Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

I have one of a similar age, Roginald. Love it. Got a hole in it from when I took a massive stack MTBing in Derbyshire, perfectly corresponding to the scar on my hip from the same crash.

Just bought another - I think the Zque one - and it fits/feels exactly the same. I'd wear it running, too, if it wasn't so fitted - shows off the belly nicely. Might buy a short sleeve in large for jogging.

Just about to buy another myself Sparky - probably the one I posted.

I did have a Rapha LS merino baselayer but on 2nd wear it had to be cut off by a nice ambulance man so never really got to assess quality or durability, although I do know it didn't cope very well against scissors. I wasn't very happy for a variety of reasons ...

Do you still have it? I've heard a few stories of Rapha replacing garments cut off by ambulance personnel so it's probably worth a sob story email to them.

Hope you've recovered, or are recovering well, from your injuries.

Thanks AndyP - I think the wife binned it - too many bad memories for her! She and the ambulance men trying to find me on an isolated river bank at 8am on a rainy Sunday morning.

Multiple displaced fractures of left ulnar and radius which were pinned+plated - 3 opps and 14 months later, still not right and don't really expect it to be now. Still, it could have been worse, I could have fallen into the river and drowned !

Criminy! Was this bike related or a failed mafia hit?

Heron related (I bet you weren't expecting that) - cycling along the river and distracted by a bloody big bird.

Still, back on the bike and spending more money than is necessary for my skill and ability. Hence more merino related purchases.

That's nasty, but not wholly alien to me.
Was terrified by the accidental flushing of a Great Blue many years ago, though because I was only walking, no damage done to me other than heart parts having to be retrieved.
To add to the discussion, my most recent merino acquisitions have been these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ivanhoe-underwool-base-layer-top-merino-wool-lightweight-long-sleeve-for-men~p~2619r/?filterString=search~ivanhoe-mens%2F&colorFamily=02 Have held up well over the last 1.5 years, though I cut off the too tight and too long thumb loops.

Howies London sample sale this week:

http://news.howies.co.uk/6IA-M17B-DF4ZW13EE0/cr.aspx

Are there usually big lines for this, or can you arrive at the start time and get in?

No idea!

Fair enough. I went to one about 4 years ago, was rammed then. Bought a tee shirt with a hole in it, which I wore in the gym today. This fascinating yarn was brought to you by Sparky and LFGSS.

i think most of these things now get so well known that it's a major time investment to go to them. And you have to share the room with fuckwits who pile stuff high just to sell on ebay

cycling along the river and distracted by a bloody big bird.

Daily occurrence riding in London....

i think most of these things now get so well known that it's a major time investment to go to them. And you have to share the room with fuckwits who pile stuff high just to sell on ebay

Yep. I'm far from moneybags, but I usually end up wishing I'd stayed at home and paid full whack online.

Blacks have a sale on at the moment of merino base layers, buy one get one half price and then 25% off. Also for you runners they sell the compression layers as well.

Suppose I didn't have to post this but you know how it is when something good happens and you just have to blab about it? Icebreaker merino's long and short sleeves £10 right here in rural Rutland. Loads of other stuff too, merino beanies, t-shirts......all new in a sale they have here every year.

uniqlo have got deals on merino stuff again. i know it's not cycling specific but its pretty good stuff and cheap. eg merino sweater £20: http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/069383#sizeSelect

uniqlo have got deals on merino stuff again. i know it's not cycling specific but its pretty good stuff and cheap. eg merino sweater £20: http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/069383#sizeSelect

Awesome I've had 2 of them jumpers for over 2 years. Great clothes I'll buy some more today I think!

Awesome I've had 2 of them jumpers for over 2 years. Great clothes I'll buy some more today I think!

Yeah I've had one for a while and gonna get another now, very comfy, warm and breathable. Better link here:
http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/list/basic/men/knitwear/extrafinemerino

Also it's not merino but their heattech stuff is really good too

millets
merino wool base layers 29.99
buy one and get one half price
with 40% off both
2 merino wool base layers for 27 quid
deal of the year

Cant find that on the site

its a instore offer
they might be going bust

Howies London sample sale this week:

http://news.howies.co.uk/6IA-M17B-DF4ZW13EE0/cr.aspx

Has anyone been to this yet? Trying to suss out queue length before venturing over tomorrow.

was in there yesterday afternoon, when we got there we were the only customers (4.30ish) it picked up a bit towards the end but certainly not busy. merino tshirts are £25 so not super cheap but they are nice. not much of the sports fit stuff, the regular howies merino tshirts are a loose cut so not really suitable for baselayers unless you go for small sizes. spent £100 on jeans, trousers and two merino tshirts so hardly deal of the century but not bad. hardly any mens stuff. also sizes are a bit odd, 32" mens jeans are more like 30-31", whereas 32" womens jeans are more like 34"!

I went today and thought it was pretty poor :(