed me up as a wedding gift. I don't even have a local clubhouse here (between Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) so I don't get any of the coffee, etc. perks.. yet I'll be renewing. Above all, the international community of like-minded cyclists is what you get (there are loads of RCC members and 'Chapters' everywhere, regardless of whether there's a Clubhouse..). Our rides are often accompanied by car support and a photographer on a motorbike. Cheap Canyon bike hire is also great if you travel. I actually hired one to do the Festive500 in Manchester this year but broke my hip in August haven't ridden since, so had to cancel it. Rapha have extended my membership for my 6 month recovery time.. for free. In short, the value (for me) comes from your fellow RCC members and Chapter organisers.
Not a club, but if you want to try riding with others you can join British Cycling rides for FREE. They do different types, including BREEZE rides for women. It might confirm that solo really is your thing, or build your confidence so that you feel ready to join a ‘serious’ club, or it might be what you want to do forever. You may even be inspired to become a ride leader yourself. Just Google it!
joris ermens that's why I don't.like club rides particularly it's very wanna be pro for me. I do group rides with whomever want to come along and wear what you want.
Did you guys watch the video or have you ever been on an RCC ride? You don't have to wear Rapha on their rides. Your other brand kit (sorry.. identity..) may remain intact.
I was a member for some years from the beginning, but as I travel with work, I have actually never been out on a club ride with them. Seemed like too much of a waste to me. That said, I do have more Rapha clothing than any other brand.
What’s raffa stand for ?? Cycling clubs are brilliant to find out new routes ,friends cafe’s been in a club for 2 half years still not got their club jersey and cheap to join yearly so bargain plus just can be safer to ride in a group if your not very confident Just all about riding ya bike
I recently went in the Rapha cafe in Mallorca and felt dead intimidated - pretty sure that was my own hang ups though cos everyone was lovely! I'm thinking of joining the Barnes sisters ride in December but I'm going to check the pace first.
Everything pink.... looked like the usual standard cycling colour of - black 👎 - I don't do group rides prefer to be on my own at my own pace not trying to keep up with others or waiting for others
Afraid I don't share your experience with said club. In London their members don't acknowledge other riders or offer support when a cyclist is in need. Maybe it's a North South thing.
I don't know why, but I'm not a big fan of riding in groups or with other cyclists in general. Solo riding is the best because I can go at my own pace, enjoy the scenery, and think without disruptions.
Yeah absolutely I love both. Do what you enjoy! :)
Totally agree - other cyclists p*ss me off, as a general rule! 😂
Same here. But, I love listening to podcasts while I'm on the bike. It helps on the climbs!
sounds like a weakness you should work on
I agree completely. It's nice sometimes getting the advantage of being at the back of a peloton, but staying at a fixed pace isn't enjoyable if you are having a dip in energy, or you want to go a bit faster. I went on a nice solo 60 miler today and it was bliss, had a break when I wanted and went at my own pace. Almost feels like meditation.
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." - Groucho Marx ...
Not into clubs or group rides as I am an antisocial git.
👆🏼
Graham Carson I.like group rides but I hate the pressure to always be there otherwise you get stick.
Me too. Unsociable rather than antisocial. Alone is best.
Me too
From my experience....clubs riders have Big ego's...
Thank God for Decathlon.
Amen
Yes! one Rapha shirt is more expensive than all my kit combined, including the bike. XDDD
@@madeiraislander sometimes on Strava you get to the end of a challenge and win a "voucher" for so much off a Rapha item.. so expensive you wouldn't have dreamed of paying even the amount off for such an item !
Lol
I ride in their kits cause I find them look good. A lot of brands make you look like a mobile billboard. Love their minimal designs and aesthetic.
Compare to similar brands I do find their core products pretty affordable.
I don’t understand why people get so pent up about people spending certain levels of money on something. I have bought Rapha but I never buy coffee, do I moan or judge about people spending £4 a day on coffee, no because I have my own life. It’s a joke
I felt pretty much the same when I first looked at Rapha. Kits to pricey. Felt kinda like the cool kids that wouldnt be welcoming. I joined just for the bike rental. But since then Ive done rides with them that I wouldnt have tried solo, and really came around to the group. Plus thanks to sales and discounts now I have a decent few pieces of Rapha kit. Sometimes it seems like the hating on Rapha becomes a more pretentious group then the actual group!
