Assos or Rapha?

[walker]

I've got a little bit of money burning its way out of my wallet.

I want to buy a quality jersey but Unsure which one to go for. What are people's experience of said manufactuerers and their CLothing?

 

[simonali]

If you'd said shorts, I'd've said Assos for sure. I do have an Assos s/s jersey or 2, but they don't appear to be much better than cheaper alternatives, whereas the shorts are supremely comfy. I haven't really looked at the Rapha stuff for a long time, but I'd assume it's a lot more stylish than the Assos gear?

 

[yello]

Ah, it's been a while. I guess we need this debate periodically!

Depends on what you're after. As above ^, for bib shorts etc, no question - Assos. Rapha's softshell jacket is excellent but I can't compare it to the Assos equivalent, not having one! I rate Rapha's sportswool jerseys too but I'm not sure Assos do anything like them. I picked up some Rapha arm warmers in their sale and I'm impressed... for £5 I couldn't really fail to be!

 

[gavintc]

I have a bit of both; Assos and Rapha. I like the styling of rapha and their shirts (sportswool) feel good quality. Some cycling friends have other rapha tops and once again, they look smart, are well made and if you can get them at a discount, might be worth it.

Assos, make excellent bib shorts and more technical tops; gilet, winter jackets etc. However, their normal shirts/jerseys are just pretty normal nylon based tops. I have one and whilst I wear it, I do not think it is any better or worse than many other in my drawer. My wife and I both have the Assos winter jacket - excellent kit, warm and wind resistant. Mine is hanging in my office right now.

So in conclusion, I personally do not think Assos summer weight shirts are anything special and I like the Rapha shirts more.

 

[walker]

I never really thought about getting some shorts. and both are cheapish shorts. Thanks all, I think I've changed my mind on the jersey and will try some shorts

 

[simonali]

I use the Mille range, lovely insert in them. Your backside won't regret your choice!

http://www.primera-bournemouth.co.uk/Template.aspx?prodID=209

The pics here are a bit worrying, as the model appears to have no genitalia?!

 

[amrushton]

Assos mille shorts esp. if you can find them on offer are superb as are their tights. rapha base layers (wool) are superb. Still some on offer on the site. their softshell jkt is a superb bit of kit, v.understated as is the new winter jersey. the Assos Gator jkt is possibly the hottest jacket ever made for cycling, a superb piece of cold weather kit (now discontinued-but poss available somewhere). For the technical stuff, I'd go Assos, but for base layers and understated look - Rapha

 

[giant man]

There's no contest. Assos every time.

 

[simonali]

Agreed! Rapha has a certain ponce factor about it.

That's why I'm not familiar with their range. When they first arrived on the scene they only made a few bits and bobs, it was all Henry Ford colour and very expensive. Not really looked at the stuff since.

 

[Disgruntled Goat]

Assos if you are a Cyclist
Rapha if you are a Lifestyle Cyclist.

Having said that, I have both. I have a Rapha jacket as Assos jackets make me look like a condom stuffed with walnuts.

 

[jashburnham]

May I throw another contender into the ring? Have you thought about Castelli:
http://castelli-cycling.com/eng/rosso_corsa.php?pagina=articolo&id=7500&col=023&l=rosso_corsa
Italian stuff that is of the same quality/price range as Assos. I absolutely love their gear and buy it from Comobike which makes it a bit cheaper. Being Italian the sizing is a bit small. I have a 32 waist and 38 chest which translates to a Large in their sizing.

 

[User169]

Hhmm...

http://www.assos.com/en/etno/detail.aspx?article=12&color=5

It's all a bit little Britain for my taste.

 

[gavintc]

Hhmm...

http://www.assos.com/en/etno/detail.aspx?article=12&color=5

It's all a bit little Britain for my taste.

I initially thought it was a parody and had to do a couple of clicks around the site to convince myself it was for real. The Swiss - weird.

 

[monnet]

My personal preference is for Giordana. I actually think it's better quality than Assos. Rapha is just poncy.

 

[Tynan]

the asso lady model looks a bit dishy in cycle gear, spec the bib longs