Rapha Merino Boxers

@ FMOAB
I've been reading about this, and it appears that it is the action of the steel drum inside washing machines that causes the problem
But it is reported that there is no problem with hand washing.
It's certainly an interesting subject.
Maybe a good compromise is to hand wash nano silver technology garments, and to just use them for special occasions when you really don't want to stink after a long ride, and use garments without silver when you don't mind stinking a little bit.

Silver pollution is a real concern in marine environments, I personally would avoid clothing that uses nano silver technology.

Lanolin's only (to my knowledge) antimicrobial property is by acting as a coating to prevent bacteria/fungus/yeast from attaching to the surface of the wool. Silver nanoparticles in fabrics have a stronger antimicrobial effect by disrupting microbial (bacteria, fungus, and/yeast) cell wall synthesis, DNA/RNA production, and protein function to name a few of the many mechanisms. Silver is a total package, multiple mechanism attack against microbes vs lanolin. Sort of like comparing a biometrically keyed security system with patrolling guards to a single moat defense. Also, since lanolin gets washed out of the wool fibers over time, its efficacy will wane so adding silver to wool fabrics not only increases the antimicrobial effect but also allows you to maintain it over time while utilizing a soft, natural fabric that some people prefer over synthetics. That and you can increase the cost and bling factor. Most of my kit is silver impregnated but synthetic, not wool. Too itchy.

Neil753: Silver is a natural antibiotic, so weaving it into fabric inhibits bacterial growth - which otherwise can be a problem with cotton and, especially, synthetics.

Good woollens are coated with lanolin - sheep skin grease - which has an anti-bacterial effect. Much more effective than silver nano-threads, I think. So that's not needed. The lanolin in wool will be removed with washing over time, unless you use a good wool wash, with lanolin in it.

To update Jim Royle - I paid 35 quid for these pants and 20 quid's worth is up my arse!

'Why doesn't Rapha incorporate nano silver technology into their boxers'
Prob because it'd be fairly redundant in merino. Excellent in cotton/nylon and other places though.

Just ignoring the usual pricing debate for a sec...

Why doesn't Rapha incorporate nano silver technology into their boxers? It's something that appears to be quite common amongst other high value brands.

I've got Rohan boxers and even a couple of decent shirts with nano silver technology too. Even my Marks and Spencer socks have silver particles in them. So why doesn't Rapha have this?

Not sure how it works, but the technology seems to be incredibly effective.

Zzzzzz. So bored with the Dave Spart Socialist Worker attitude to Rapha. Want to buy cheap crap every year for three years - or pay more for something that lasts 3 years? Fork out and you'll be able to give a balanced opinion. If you don't wear Rapha for reasons of cost or principle how can you possibly have full personal knowledge of value for money?

I have 12 pieces of Rapha kit: ranging from 8 year old winter jackets to shoe covers and t shirts. All of them are more comfortable and longer lasting than any of the Aldi et al kit I've also bought in the past. Worth asking yourself: Had I not bought 3 cheap jackets and invested in one decent jacket I would now own a decent jacket rather than the latest crap one? And crucially - which one of the four would please you the most?

Would I want a pair of wool boxers? No. But are they value for money? Probably.

hand it to Rapha - they're always good for a laugh

You had me at "it's like having your goolies cupped by the soft hands of an angel." Where do I sign?

Bought a bundle of these cheaply at a Rapha sample sale a couple of years ago and they are so comfortable both on & off the bike that I now wear them all the time. Mine are the padded ones - there was no padless option until recently - and they make everything work on the bike; jeans or bibs. Had a pair of their winter tights in the same sale for £40 and they make a brilliant winter combo with these keks.
Find an opportunity to buy them at the right price & you can't get any better to be honest.

I've think I'll buy some of the ludicrously bright orange ones for no other reason than I fancy some besties for the colder commutes. Merino pants are great in winter.

I have just ordered my 4th pair. Love them, have a handfull of Icebreaker, and they are about the same price. You pay for quality and comfort

I got a pair for Christmas and they are very comfortable. Only worn once, save them special occasions

I like a bit of Lidl, sometimes a bit of Castelli but Rapha is just ridiculously priced. No thanks (again).

You can buy perfectly adequate base layers in Aldi for a tenner - I'm still wearing various items I've had for several winters - this stuff is aimed at those with more money that sense who think the answer to everything is to buy more expensive kit - when was the last time anyone really thought "I'd be enjoying this ride far more if I was wearing a pair of 35 quid Rapha skivvies?"

Alternatively, try saying it out loud next time you're out on a club run....

I'll take a dozen pairs 'cos I'm considerably richer than you......

Bought some in the Manchester sample sale, I'll let you know how good they are!

I have used the Rapha merino boxers ones with a pad which are no even more eye-wateringly expensive at £45.

I use them under trousers for round town riding and they are the most comfortable underpants for this purpose. They really make a difference for your nether regions.

So I just pay up and shut up.

Are we supposed to wear these under our bibs? Apologies if this is already pointed out in the review, couldn't be arsed to read it.

I suppose being rapha these will attract a used resale value of at least £20 above the original price to those crazy ebay buyers.

ha ha love the comments here, to be fair £35 is a lot but then its also not in the sense of im about to boff £50 at the bar.

i just think it sounds amazing, hey im wearing wooly pants ba ha ha ah

Superman has a pair of these. That's why he wears them outside his clothes; it's nothing to do with being a superhero, just letting everyone know how much he spends on his pants

Bunch of skinflints, the lot of you!

Now these are what I call luxury pants:

http://www.derek-rose.com/otis-5-mult-boxershort.html

Don't forget to get the matching pyjamas, they're at a knock down price too .....

Ive had a pair of the padded version for a few years, get used every day on the commute under winter tights or baggy shorts. Bloody comfy things they are. I did a tour in the US and didnt want to use bib short so took these and a pair of endura 'underwear' with pad, those were so awful they went in the bin and I used the rapha boxers for 10 days straight, with only the occasional chance for a wash. I know they are expensive but they are some of the best cycling boxers ive worn, better than many cycle shorts.

They look pants.........