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.

 

[vickster]

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

And an extra 20% off. Shame none of their stuff would remotely fit me 🤣

 

[wafter]

I feel sorry for the folks at Endura. I see the company was bought out in 2018 by the current "holdings group" owners - which probably marked the beginning of the end of the company as anything but a recognised name to plaster upon cheap out-sourced products.

I imagine their decline has been hastened by the covid-fuelled bike industry apolocalypse on top of all the other "headwinds" facing business - over-exposure to increasingly expensive debt, reduced customer spending etc..

I've never really warmed to Rapha as (rightly or wrongly) they've always seemed expensive and very "fashion-forward".

It's sad to see the bike industry taking a hammering; although it must be remember that the industry should be there to serve the needs of cyclists; not the other way around. I think for too long many brands have gotten fat off people spending far more than they need to on gear and we're now evidently seeing a bit of a reset in this respect.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

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.

It's a tricky one. I was a very early Rapha customer in the days when you could still phone up the office and order from them! I am in the minority that I don't believe quality has gone down, it is still some of the best made and long lasting kit around.

They have a few major problems; too many lines, too many individual products, inconsistent pricing, focus away from cycling apparel etc. Fran Milar the new CEO is making a lot of noises about stripping it all back to basics but no real sign of that yet.

The major issue started when they got bought out. The endless sales and price reductions meant the market got flooded with Rapha and it's 'premium' i.e. unaffordable tag got lost. People forget they never used to have online sales, it was always expensive which reduced the number of customers but meant those they had spent big. Now a lot of cyclists own Rapha and the new custoners move on to other brands and the old customers don't see it as being as 'luxury' as it was. Their appeal has diminished quite substantially.

My issue is the customer service. Takes 3 or 4 days to get a response and when you do it is largely ineffective. Having an issue at the moment redeeming a voucher. First emailed them 10 days ago, have had to chase twice and still not resolved. Really poor for a company that claims to be top notch on customer care.

They won't go under, but they will seriously have to revalue the business longer term and accept they are no longer the pre-eminent clothing brand.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

It's sad to see the bike industry taking a hammering; although it must be remember that the industry should be there to serve the needs of cyclists; not the other way around. I think for too long many brands have gotten fat off people spending far more than they need to on gear and we're evidently seeing a bit of a reset in this respect.

I feel for local bike shops, but as you say, the industry at large has been gouging us for years. Ludicrous price increases, unnecessary tech for the sake of increasing profits, making everyday parts/components obsolete for even more profit. I am glad a lot of brands are getting a bit of a reality check.

 

[Pblakeney]

Both companies went downhill when bought out.
Sympathies for the workers, none for the current owners.