I like RAPHA's mission statement about making cycling "accessible to everyone, of all abilities ". That's a good thing. Unfortunately, it does not also read "of all equipment levels". I find cycling, here in Canada at least, is populated by a lot of snobs. The elitist mentality seems to be helping to kill cycling as a general utilitarian mode of transport and exercise- you can't possibly ride if you don't have an outrageously expensive bike and accessories. A lot of these groups always seem to look like a MEC catalogue coming at me! Yes, I do have fairly expensive bikes but I have also biked around Europe on a cheap 5 speed woman's bike and rickety old 1 speeds when I lived in Sweden for 8 years and commuted by bike. For me the height of cycling technology still is a CCM Targa 10 speed.
lol...I thought to try going out with some clubs here in T'rana. but all clubs in North Am require you wear a helmet. In the event, I've come across other 'extroverts' who also like cycling for the thrill of it, not to race (we still do 100km outings, and I'm mid Seventies) and about the only thing frowned upon, albeit not outright stated, is to wear canary outfits. I guess some insist on wearing their 'team' identity as it appeals to inner insecurities.
I had the same thoughts. Then I moved to LA and met some wonderful people through RCC. The best club I've been a part of. Totally unpretentious.
Very Glad for you Katie! That's awesome. As long as you feel comfortable...
I have been a solo "lone wolf rider" since I started road biking, I have probably been out with 5-people in all of the years of biking. I noticed that riding with others was enjoyable but, when people showed up late, and another wanted shorter rides, turned around to head home in the middle of a planned ride, etc etc. Was nerve racking. Specially when wanting to set goals. Never have a problem now, I prepare the night before, you know the ritual in getting everything you need ready, dress accordingly to weather, snacks, bike inspection etc... don't have to wait for anyone, and just except the adventures of a long ride, great therapy, great scenery, full on enjoyment. NOW, if I had a girlfriend who liked the same type of riding it would be tops!! Gosh, that guy friend of yours should have just stayed with you and enjoyed endless adventure rides, both of you together! I personally would said no to the Rapha group. PINK!! Really!!lol Remember if you're not happy in the near future, just go off and do your thing girl with your small group. Lovely channel, thx.:-) :-)
If you’ve ever heard Simon Mottram being interviewed you’ll understand that there is nothing pretentious about Rapha as a brand (Same experience in the stores - nothing but nice people interested in cycling wanted to talk to about cycling). If there is, it’s projected onto them by others. If you don’t want to join the club, don’t, but choose either way for the right reasons. For the record I am not and never have been a RCC member.
Great video Katie. For years I cycled alone, then in 2016 I was introduced to my local club ride by my neighbour. Best thing ever. Added a totally new dimension to my cycling. I learned how to group ride, discovered lots of new gear, new routes, improved my fitness, bought some smart club kit and made a bunch of good friends. Thoroughly recommend joining a club. And I still go out for solo rides.
If people did a little homework on Rapha, they'd be surprised. Rapha just wants people riding, and if they're riding together as a group or just friends, that's what it's all about. I almost thought the same thing at first glance of the brand and culture. I've bought products from them, and I absolutely love the idea behind Rapha and why it got started. Glad you changed your mind, Katie.
did a local sportive last year and we were on a bad pot-holded road, a Rapha group came thundering past towards a blind bend totally ignoring all the shouts to slow down due to some massive holes on the road just on the bend, they ignored the slow down signs which were all over the place, and surprise surprise five of them came down in a right mess in the middle of the road, sad to admit much to the amusement of all,
Were any tattoos damaged or beards grazed?
I love their kits! I don’t make a lot of money, but I save up a little from every paycheck and by the end of each year I’m able to buy what I want from them. I’m still wearing jerseys/jackets/bibs I bought 5 and 6 years ago from them, so their stuff does last!
Is it acceptable for me to attend an RCC ride wearing a brand other than Rapha?
of course! rapha just has better quality stuff
I dare you Katie.......go out with 'em wearing your Aldi kit 😂
at the rate that wiggle are discounting rapha kit Aldi will be considered premium soon
Ha, or one better, Alieexpress kit ;)
@@jaythefordman Have you seen their Ralpha stuff? 😂😂
@@BrumCraft Yep, hilarious. I had bought a jersey, but was too small, have to get another :P
SportsDirect kit would be preferable (or now Evans ;@) ) on your Carrera Subway.
