Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

Hey, I searched, but prices change and stock changes every season.
...Uniqlo don't seem to have anything this year...

£9.99 Got it this week, test-drove it yesterday (feckin´freezing).
Did around 10 miles Just wearing this, a wooly jumper and a windbraker.
Perfect! It´s not Merino Wool though, it´s some new fabric/system by Uniqlo - Heattech.
Cheap as chips, does the job.

^ Might have to pick a couple up next week, got two UniQlos within 2mins walk from work

Heattech is a good material but check sizes/fit. I'm 5'11'' but still only a "small" and the sleeves are way too short. Medium is too loose for cycling.
Maybe Uniqlo favours the chubbier customer.

When I started out a year ago I bought one of the Rapha packs of 3 merino base layers. Sizewise I got the XL and snug on my 6'1" 18 stone frame, but comfy on my now 15 stone frame. I got all short sleeve and they've been excellent and wash up fine, just chuck them in the machine at 30 and I also tumble dry them. I plan on another 3 pack of the long sleeve version.

I also bought cheaper stuff for commuting and I did sweat like the proverbial fat bloke. Three of the tops hit the bin due to smell build up, despite being washed after every use. Cheap they may have been, false economy most certainly. I've still got some cheapo stuff for commuting but am gradually replacing it all with merino. Some very good deals, even with shipping, from Oregoncyclewear.com.

From my experience:

Rapha is best - looser fitting cycling cut and medium quality merino (better than Howies)
Icebreaker - More slim fitting and warmer than Rapha or Howies. Wearing two of these and a gilet is enough for current London weather. Best quality merino
Howies - Itchy merino and tends to shrink more in the wash than Howies or Rapha. Overpriced for what you get.

From my experience:

Merino - devoured by moths, disintegrates at friction points, not great at wicking.
Merino/synthetic blend - all qualities of merino, more moth-proof, plus longevity and better wicking.
Lambswool/synthetic blend - as per merino/synthetic, itchiness disappears after a couple of washes, 10-25% of the price of merino.

From my experience:
Whatever you can get free or cheap - it covers your nakedness and lasts until you throw it away.

I bought 4 of those Uni Qlo Heat Tech long sleeve tops(three with rollneck) last night, 4 for £32! They're doing an offer 'til tomorrow, if you buy two @ £9.99 each you get £3.99 off.

the heat tech gimmick is just a load of cobblers though bought some of the socks last year and they didnt work

anyone got the Merino Buff yet? Mmmmmmmm..........Merino Bufffffffffff

the heat tech gimmick is just a load of cobblers though bought some of the socks last year and they didnt work

I'll give them a testing at Richmond Park on Sat, I'll let you know

Been rocking the Endura Baa Baa merino long sleeve base layer for the last few days.

Itchy for the first 5 minutes, but after that it's fine.

Really, really warm.

Don't wear cotton over it however, because it doesn't wick then.

Try two merino base layers and a wind breaker/waterproof. Should be toasty and breathable, although a losse fitting fleece type thing might be a better mid-layer.

I'd like to try the race-face water resistant hoody thing.

Anyone got any experience of those?

Endura = warm, breathable and good value.

Baa Baa arm warmers lovely and warm but finishing crappy with loose threads all over and one cuff has started to completely unravel after about 3 weeks of wear. I'l be returning them.

M+S outlets have 80% merino socks £6.50 for pack of 3 with 50% off a second pack = 6 pairs for £1.60 a pair.

That's a shame. Endura aftersales service is usually top-class though.

i've had no trouble with my long sleeve from them - had it 3 months.

My two year old Rapha long sleeved base layer had the cuff thread unravel recently. I emailed Rapha and they asked me to send it back for repair, which I've done. Excellent service.

rapha? isn't that a bit, y'know, pricey?

It is. A bit. But when you've had two winters worth of wear out of it and will probably get another one at least then it's remarkably good value. Albeit at a price.

Wore 2 of those UniQlo Heatteach things today - one roll neck the other just a crew, windcheater over the top. Did the trick, spot on. Sweatin like a glassblowers arse

or a fat baby?

+1 for HeatTech, cheap but warm/non-stuffy.

+1 for HeatTech, cheap but warm/non-stuffy.

I'm getting the socks as well, they also do undies in heattech.... (steamed jewels).

Long johns.

It is. A bit. But when you've had two winters worth of wear out of it and will probably get another one at least then it's remarkably good value. Albeit at a price.

Whenever my wife buys something pricey she tells me it's all about 'cost per wear', think I'll go on a shopping trip to Rapha (condor) and try the same thing on her.

Long johns.

ts'it

After wearing my Howies base layer every other ride for over a year, I've had no problems. Until Tuesday when I fell off and ripped it/my hip. Still, wonderful top.