Pro Team 2012

Matt Cartwright

4th April 2012 03:56pm

Is that a Pro Team Gilet?

graeme cross

4th April 2012 06:33pm

Love the ProTeam stuff, the jacket has been my best Rapha buy to date. Simply an awesome garment.

The shorts are a bit niggly though, but I hear you have reworked the new ones?

Matthew Kavanaugh

4th April 2012 07:53pm

Riding without a helmet is lame. Come on Rapha, give up the poser cool factor and be responsible.

Rueban Balasubramaniam

4th April 2012 08:16pm

I really want the long black with white stripe pro team sock (like the ones no-helmet guy is wearing), but they aren't listed in the online shop (only long white ones, or short black or white ones). Where can I get the long ones in black?

Ryan Whitehead

4th April 2012 08:36pm

Ditto on the helmet comment. I guess it's old school chic - but unless your name is Merckx or De Vlaeminck you gotta wear a helmet.

James Plumb

4th April 2012 09:48pm

Yeah really cool, like no helmet etc….. What a dick…. Can't believe that you promote the idea that not wearing a helmet is acceptable! Totally irresponsible. I am an intensive care doctor and have seen many young cyclists lives ruined!

James Plumb

4th April 2012 09:50pm

Just spotted I'm not the only one who thinks that this was completely irresponsible. You should take the video down!

Not a wannabe

4th April 2012 10:15pm

Hey no-helmet people, really? Really, you have nothing better to do? I think it's really stupid to ride without a helmet, and never do personally, but come on, it's a cheezey video. It's not like they're screaming, "don't wear a helmet!" And if your helmet decision (or any decision for that matter) is influenced by a 30 second vid, you really need to ride more.

gareth waud

4th April 2012 10:30pm

These guys are pros, I can't believe people are making such a big issue, freedom of choice etc. We should be bemoaning the price Rapha charge for their gear not if their models wear a lid or not!

James Plumb

5th April 2012 12:21am

Not a wannabe, I don't think anyone was trying to claim that Rafa are suggesting that it is cool to not wear a helmet or in fact are as you say 'screaming don't wear a helmet' when you've seen people brain damaged from cycle accidents first hand then I'll listen to what you have to say, until then could I politely suggest you climb back into your box? It is law in many counties to wear a helmet and although there has never been a randomised controlled trial to prove their efficacy at preventing morbidity or mortality such a trial would of course be unethical as there seems to be overwhelming opinion that a helmet lessens the severity of impact to the head.

And Gareth I agree but to be fair anyone commenting here has already likely fallen into this over priced trap!

Derval Devaney

5th April 2012 12:51am

Delighted at last to see this topic of helmet-less spins being raised. It's one
which my friends have noticed on the website & have discussed many times. I do believe Rapha have a responsibility when it comes to the content of their adverts - pro or no-pro these guys should be told
to wear a helmet while representing the Rapha brand. How come the ladies
in the adverts wear them? I love the Rapha gear and I think the quality of the product, the excellent
customer service provided and the attention to detail is well worth the price - gear is comfortable to wear, looks great and lasts forever. The only downfall is the lack attention to detail
in the advertising when it comes to riding safe. Rapha you cannot
underestimate the power of advertisement - give these male pros a Rapha helmet and tell
them to wear it - and we may even buy one if the size fits :-)

Joe Spataro

5th April 2012 01:40am

to Joe's point above, it is not Rapha's responsibility to serve as either a parental unit or some sort of guardian. We, as cyclists and people with responsibilities, should make our own decisions regarding helmet use. I used to get really angry at folks who chose not to wear helmets. I've mellowed out about it though. Consider this point: when someone decides not to wear a helmet, who is at risk? 99.99% of the time, only the cyclist in question is at risk. If you are willing to put your own well-being on the line by not wearing a helmet, so be it. The chance of an innocent rider/bystander suffering because of your irresponsible action is super, super low. On the other hand, I think riding a bike without some sort of official brake system is totally out of line and potentially very dangerous for innocent bystanders. For every person who can skid a fixie well there are 50 people who suck at it.