Interesting reading the comments here to find I’m not alone in being a solo rider. I am a shift worker though so it would be hard to fit in with group rides. The only thing you miss out on is group riding practice so you are at a disadvantage in races or sportifs. Anyway you should ride with whoever you want katie. If they weren’t nice you would soon convert them.
An open mind sometimes reveals that there can be more to things than one assumes. I’m not a member, but I think they do a lot of good stuff. Kudos to you Katie!
Though I'm not a fan buying overpriced products for the sake of a brand (in cycling or the rest of my life) I have to admit that rapha does put on some quality events.
I don't buy Rapha products for the brand, but for their superb quality.
So is there a tattoo involved, how about a secret handshake?
Haha yep we all get our own number tattooed on our calves. Otherwise you’re not a fully fledged member. Rapha do promise an extra 10watts if you get the tattoo though.
You have to have a big lettter R tattooed on your arse.
I'm a cleanskin but often wondered about tattoo's as those with tattooed legs are much faster than me.
You partake in the Rapha Reacharound.
Audax for me although at my speed (slow and steady) I usually end up in a peloton of one.
Rapha's vision is to make road cycling the most popular sport in the world. Understanding this as well as the time and thought they put into their products it is something that more should get behind. I was never anti-rapha, but when I first found out about Rapha I was on board. What most people dont know is that the kit is far superior to others kit and is not much more expensive if not equal to other premium kit brands. The club also includes cycling insurance with your membership which is a bonus.
I completely understand your point of view. Alot of clubs seem to have that reputation of being a bit uppity, but alot of times it's just a few of their Club members. Not saying that there aren't any clubs that act better than you, because you don't wear a matching kit, don't have a $2k aero wheelset, race, or whatever. Clubs ultimately should be about comradery and getting more people on the bike.
I find it interesting - I used to agree with the "this isn't what riding is supposed to be about".
But the more I ride, the more I realise we all do it for very different reasons. Who am I to decide what riding is about for anyone but myself, if you know what I mean.
If you aren't horrible and like bikes, then it's all good isn't it!
Personally I don't like riding with clubs at all. Unless it's very close mates, I worry about my riding more than having fun and that's not right. But that's just me
Well said, Ethan. Yep I think we all have different reasons and so long as we are enjoying it that's the main thing :)
Serious comment. Are you encouraged to wear rapha kit ?
Not into clubs. Where I live in rural Oz there are hundreds of kms of dirt roads & almost nil traffic. So good to go out early & alone with the wildlife. For me, riding with a group would kill the 'getting away from it all" feeling. Although a few close encounters with brown snakes have left me thinking that solo isn't always a good idea.
I got no issues with Rapha, but in my neck of the woods, rapha has nothing but out of shape dentists that ride their 14k steeds to the coffee shop down the street and back. But hey, do what you want.
We are lucky in Manchester there are men and women doing some INCREDIBLE stuff!!
Einhander49 that was funny.but pretty true
I don't ride my $14K bike with others who have $14K bikes. I ride with others who have $8K bikes and laugh at how inferior their bikes are.
@@glennoc8585 The guys with $8K bikes work for me. They always let me be quickest. That's just how things work.
10after10 in your group maybe but not in mine, guy on a 1k Chinese carbon bike and tiagra is crushing it,it's upset the rest of us on our bling machines.
Nice one! Glad you joined in the end. I remember talking to you about this exact thing on my first ride with the RCC (which was mega!). I'm loving it and everyone makes me feel very welcome.Hope to see you on a ride soon
As a mountain biker i really like Rapha stuff even when i don't wear it or need that type of gear. Their design is fantastic. However, and i could be totally of the mark here, I think a lot of roadies take themselves far too seriously - when i'm not on the trails, I ride my mtb on the road just to get my fitness ticking and whenever i meet a roadie, i always nod but i never get a nod back lol.
Can you wear high viz, have a massive saddlebag, a bottle dynamo and toe clips?
Rapha just killed one of two clubhouses in Australia, the second is likely to go too. Fairly shitty way to repay their Australian Members who pay those fees to wear RCC on their back.
