Rapha was actually very clear about the use of a pad from Nalini, and this was reported and reviewed throughout the cycling press.

see
RoadCyclingUK’s review of Rapha Bibs

also
BikeRadar’s Review

also
Rapha’s site circa 2006

You’ll be happy to read that at least the RoadCyclingUK review agreed with you and preferred the Nalini pad to the Cytech. As I hope I made clear, I own and ride with both versions of the Rapha shorts and prefer the Cytech-padded one. Everymans’ bum is different.

Not sure how in reading the piece you got any notion the shorts were defective.

I’m sure my wife would have a problem with the wash cloth idea

Please be aware the Cytech or La Fonte “Pads” are a Knit or woven fabric which by nature productsproduces excess heat. Friction creates heat. The more material you have the more friction is created. Other manufacturer chooses to purchase the less expensive woven or knit fabric pads. Nalini produces a synthetic leather or actual chamois. Synthetic leather is more expensive to produce and is a better conductor of heat. Nalini produces 100% of its products with no subcontract work.

Most manufacturers subcontract work to other vendors. In short, they do not make shorts they sell you a name…..Save yourself some money and put a bathroom wash cloth in your shorts. It will probably work and conduct heat better.

Sean

I think the Cytech is a better pad. If you can return them for the 2008 bibs