If you’ve been in the cycling world for more than a week, you’ve seen the single armband. You’ve seen the clean, understated designs. And you’ve definitely seen the price tags.
Rapha has built an empire as one of the most desirable—and premium—brands in the sport.
This leads to the number one question we hear from customers: "Is Rapha really worth it?"
As a shop that sees, inspects, and handles hundreds of pieces of pre-owned cycling kit from every brand imaginable, we have a unique perspective. Our answer is a resounding yes.
Here’s why Rapha is one of our favourite brands to stock, and why it’s the smartest choice for your next pre-owned purchase.
1. The Quality is Not Just Hype
The first thing you notice with a piece of Rapha gear isn't the logo; it's the feel. The fabrics are premium, the stitching is meticulous, and the fit is tailored in a way many other brands just don't get right.
They are famous for their use of high-quality materials, like the merino wool blends in their Classic jerseys, which are soft, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant. This attention to detail means the gear simply performs better and feels better on the bike.
2. It’s Built to Last (This is Our Favourite Part)
This is the most important factor for us. A premium price tag should come with premium durability, and Rapha delivers.
The zips are robust, the seams hold strong, and the fabric is incredibly resilient to pilling and wear. We’ve seen jerseys from other brands that look old after 10 washes. We’ve seen Rapha jerseys with hundreds of miles on them that—after a good clean—look almost new.
This durability is precisely why Rapha is the best brand to buy pre-owned.
3. The "Price vs. Value" Conversation
A brand-new Rapha jersey is a significant investment. But because the gear is built to last so long, its "cost per wear" is actually much lower than a cheaper jersey you have to replace every season.
This is where pre-owned comes in.
When you buy a "Very Good" or "Excellent" condition pre-owned Rapha piece, you are getting 95% of the life and 100% of the performance of a new item for a fraction of the cost.
You're letting the first owner take the biggest depreciation hit, while you get a top-tier garment that will still last you for years. It's the best of all worlds: you get the premium brand you want, at a price that makes sense, all while shopping sustainably.
4. The Style is Timeless
Rapha moved the cycling world away from loud, sponsor-covered race kits and into an era of classic, understated style. Their designs look good season after season.
This matters when buying pre-owned. You can buy a Rapha Classic Jersey from two or three seasons ago, and it still looks just as sharp and relevant today as it did when it was new.
Our Final Take
Rapha is our favourite brand because its quality, durability, and timeless style make it the best value in pre-owned cycling. It’s the perfect gear to invest in, and it’s what we'd (and do) wear ourselves.
Ready to see for yourself?