spokeweasel
Active Member
Tried to post in classifieds section but I don’t see a post new thread in the “wanted” section.
Endura and Rapha changes
- Thread starter Happy_Days
- Start date
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Tried to post in classifieds section but I don’t see a post new thread in the “wanted” section.
midlandsgrimpeur
Über Member
I have to say, this kind of thing does irk me. I am all for saving a business, but it should always be done on the proviso that debts are settled.
well maybe not so much settling the debts as a proviso, as that may result in some unintended consequences of firms staying permanently bankrupt and never being able to be bought out and be rescued by better companies.
but I dont think Head should be allowed to do this kind of deal where theyve basically not changed ownership of Le Col, and just used this to wipe out some inconvenient debt,
it all seems a bit as you say irksome, and certainly impacts whether Id consider purchasing anything from them in the future. I noticed theyd already gone for a monster sale on everything, and none of the structural things have changed so theyll just keep losing money
Happy_Days
Senior Member
Evidently, Rapha hasn’t weaned itself off regular sales. Has the market for big-ticket prices become smaller?
midlandsgrimpeur
Über Member
Yeah, noticed this. I think it must have. I guess they are stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place. They want the exclusivity back but they need to shift big volumes. Grew too big, too fast. I think they are stuck in this loop now, people want and expect cheaper prices and Rapha need revenue. If they returned to the old days of full rrp and no sales they'd still sell stuff but likely need to make drastic cuts with the reduced turnover.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I feel the problem Rapha has created is one of image. At one time the company marketed itself as "the world's best cycling kit." The issue is that it simply wasn't. Neither product quality, shop stock levels nor customer service justified this claim.
Today I happily pay Lusso £100+ for a jersey, £150 for bibs. I don't question price because I know everything about the company is top quality. Yes, Lusso run generous sales on occasions and I take advantage of these but if I want an item outside of these periods price is irrelevant.
The same applies to Galibier, though much of their kit sizing doesn't suit me. The jackets, rain jackets and gilets are excellent and I'll just buy when needed.
The three key points for any business should be:
Quality
Service
Price
Get the first two wrong and you can be as cheap as chips and still sell bugger all.
Today I happily pay Lusso £100+ for a jersey, £150 for bibs. I don't question price because I know everything about the company is top quality. Yes, Lusso run generous sales on occasions and I take advantage of these but if I want an item outside of these periods price is irrelevant.
The same applies to Galibier, though much of their kit sizing doesn't suit me. The jackets, rain jackets and gilets are excellent and I'll just buy when needed.
The three key points for any business should be:
Quality
Service
Price
Get the first two wrong and you can be as cheap as chips and still sell bugger all.
midlandsgrimpeur
Über Member
I would slightly disagree on the quality front. Their apparel is still good quality IMO, there are just now a number of other brands of equal quality, many at a lower price.
As a customer from the beginning, Rapha's very first clothing lines were exceptional quality, way above what it is today. If my memory is correct, it was all made in Italy and obviously in low volume to begin. That aligned with no sales and lack of competition, besides Assos, meant that it really was seen as a market leader and they had found their niche (and could justify the premium prices).
They aren't the same company today, mass volume, lower quality, continuous sales. I would say they still offer a good product but they have lost their shine in many people's eyes and the company has suffered badly as a result.
Agree as well that the customer service isn't a patch on what it once was.
ivegotabike
Well-Known Member
I just wonder how risky it is to "dodge" £1,379,195 owed to HMRC for Head UK in the bigger picture?
I can't help but wonder if someone at HMRC might be thinking that Head UK's businesses may just be worthy of some special scrutiny. Purely by coincidence of course.
Oh, lo and behold, as a result of that, an assessment for, say, £2,758,390 is raised?
midlandsgrimpeur
Über Member
Would be very interesting to see. I had read somewhere it was a pre pack deal, which if it is the case means HMRC can apply restrictions before any trading commenced. Can't see them missing an opportunity to reclaim some money! I think the rescue deal did clear some debt but left a number of small creditors out of pocket.
slickgonecycling
Regular
The whole cycling industry is struggling!
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Rusty Nails
We remember
- Location
- Living in the slow lane
This is true. The offerings from Lidl and Aldi this year have been sparse. I've had to wear last year's fashions.
Happy_Days
Senior Member
How many people will pay Rapha £50 for a pair of toe warmers?
It’s great to see high praise for a British-manufactured brand. I’m curious what Lusso’s winter jackets are like—have you tried them?
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Sorry, I haven't been around for a few days. Yes, I wear the Paragon Deep Winter jacket and combine it with the Deep Winter base layer. This has been a game changer for me. I used to wear 4, 5, 6 layers and look like Michelin Man. I would arrive at the cafe bathed in sweat and need to put on a dry base layer.
The combination of the Lusso jacket and base layer means I only wear two layers. The wicking properties are excellent and I can return home from 50 - 60 miles and not even feel damp. Occasionally I combine this with a Galibier insulated gilet on very damp, cold days - the sort that gets in your bones.
Paragon Deep Winter Jacket - Crimson https://share.google/xoxg1yOlAZ9Csgwsf
Paragon Deep Winter Base Layer https://share.google/TvkyfqKj5sV4atnfH
Highly recommended.
ktmbiker58
Über Member
I like the idea of buying some made in UK gear for this winter! How accurate is their sizing would you say?
I’ve got some Lusso stuff and it is good. Sizing is pretty accurate although I have some winter tights that are very long on my M and S regular legs. I believe they will do alterations if you contact them.