Ben Whitmore not enough membership.maybe. Australian riders tend to be loyal to a club for years so if Rapha had small members probably realised it was bit worth it.
According to an interview with Cycling tips it’s about the recent acquisition of a big chunk of their business and a step away from membership and into adventure.
@@benwhitmore6970 wow. Is that just in OZ or globally? When you say adventure do you mean cycling or adventure sports in general?
@@glennoc8585 There were a few shut down already around the world, I'm sure the UK will be the last to go and they haven't confirmed the future of the RCC Clubhouses, but I believe their new model is starting with Adventure cycling, but in the future will push more towards a Patagonia-style outdoor brand with cycling at its core.
You'll see they've started with down jackets already this season.
One thing where they are particularly useful is if you travel a lot and can’t bring your bicycle (for example, airline pilot). Their rental rates are relatively low, and I figured if I rent through Rapha the savings would make up for the membership fee in about eight to ten rides. There are a number of serious riders where I work that do this.
Nice, honest and personal assessment of you experience. Haters are gonna hate. Yeah, there’s a RCC in my town (Boulder Colorado), and I see them on some of my regular routes. Not a member here, but have attended some interesting evening talks at their “club house”. Looks like they’re having fun, enjoying cycling and each other in a supportive way. It’s easy to it to be a target with such a loyal following, but it’s not worth the breath in casting stones. Save it for the climb and let people work at the speed, pace and place that’s good for them.
Isn't this a lesson in life? How many times have you assumed something about others only to find you are mistaken? This is why at the age of 58 and having graduated with Distinctions from The School of Hard Knocks, I endeavour not to judge anyone or anything now.
I used to be a 100% Rapha until I discovered Pedal Mafia a small Australia brand, amazing quality and really great price bracket! U should Defo check them out!! Not so same, same like Rapha can be.
I only go on Rapha rides with my cheapest road bike. It’s caused other guys to bring their budget builds. At least here in Chicago the guys aren’t TOO bad. We have the occasional douche.
Love to hear that. I may join the one in Chicago too
Really debating on joining. Looking for some good quality group rides.
I started riding when I joined Rapha Melbourne and they were so encouraging and understanding of beginner riders (although they are bloody fast)!
Why would you?
Good evening Katie, i was wondering what camera you use whether its GoPro or what and what mounts you use? Any information greatly appreciated and looking forward to hearing back from you!
Maybe I have gotten some bad luck with people wearing Rapha but this is my experience: I recently started riding.. I’ll say probably around a year and a half and when I started I bought not brand clothes… just something basic to ride and every time I saw someone with rapha clothing they kind of looked at me weird….like I was beneath them…. Kind of looking me down….Couple of times I stopped at the lights and make conversation to them and they were always acting like jerks…. Why I don’t know but I’m guessing it was based on my appearance, a month ago I bought my first kit from rapha and that make a lot of difference, because now when another guy with rapha sees me coming and we have to stop at the same time they always make conversation and I think hats really bad reputation, if you’re letting a brand define the kind of person you are oh boy….. rapha is an amazing brand, I have never feel more comfortable riding my bike than I feel wearing rapha but that doesn’t makes me better than other people wearing other brands. I hope they change the way they see the sport but then again, me believing in that is like saying tooth fairies are real.
I've bought a few Rapha products. The original softshell jacket was the best. Got the new winter jacket but the pockets are far too deep. Means they are too high up the back. I had to get a size larger just so the back was longer and the pocket openings were a bit further down. Most of their products have flaws.
What pace do they do? I joined just for the club kit😂😂 and want to try the rides I do like 30 miles at about 17-18 mph as a usual ride
It varies for each ride and each sub-group in that ride :)
@@KatieKookaburra okay thank yoo
I think you'll be fine. I hope you found that out by about now :) #rccCPH
Solist for life, a lot of clubs have egos that only care about being better than their 'mates', ride faster or have nicer gear.
I am a group of one.
Works really well at committee meetings .
Great job Ms Kookaburra.
Hmmmm i wonder what will happen to your vid content.
I'm new to Rapha. As soon as I discovered them, I fell in love with the brand. Joined RCC and bought their club gear. From wanting a cycling jersey I bought much more! I have to say people can't complain about prices - you always pay what you get. It's better to pay premium but know that that thing will last years not months!
