Is Rapha keeping up with the fast-paced world of cycling fashion, or is it stuck in its reputation as an elitist brand? I sat down with Chris Chen, country manager for Rapha Singapore, at their clubhouse to find out. We discussed how Rapha is staying competitive in a world of fast fashion and explored the brand’s 20-year journey in the cycling community.
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00:00 Highlights & Intro
05:23 Hump Day route
06:27 Does your wife know about your bikes?
10:02 Chris’ cycling journey
14:00 Rapha’s early beginnings in Singapore
16:46 Early collections
20:20 Is it an elitist brand?
22:56 Winter riding and apparel
26:25 Tiger Leaping Gorge
27:25 Team Sky
35:23 Has there been a drop in membership?
38:02 How is Rapha setting itself apart?
40:30 What does this mean to you?
41:55 What happened to the insurance?
46:30 Rapha team recognition & Outro
13 Comments
Im sure u guys are nice bunch of people. But outsiders like me have this impression that rapha, PNS, MAAP are elitist its becos of the barier of entry to own just one set of cycling gear( its Also impossible just to have one set)
And from what im told we are expected to wear Rapha gear when you are cycling in the rapha group..
This was a very wholesome episode. Covered a lot of topics as a newcomer you hear from YT reviews or word of mouth especially on elitism with certain brands. I think you can argue the same with every other sports brands but with cycling brands I find what sets itself apart is the culture and community they foster which was showcased here. As a consumer it is your choice to be brand loyal, but the sense of belonging and friends you make via the community is more worthwhile. Keep up the great content and positivity you bring Oompa Loompa Cycling and hopefully one day will get to meet and cycle with you.
I love my MAAP, Rapha, and PNS kits but I don’t own a lot of each. The kits are just brands just as much as the different bike brands. I do think PNS is overpriced.
I've never seen to be able to get the right size for Rapha…. They should hold more inventory for their smaller sizes 🔥
been to the clubhouse & bought some things before. IMO most of the people there are nice, but some others well i dont like their attitude, so no reason to join them again. No brand aliexpress stuff are equally good quality and last just as long after many uses plus so much cheaper and i can get many colors too. And now with maap etc, way too many brands to buy from hence no surprise theyre all suffering
Great episode! 👍🏾
<3 sat there, enjoyed it live. Came back home, enjoyed it again online. Thank you Chris and Oompa 😉
Solid interview with rich history, great video.
That is why I pick Skull Monton over PNS is way expensive 😵💫 my bib is Skull Monton I find it more affordable🙏🏻
Thanks for providing an insight to Rapha. Just recently moved to a smaller city (Australia) and taken up road cycling.
There's a plethora of local brands such as MAAP, Pedla, Pedal Mafia, Attaquer, Blacksheep and Neo Pro etc available to me.
The mainstream bike brands such as Trek and Giant distribute and merchandise Rapha as their sole road cycling brand in store.
I missed my opportunity to join the RCC when I was living elsewhere. I like the unique concept and philosophy that they are trying to develop in building a community.
I'm fortunate to have found a local shop that specialises in cycling clothing. That stocks a range of legacy European brands and more obsure brands such as Ciovita, Isadore and others.
From my general impression on seeing what people wear on the srreet. MAAP and Attaquer are favourites for the younger ane trendier riders with Rapha being the dominant mainstream lifestyle brand.
I still get sticker shock of the price points of cycling apparel at times. Still not conditioned to it yet as a newer cyclist.
Don’t waste your time , go decathlon vanrysel bibs are much better and affordable
Brother your intro is tooooo long
I think the bigger elephant in the room is whether the RCC pay to ride model still relevant today, considering PNS and Maap have their showroom and rides are free.