Endura and Rapha changes

[Happy_Days]

I’m sorry to see Endura struggling, and I hope the brand returns to profitability soon.

https://road.cc/content/news/redundancies-endura-reports-brand-leaving-scotland-317551

I’m less surprised (but I feel sorry for the staff) that Rapha is closing its Manchester club house.

https://road.cc/content/news/rapha-shuts-manchester-clubhouse-and-four-us-branches-317587

 

[geocycle]

That’s a shame. Both are great brands and provide much of my cycling specific clothing. Unfortunately for them it lasts a long time and I only buy things when I need them.

 

[mrushton]

Was in Mcr this week. Wonder if the RCC riders get their money back. Too many products imo but I do like their clothing. So many premium brands all competing for a seemingly shrinking market. MAAP, Cafe du Cicliste, Le Col plus the stalwarts Assos and Castelli.

 

[mrushton]

In fact Yanto Barker has left Le Col which has had losses again. 2026 might see their demise?

 

[ianrauk]

I hope not. Le Col gear is top notch.
However they are continually pushing discounts almost on a daily basis, almost spam like.
That may tell you something, or not.

 

[Happy_Days]

Le Col gear is top notch.

Currently, Le Col is offering over 50% off the price of many products. That’s a massive price reduction, even by Le Col’s standards—now might be a good time to buy:

https://lecol.cc/collections/mens-sale

 

[PaulSB]

It's hard to understand how Rapha can be considered sustainable after eight years of losses. I think the company will go under in the near to mid term. Interesting to note Rapha Manchester, a bright, young, vibrant city is being dumped:

"Closing these Clubhouses means we can focus on richer customer experiences at flagship locations, regional rides and events, and online worldwide"

Clearly Leeds and Liverpool are important regional cities but I think Manchester is the most important in the north of England. I think it says a lot that Manchester is not considered a flagship. I have noticed fewer and fewer people wearing Rapha kit.

Personally I prefer to support another Manchester company, Lusso. The quality easily matches Rapha, the product is designed and manufactured in Manchester and customer service is fantastic. Worryingly though Lusso do seem to be running significant discounts of late.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Closing these Clubhouses means we can focus on richer customers

☺️

 

[katiewlx]

Im surprised theyre closing the Manchester store, obviously Ive got no insight as to how the store was doing since I didnt even manage to find it last time I was in Manchester, found the Trek store though. But I thought Manchester, with it being the BC hub as well, had a good local cycling scene, ie lots of potential customers,so if you cant sell enough stuff to them, then there is something seriously wrong with the setup.

also what does it mean for Raphas Manchester to London ride, as I thought that store was a big part of that ?

the thing is I dont think theyll turn the business round because I dont think they understand the reasons why theyre failing currently,and ignoring specifically with Rapha Ive felt a downturn in kit quality in the last few years, the simple fact is they dont make anything that I want to buy anymore.

same with Le Col even with their firesale, its like not even really about the price at that point, its like none of their stuff interests me enough to part with any money.

whilst I can go on Ale, Gobik, Universal Colours and find loads of stuff I want. So its just until they work out who theyre trying to attract as a customer, theyll go on losing money.

 

[Happy_Days]

whilst I can go on Ale, Gobik, Universal Colours and find loads of stuff I want.

Gobik’s gear is increasingly compelling—lower prices yet higher quality than today’s Rapha range.

My limited experience with Universal Colours has also been good. In contrast, Rapha’s declining quality grates against its increasingly ludicrous prices.