Do you have to wear Rapha kit?😕
Rapha....? Come and join the FCC Katie, it’s free and I organise group rides all over the country and you never know you might win a ‘rider of the week’ cap 🧢😀😉😂👌🏻🚴🏻♀️🚴🏻
Haha...Nice one Mark! 👍🚴
I second this!
Absolutely Mark! 👍🏻 I’m sure she would really enjoy herself and have a fantastic time 😎🚴♂️
Rapha vs Frosty.......Win for Frosty!!!!
Well said Frosty!
The problem with club rides is you usually get some know it all leading the ride and bossing everybody around. These elitist clubs also tend to be rather cliche and frown upon cyclists who don’t measure up to their kit standard.
Is there any benefit joining Rapha CC if you don't live anywhere near their clubhouses?
Hmmmm probably not in my opinion. There is a group of people who joined Rapha and have their own meet ups in Leeds. But I like the clubhouse as a meeting point and somewhere to store bikes when having a brew :)
Cycling is rapidly becoming an elitist sport and Rapha are very much playing their part in that. I wouldn't wear their kit if they paid me. Which a sceptical person may surmise that you are.
It have been for years long before Rapha came.
Just keep in the back of your mind...Rapha is a walmart brand
@@Zimmerh90 True. But Rapha made it even worse. The real rot started to set in around the time Pinarello started making crap overpriced bikes in the Far East instead of decent quality frames in Italy and everyone had to ride deep profile carbon rims.
Rapha and cycling maven (mark Ferguson ) were the first cycling videos that introduced me to this sport in a dark time in my life. I did like the concept of Rapha of not dressing and looking on a bike like a billboard on wheels. Then I saw the price and can't afford their cloth. Nevertheless props to them for promoting other style of riding that is not "I'm better faster than you". Although I saw another vloggler here in you tube visiting Los Angeles rapha chapter and in the ride they drop him. He didn't care a continue recording lol.
Keep winking Kate, you are a total cutie!😍😆
Wondered what happened all those months ago. I don’t need tv, I just watch interesting Bloggs while I work lol.
do you use a power meter?
I just didn't realise Rapha could be worn outside of Hackney. Corrected.
There isn‘t a Rapha Club here in Switzerland. I’m not that into clubs anyway. However I wear their kit for no other reason than comfort and quality. It’s no more expensive here than any other good quality brand. I also really like Maap kit which is around the same price. I do get the pretentious thing though. I once went into the London Store near Regent Street and it was not a good experience. However elsewhere in Europe, I found it to be completely different with helpful staff and other cyclists that are just into bikes, whatever you wear or ride.
Another ace video! Keeping it real ❤️❤️
Been riding for over 20 years. Never rode with a club and have no intention to. And I'm from Manchester. My road bike doesn't see much use.
I miss old times , after everything was ruined , but I start to get all shits together now
I must say, I miss the days when cycling was largely a working class sport, and you'd have people like Coppi working in a butcher's shop before going off to train or race on a £300 bike or Hinault staying true to his agrarian roots. Now people spend enough on a bike to buy a small car, with much the same on turbos and other bits of kit. Kinda feels like the sport is more and more about buying upgrades than it is riding up grades.
I guess it’s the same with a lot of technologies - cameras, phones, computers. For me as long as people are enjoying riding bikes there’s so many options out there for everyone. I do still ride my first ever road bike - bought a carbon as everyone does but sold it. I love it too!!
@@KatieKookaburra Aye, I accept it's the way things are going, I guess I just prefer talking about where people have ridden than what kit they've used to do so, and really hope we don't get to a stage where speed is all down to how much money you've spent rather than miles ridden. There's something romantic about the characters of yore, whether an Obree or a Millar, that isn't there when you read of Andrew Critchlow blowing £25,000 to race as an amateur for a year (www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/11559084/25550-the-incredible-annual-cost-of-amateur-bike-racing.html)
@@AdiGaskell totally agree
Is there an assos club? Or.What about a friends of cheap kit club i.e. the Aliexpress cheapuns cc
Surprised Katie that in winter the guys had do much black on and no rear lights, from what I could see.
i LOVE pink...but then it must be my italian ancestry :-)
I wear Rapha. But tracksuit bottoms, some form of lacoste trainers and no garmin.