Cheers to everyone.

Pierre RENARD

5th April 2012 08:47am

Anyway the best way to resolve the situation, is to release a Rapha/Giro Helmet.
Today, I am 45, I have had two craches. One I was 15, we had these 3 Bands helmet, and the second one last year.

For the first one I spent 3 weeks on my back in hospital bed, and for the second, 4 ribs broken.

Without helmet I wouldn't be posting this messages.

We are grown-up, WEAR HELMET and Get kids helmet. No discussion.

Tom Southam

5th April 2012 09:13am

All that fuss, and no one has even mentioned the fact that I am going up a mountain in the big ring..

Paul Hiscock

5th April 2012 09:30am

Now Rapha is in bed with Giro with the shoes, maybe a helmet next?

paul burgess

5th April 2012 10:00am

I am new to cycling and always wear a helmet as does my teenage son who won't wear lycra!
Freedom of choice should be allowed to continue in our Nanny State!
However, I do believe Rapha should show some social responsibility in its advertising and insist on all "models" wearing helmets during the shoot. Young & old cyclists may be influenced by the adverts.

Best suggestion, develop a Rapha helmet, more profit and more branding on the B roads of Blighty!

Matt Cartwright

5th April 2012 11:42am

Guys its all about choice, wear one if you like or don't, we are adults and we all know the risks associated. Do we really need a clothing manufacturer - even the best one - to tell us that?

We don't need to 'nanny' the world. Just take responsibility for you own actions and stop worrying about everyone else.

I noticed it was the big ring, but i chose not to say anything, as it made me feel bad. That said, I for one will be giving the pro range a long look this year!

David Green

5th April 2012 12:27pm

As His Imperial Highness Matt Cartright (a shared joke) has stated above it's all about choice. I think it's wrong to ride without a helmet but if someone chooses to ride without one it's their choice to make.
I also hear the "Rapha is expensive" argument waaaay too much. It's not cheap, but it's excellent kit. If you don't think it's worth it, don't buy it. I don't have a great deal as yet but will always buy Rapha from now. The clothing fits well, performs well and looks great. The back-up service I've had from Rapha is first rate too.
I too go up big hills in the big ring!!!

Or is that down hill or the big cassette ring? ;-)

Guy Sablon

5th April 2012 12:29pm

I agree the choice whether or not to wear a helmet is a personal one. But Rapha cannot hide behind this fact. They have a big responsability in this matter, whether they like it or not. Rapha is absolutely one of the coolest cycling brands out there and people relate to that.

Furthermore I'm convinced that the marketing guys at Rapha are absolutely endorsing the fact that some riders not to wear helmets. It adds to their story of an authentic, let's say even retro brand.

I have a couple of friends who have hit the asphalt or even cobbles big time. Some of them would'nt be cycling today if they had rode without a helmet.

David Green

5th April 2012 01:14pm

Guy: I wear a helmet on every ride and would recommend that everyone else does too. However I'm not going to hold anyone or any company responsible for the choice people make about whether they wear a helmet or not.
Rapha are a cool brand and their photo shoots and videos reflect this very well (I think so anyway!)
I don't think the videos or photo's will get anyone to change their mind about whether they should or shouldn't wear a helmet.
Unless they're a complete numpty who is easily led.
David

Craig Morris

5th April 2012 05:00pm

Wow! He's climbing in the big ring!

Nathan Quintanilla

5th April 2012 06:35pm

@James Plumb
Your cries that Rapha should take the video down are a little ridiculous. By your logic, because we read your comments, we are now all at risk of degrading into blathering mongers who leave short sighted, foul mouthed comments.

Maybe it's your posts that should be taken down.

You, myself, and everyone else in the world have a choice to responsibly consume any content be it music, art, or a cycling video.

I for one enjoyed the video, and I will be wearing my helmet later.

Not a wannabe

5th April 2012 06:55pm

Oh wait, you guys are right. I do everything exactly like I see on the internet. As an adult I can't make my own decisions.

