A lot of the Imperial club stuff was Romania I think but I haven’t bought anything from them for ages, so wouldn’t be surprised at China.
I think they used to use a lot of Danish Sportwool.
Im not sure, but it does seem odd to be losing so much. Its not like they are rapidly expanding, or investing in loads of expensive tech.
I think their top of the range stuff is made in Italy, but most is made in China
I’ve seen things made all over. I like their off the bike stuff as well but guessed they were struggling a bit with all the sales and emails.
As I’ve said before, their kit is very good but lasts a long time, so unless you’re following fashion or almost pro things like bib shorts could last 5-10 years very easily.
The newer designs don’t help, look like they’ve been created by primary school kids. The older Paul Smith stuff was a lot more desirable.
Bike industry is having a huge contraction.
The Paul Smith cycling stuff is actually cheaper in some cases, has the Rapha fit and is guaranteed not to match with anyone else on a group ride
My experience of Rapha kit is that it doesn’t last anywhere near as long as Assos
Rapha going bust
Woop woop
I’ve got a pair of Assos shorts that I bought in 2011 at ADH tri, still comfortable on the Wattbike
5-10 years! Do your friends not complain about seeing your crack when cycling behind you?
Probably why I mostly cycle alone
Full winter kit £700, breaks down as;
Pro team tights £200
Pro team insulated jacket £200
Thermal polo neck £60
Neckerchief £40
Pro team winter gloves £50
Booties £50
Insulated beanie: £50
Winter long socks £20
Matching bottles £30
Then I’ve got a full summer kit, autumn kit, spring kit, gravel kit, commuting kit, and a few other bits.
Some has been S/H from clubmates and eBay.
Add to that the glasses, shoes and bike packing stuff and I’m well over £3k
Christ almighty. Better accountants might have added you as a footnote to their P&L under extraordinary items
I have a pair of Assos shorts of this vintage too.
Faded but still intact and comfortable
I have loads of Assos stuff, it’s great but things like their arm warmers and jackets can fade quickly, especially if white. Their jerseys and socks never seem to though.
Name that cafe @whisk
I’m not even that deep on MAAP kit!
I’d just taken redundancy from Ericsson and went on a shopping trip to Sigma
Bought those S-Works shoes as well and I still have them and use them 11yrs later.
Pales in insignificance to my casual clothes
It’s been a few years since I bought from Wiggle; I know I’ve stepped away from outdoors riding, but even recent purchases to get my road bike back up and running were eBay.
I still have S Works road shoes I bought early 2013 too. They get used regularly even now; great quality. Hopefully still the same with current shoes.
Mine are a bit like Trigger’s broom. Had two sets of heel lugs replaced and at least two sets of BOAs.