How much is it? Just curious as they don't exist where I live..
www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/rcc-12-month-membership/product/RCCFULL
I've never ridden with someone else, even one person. It doesn't much bother me, though, as I'm a triathlete and the experience of riding in a group isn't of any real benefit. Plus, I can always ride at my own pace, as hard or as easy as my training plan dictates. Riding with other people seems to involve a lot of training compromises, which may be worthwhile if you're racing and have to manage in a peloton, but otherwise, I can't imagine paying money for the "privilege" to ride with other people.
Were/do rapha sponsor/reward you?
I am just fine, in our little country club. Rides on: mon, thu, sat. 12 pounds for a sommer season. (6 month) indoor on body bikes 90 pounds for 6 month. an hour: mon, thu, sat.
They're all super-nice people, but generally the crowd they attract is of higher socio-economic status. They also have a bit of an obsession with following traffic rules. I did a free Rapha ride once and most of the peoples' clothes cost more than my entire bike, which is also more than what some of the messengers I ride fixed gear with make in several weeks! It was a short and slow ride where none of that stuff was necessary. Again, personally, everybody is super nice and they don't make you feel out of place if you don't have all of the expensive stuff. However, depending on who you are, you may still feel out of place.
bonking on a bike ride? How do you avoid falling off?
You don't want to get to a point where you're that low on energy you fall off. Drink before you're thirsty and eat before you're hungry :)
You already understand what I’m about to say because you said it. But it does bears repeating. In Life, you make out of anything what you will. You get out of something what you put in. Clubs are unique for a myriad reasons. They have their ethos, vision and mission. It’s members also help enhance, shape and evolve that ethos. I’m glad they exist. Like Harley Davidson. It’s a culture. It’s also a huge family. I dig them. We all get to suffer together and feel good afterwards. Peace.
I have joined Rapha for the bike hire and rides abroad - i love to go to different Clubhouses and feel at home, and welcomed to ride with the locals. Done it in NYC, Amsterdam, London, Boston and ofcouse Copenhagen. Fantastic for less than 100£
It does seem unfair that I would have to join paying over $100 AU to have access to some discounts. I'm based in my nation's capital, New Zealand and there are no clubs here.
It's just a cycling club - you know, a group of people who like riding bikes. If you hate on people because of your pre-conceived idea of them, that's you're failing as a judgemental person.
Very true! I was very wrong.
not sure why Rapha has this reputation. All you need is chat with any one of the reps online and see how nice and helpful they are! Sure there kits are expensive but not any more then anything other higher end kit, really! I haven't joined only because I don't travel abroad and the closest club is 14hours away! But I have ridden with the rcc zwift and love it!! wish we had club in North Carolina
This insular, jealous club thing is hard to understand. Clubs end up trying to control their members.
Still am none the wiser as to why this video is titled WHY I WOULDN'T JOIN RAPHA!! I can only chalk it up to for attention.
🖐🏼
I used to be a member of the manchester RCC. not a fan of your click bait title but agree with your sentiment. Yes there probably are lots of fancy dan riders but the people who actually go on the rides and get involved are all really nice, normal people. Yes, maybe a bit of vanity but I think we all have that vanity in us, just some of us keep it supressed haha. The only reason i've left the club now is because most of the members are in it for the longer, cafe type rides and i'm doing more race based, not very social riding so not worth the money anymore. Yeah the membership fee is a lot, and it really sucks that they made co-ordinators redundant, but if you get involved in the socials, and all the stuff they put on, you get your money back straight away. ps Les is a wonderful human being!
Nah the title is right, the reasons why I wouldn’t join Rapha but then actually my opinion changed. Les is a gem!
im glad you ve found a group that fits your requirements , hopefully the group is big enough to make sure your always able to find cyclist with the same enthusiasm and ability has you ,because turning up for a specific cycle to have it changed because 1 cyclist has to get home early,dont feel well, taking easy because big sportive due or recovering is enough to make you dream of the freedom of not being a club member and just meeting up with like minded cyclist who want to make their legs ache
What ever works, just ride and be happy 🤘
I ride solo, Im not part of the Rapha CC but I do wear a few bits and bobs of Rapha which I picked up second hand from Rapha Club members here in Berlin. Nice friendly chaps and so on with very expensive bikes and the latest tec.