James Plumb

6th April 2012 02:24pm

@Nathan Quintanilla

" By your logic, because we read your comments, we are now all at risk of degrading into blathering mongers who leave short sighted, foul mouthed comments."

I'm sorry but how is commenting that people should wear hemlets in anyway short sighted? Also do you actually know what a 'monger' is? Would calling someone a 'monger' not fit into your description of foul mouthed or even worse down right derogatory and rude? Not to mention fairly careless.

I at no point stated that I didn't enjoy the video, as all rapha prodcutions it was slick but I merely pointed out the fact that the guy isn't wearing helmet… ok ok I shouldn't have assumed that he is a 'dick' for not wearing one.

I'm afraid I disagree with the posters above stating that it's not a big deal etc, it is a big deal, people are subconsciously affected by advertising in ways they don't even relaise. I'm not suggesting people are thick I just think that rapha should not make any more vidoes with helmetless models.

Juan Blazquez

6th April 2012 11:28pm

I dig the vest on the video that rider 2 is wearing. Very subtle. But it is not available. Any info on that?

David Green

7th April 2012 06:25pm

Just thought: if the video is as influential as discussed on here, I'll now be climbing hills at speed in the big chainring looking slim and athletic! Wow!

Patrick Roark

8th April 2012 01:30am

Ah-How to fleece the sheep further! Is it true that goofy milk truck you have at races isn't even drivable? So you ride with not helmets AND own a poser-mobile? Is pink fabric harder to find in china? Best thing about your gear is here in So. Ca I know I'm coming up on some wealthy tool on an overpriced bike and to just wave my group around him and give him a nice "quack quack" Whats next rapha, a pink and black prius rolling around providing your sheeple "Rapha" service? I love it.

Matt Cartwright

10th April 2012 09:38am

Sounds to me like someone needs a hug?

Hishamuddin Abu Kassim

10th April 2012 11:30am

no helmets, smokin, ol skool etc i love it! Cool videos though i don't do any of the above.

David Green

10th April 2012 11:56am

In reference to my last comment - I was still slow, overweight and gasping on the hills. So much for the power of advertising!! ;-)

Antonio Rus

10th April 2012 09:17pm

I'm with Matthew, Ryan and James.

Having been in cycling accidents, I find it quite irresponsible to publish a video showing off a cyclist with no helmet. If it weren't for my helmet I could I would probably would not be enjoying a healthy life. I don't know what kind of image Rapha wants to portray, but I am no longer related to a brand that doesn't promote safety.

To Joe Hall's response:

"it's not a legal requirement in the country where the film was shot". The video was shot in Spain. In Spain the law clearly states that CYCLISTS MUST WEAR HELMETS AT ALL TIMES, the only exception is in urban areas. Please refer to Spanish law "Ley de Adaptación de las Normas de Circulación a la Práctica del Ciclismo". There is NO EXCUSE NOT WEARING A HELMET.

John Kane

13th April 2012 07:12pm

It's not a legal requirement in a lot of countries to wear any form of head protection whilst cycling.
I wear a helmet, not because I think it's going to save my life…it's because I wear a helmet- my choice. I work in an environment where 'Safety' comes before 'Quality' or 'Output'…I wear a seatbelt, even if it's to reverse out my drive way… It's because that's what I do.
If you don't wear a helmet, so what!? People can make up their own minds. It doesn't make Rapha irresponsible…who do you blame if the helmet doesn't save your life or prevent a catastrophic injury…do you sue the helmet manufacturer??? No you say it's fate and everyone moves on, the world turns…
A small piece of polysterene, bonded to a plastic/carbon shell is not necessarily going to save your life if hit by a 20 ton juggernaut is it, likewise, I've heard of people drop dead..because they are 'too fit', does that mean we stop exercising? No!? So get on with your lives, watch the films…Jeez there's so many haters around…moaning minnies…
I'm with 'Not a wannabe'…get out and ride (helmet/sans helmet)…enjoy the summer.!!!!! Peace!