My 10+ year old Endura Baa Baa merino cycling jersey has succumbed to moths, gutted. Although a merino blend it was the best bit of kit I had for commuting and I’m keen to replace it.

Looking for:
– jersey-style with half-zip on the front (although non-zip not a deal-breaker)
– not a ‘race’ fit
– thicker than standard merino baselayers if possible
– high merino content, ideally
– not fussed about pockets etc as I’ll be carrying a bag most times

The Alpkit Kepler is the closest in style I’ve found so far in my limited searching. Doesn’t look to have hems/cuffs that are overly tight and the overall fit is more casual than race cut.

Is there anything else similar worth looking at?

Thanks.

Torm

If you don’t want it to fit you, then just buy a size or two sizes too big.

Pearl Izumi and Endura do merino blend jerseys

Mons royale? There’s some decent discounts on Westbrook cycles

I am enjoying my Alpkit one at present – and currently in the sale. I am hoping for a Torm at Christmas…

Kepler Velo Long Sleeve [Mens]

I bought a couple of Rapha merino polo shirts off ebay recently, which are quite nice. If I commute gently enough, they’re good enough for the office (we’ve a fairly relaxed dress code where I work)

Decathlon do these

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/gravel-cycling-merino-wool-polo-shirt/_/R-p-334358

I’ve one of the Alpkit ones too, it’s OK, but anything in the rear pockets does sag it down a lot.

https://www.soigneur.co.nz/merino-cycling-jerseys.html

Ground Effect:

Merino Tops

Mons are great but expensive. Mine have lasted incredibly well though. Go dark colours or you’ll get nice sweat patches!

I’m very happy with all my Alpkit Merino.

Thanks for all the suggestions, the Torm stuff looks really nice especially. I’m going to try the Alpkit one – I’ve got a mini warehouse of their clothing already (says Mrs a11y) and happy with it all so far.

I’ve got 2 of the alpkit ones too. As above, a phone in the pocket and it hangs down a long way. Even my minimal windproof sags it a fair bit, so the pockets aren’t very useful. Annoying but in other respects they are nice to wear in a sort of “obviously a cycling top but not roadie fit” kind of way.

There’s probably something on the Planet X website.

+1 for Mons, they’re really nice.

Howies merino Tees are also good for riding of you want a more casual look.

Another +1 for Mons Royale. Normally get mine at end-of-season sales on futureproof.life website because, yeah they can be a bit spendy

I’ve had 2 mons royale long sleeved tops that have been worn autumn to spring for the last 4 years.

Spendy, but I’d buy them again! One was on sale, one was a Christmas present. The newer one is a bit thicker.

ice breaker t shirts may fit the bill.

Endura Urban merino LS is a nice top, I rate it. I’ve also used plain merino jumpers from TK Maxx or similar, £25 or so for a thin merino top seems good. Torm tops look good.
For a summer merino T, Decathlon Travel 100 ts are hard to beat. £20. Mine’s lasted ages and a few bike trips.

There are some merino blend Rivelo tops on SportPursuit at the moment.

i always go for atight fitting merino base, and the jersey of choice on top
for commuting ive got a DHB half zip, slightly relaxed fit, dayglo.. good combination with a merino vest

i always go for atight fitting merino base, and the jersey of choice on top

I do similar for the colder months with a snug merino baselayer with either a jersey or softshell over the top, but find that too warm for the summer months. I’m not a pretty sight with just a snug-fitting merino base, hence swapping to a more casual, jersey-style merino for a few months a year!

@a11y – what did you buy in the end?

I’m looking for a merino long sleeve jersey to fit my relaxed geometry

I’m looking for a merino long sleeve jersey to fit my relaxed geometry

It’s not relaxed, it’s endurance.

Another vote for Howies merino tshirts here anyway.

@a11y – what did you buy in the end?

@ElShalimo, I tried the Alpkit Kepler but sadly it wasn’t what I was looking for: still a bit of a roadie fit with a snug-fitting hem around the bottom (XL on me at 188cm, 35″ waist and 88kg). Then tried the DHB Trail merino jersey, but again returned as sizing way off (XL was like a sail on me). Currently just using a short-sleeve Nukeproof merino baselayer I already had – most of the time I’ve got a gilet or jersey over the top of it anyway, so the tight-looking aspect isn’t a big issue.

So still on the hunt for a replacement for my Endura Baa Baa merino bike top.

These here Madison tops might be worth a try. I have Endura Baa Baa in large and the Madison in large is a similar fit.

Thanks, that’s worth knowing. I’m 186cm, 94kg and 36/37″ waist (I hate mixing units 🙃)

+1 for Torm. Superb quality, comfortable and clearly made by someone who understands the requirements of a cyclist i.e. pockets you can actually put your phone in etc.

I like this top for riding in.

Norrona falketind equaliser merino

I miss Embers Merino. Not found a brand yet that is equal. Suggestions?

Findra ?

Fohn, good choice of styles and thickness.

Isn’t Fohn walking/hiking gear?

Galibier have just launched a new merino blend short sleeved jersey/t-shirt

“Wool Liberte T”

Wool Liberté T

Got a Showerspass apex merino tech tee, seems very comfortable and light, not cheap but currently on sale.

I bought a Vulpine CC merino top off Sports Pursuit recently. No zip or pockets, so it’s a t-shirt rather than a jersey really (which is what I wanted) but it does have a slight drop tail for riding, which is good.

To complete your burglar look:

https://www.morvelo.com/sports-clothing/merino-swiss-long-sleeve-jersey/13441069.html

Any idea if Torm are made in the UK? I read through their website but it was not clear. It all sounded as if it was but not explicitly stated.
Not my primary issue but would be nice to know.
I suppose I could actually ask them!

Reading their Instagram posts it suggests they sew them together from the piles of bits. It sounds like they do an IKEA style self assembly job

My lovely wife bought me one of these for my birthday.  It’s not a race fit but is semi-fitted. I’m looking forward to the autumn so I can wear it.