Lol I ride Single Speed, they are fascinated with my custom rides when I go and pick up items from ebay Kleinanzeigen. Blessings from a Brit in Berlin. ❤️
I would be open to trying RaphaCC, but you hit the nail on the head with the fact that they’re not all over the country. As far as I know, there’s Manchester and 2 in London. I live near Frodsham, so not that far at all really, but it would still take me an hour to get there and an hour back via trains etc! Glad to hear it’s not as pretentious as it sounds at times though!
Very interesting to me Kate I have been out with Saturday morning group found them really nice and a great ride. I don’t have as much time at the moment so been with them recently. I know of one club you ent out with how many did you try?
Hi Katie. I’m in a London cycling club and it’s only £10 a year membership and get 10% off bike products. And yes Rapha is expensive but the quality of the clothing is great.
Hope you settle in with your new club and enjoy happy cycling miles xx
david chapman Hello where are your London cycling about ?
Ashni Kumar I cycle around Kent Biggin hill area. Richmond park. Dorking Boxhill
david chapman I wear chapha
Thanks for your Honesty KK! Keeping the northern cycling 🚵♀️ movement going
Just found out how much a years membership is...... need to found out what you get for it as as you say it isn’t cheap not to say it’s expensive either.
On the face of it.. you get to buy stuff from the RCC range...! This put me off for ages but actually I've been a member for nearly a year now after some riding pals signed me up as a wedding gift. I don't even have a local clubhouse here (between Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) so I don't get any of the coffee, etc. perks.. yet I'll be renewing. Above all, the international community of like-minded cyclists is what you get (there are loads of RCC members and 'Chapters' everywhere, regardless of whether there's a Clubhouse..). Our rides are often accompanied by car support and a photographer on a motorbike. Cheap Canyon bike hire is also great if you travel. I actually hired one to do the Festive500 in Manchester this year but broke my hip in August haven't ridden since, so had to cancel it. Rapha have extended my membership for my 6 month recovery time.. for free. In short, the value (for me) comes from your fellow RCC members and Chapter organisers.
Not a club, but if you want to try riding with others you can join British Cycling rides for FREE. They do different types, including BREEZE rides for women. It might confirm that solo really is your thing, or build your confidence so that you feel ready to join a ‘serious’ club, or it might be what you want to do forever. You may even be inspired to become a ride leader yourself. Just Google it!
When everybody wears the same, you lose your identity. 😑
joris ermens that's why I don't.like club rides particularly it's very wanna be pro for me. I do group rides with whomever want to come along and wear what you want.
Did you guys watch the video or have you ever been on an RCC ride? You don't have to wear Rapha on their rides. Your other brand kit (sorry.. identity..) may remain intact.
The kit used to be pretentious but now it’s bargain bucket stuff on Wiggle/CRC that nobody buys at full price.
Still tried the dodgy wink at the end!
Hi Katie, I Need Help with motivation!!!!!!! What do you think l should do? you're CRACKING you are!!
Please don't complain and enjoy the ride and company
a miss leading title .
I was a member for some years from the beginning, but as I travel with work, I have actually never been out on a club ride with them. Seemed like too much of a waste to me. That said, I do have more Rapha clothing than any other brand.
My top hayte is bike snobs.
Better look twice before yelling "RAPHA WANKERS" from now on I guess. :)
What’s raffa stand for ??
Cycling clubs are brilliant to find out new routes ,friends cafe’s been in a club for 2 half years still not got their club jersey and cheap to join yearly so bargain plus just can be safer to ride in a group if your not very confident
Just all about riding ya bike
I recently went in the Rapha cafe in Mallorca and felt dead intimidated - pretty sure that was my own hang ups though cos everyone was lovely! I'm thinking of joining the Barnes sisters ride in December but I'm going to check the pace first.
Everything pink.... looked like the usual standard cycling colour of - black 👎 - I don't do group rides prefer to be on my own at my own pace not trying to keep up with others or waiting for others
Afraid I don't share your experience with said club. In London their members don't acknowledge other riders or offer support when a cyclist is in need. Maybe it's a North South thing.
Northerners are just friendlier haha!
@@KatieKookaburra glad to see you made it up to the cold dark. Must get out with Tobes soon in them those hills of Lanxs