Bargain of the week?......100% merino.

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Bargain of the week?......100% merino.

44 posts & 36 voices | Started 2 years ago by ton | Latest reply from woodsman

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Cheeky Monkey - Member

I like it but am with the naysayers about it's performance as a technical biking top (when I'm wearing it). Doesn't shift the moisture that well, subsequently making it cold wet and uncomfortable. Don't get the same experience with synthetics.

Best thing I've got is a Groundeffect heatwave top (Submerino http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-SUB-WIN.htm) that's a bit of merino mixed with a bit of synthetic:

"A bi-component knit combining 62% Merino wool and 38% Polyester. This hi-performance thermal bodywear utilises the unrivalled properties of superfine 18.5 micron merino against your skin to wick away sweat, while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Light 'n' tasty at just 190gm/m2 and machine washable."

So I'm confused, where should my loyalties lie?

If Ton's a Clydesdale then I always thought GE stuff was sized pretty large (defo' their shorts).

Anyhoo, all this dogmatism about base layers. Internet-warrior-tastic.

Posted 2 years ago #
crikey - Member

It's a classic STW thread, and merino is classic STW wear; too expensive for the oiks, just niche enough to allow people to feel that they are being clever to buy it, faint underpinnings of eco-sensibility, and above all it makes absolutely no difference to anyones ability to ride a bicycle. Particularly not middle aged mountain bikers

...and it doesn't really work as well as the cheaper alternatives.

It's also not really a new idea; my old roadie mates used thin wool sweaters in the years before 'technical fabrics'.

Anyway, as you were..

Posted 2 years ago #
DezB - Member

I've tried loads of different base layers, and merino (Icebreaker - bought cheap off here) is the best at regulating body temperature.

I don't need the non-smell properties as I can wear a synthetic top 3 times without it smelling. I sweat a fair amount and merino gets no more wet than other tops - doesn't dry as quick, but thats its only downside.

The temperature regulating is brilliant though. Shame the Icebreakers are so pricey! Mine was £15.

Posted 2 years ago #
Tracker1972 - Member

Got a couple of tops, do need (well, like) the aroma control aspect and I never notice it is wet, on my back under my pack until I am back again. Stays warm if it is wet and feels good, and happily wore it to work for a week when a normal shirt starts to smell by the end of the day (newish and boiled to within an inch of it's life).
As long as lots of you have some that you don't like, fair doo's, bung it on the classifieds, the price is the only thing that slows me down getting more.

Posted 2 years ago #
simon_g - Member

Merino is merino... until you wash it. Icebreaker (and some others) are absolutely fine in a 40 deg wash with everything else. Some others I've had came out literally half the size and had to be given away to 7-year-old relatives.

I love icebreaker, but not at UK prices. Stocked up on my last NZ trip!

Posted 2 years ago #
dasnut - Member

All year for me, a sleeveless merino top makes a great base layer under a dainese jacket as well.

Yes it gets wet, but it stays warm.

When they start making sheep from petrol based products I'll switch.
And just because some "top biking dudes" don't rate it, doesn't mean its not valid.

Too much "I say what I like, and I like what I bloody well say" attitude on this forum, as usual.
I think its called freedom of choice?
If it works for you, use it, if not, don't, but don't try and convince people who haven't tried it its no good for them

Posted 2 years ago #
crikey - Member

If it works for you, use it, if not, don't, but don't try and convince people who haven't tried it its no good for them

+1

But equally, don't try and convince people who haven't tried it that spending so much on something that might not work is a good idea.

I bought two merino tops on the strength of recommendations from here and ended up very disappointed with the performance. So in the interests of balance I like to point out that it aint all that.

Posted 2 years ago #
aracer - Member

It's a classic STW thread...

Which is only waiting for somebody to sneer and say it's not a new idea. Oh look, somebody just has.

I guess people are different. I find I get damp whatever I wear, but at least merino stays warm when I stop. Bears no relation at all to old thin wool sweaters (though I am wearing a thin merino "sweater" at the moment!)

As dasnut says, a sleeveless merino is also a superb piece of kit for year round use - is my very favourite base layer (and so much nicer than similar synthetic items). Great to wear with a short sleeve top and armwarmers for temperature regulation in spring/autumn.

Posted 2 years ago #
woodsman - Member

Some of cheaper merino may not be ethically sourced(animal cruelty), 'mapp' is a trading standards for merino and there is another begining with 'z' that I can't remember just now.

Personally I love merino, as base layers, casual tops, cycling jersey's and even underwear - check out the howie's site for the latter!

It does require some care when washing, and riding through thorny singletrack can snag it.

Posted 2 years ago #

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