Hi all. Going to buy a new base layer for this winter's base miles -- long distance, aerobic miles in temps from 30-50 fahrenheit. Gonna usually wear the base under a merino wool jersey. I like merino wool - warm, cozy, wicks well, and rarely needs laundering.

Any advice regarding these two choices? Ground Effects makes a merino/synthetic blend, and Hincapie makes a 100% merino. I'm not sure what the diff's will be(?) Advice?

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-SUB-MER.htm?PHPSESSID=57ae6b4f89d47436afebd633f3d4354f

http://www.hincapiesports.com/details.php?ccode=113&scode=RBL-LSUW06

I have no experience w/ either of the two products you mention, but fwiw (and since you say you like Merino wool) I have an Ibex Woolies short sleeve base layer that is the bee's knees. It's apparently also available as a long sleeve crew (http://www.ibexwear.com/F07/ProductDetail.php?GID=807&VID=9022&Product=Woolies-Crew) which I am confident would make a killer winter base layer.

I use merino wool items for my thermal layers, and my outer softshell layers, but not my base layers. Although it feels the best, it holds moisture instead of passing it on to the mid layer or evaporating it. For base layer I find silkweight polartech powerdry base layers work best. Capalene is an example of one, i usually buy the mec or other no name brands as they work as well at 1/2 the price.

I use either merino wool or polypro as my baselayer. If it is colder, and I opt to use a combination of the two, the polypro goes on first, then my wool. If it is really cold, I put one polypro on, then my merino wool, then my heavy polypro.

do the 100 percent wool. but hincapie wool? hmm, better options out there like Ibex, Smartwool, Icebreaker.

For base layer I find silkweight polartech powerdry base layers work best. .

my choice too, long sleeve silkweight Powerdry, although I got mine from LL Bean, even cheaper than MEC prices. Looks like they don't have any silkweight in stock at the moment.

Wool, or another Powerdry midweight as a mid, insulating layer.

I use a polypro base layer,then i have one of two vest that i wear,one or the other, with two pockets in the front on each side and one pocket on each side in the back for chem packs,these pockets are on the inside of the vest,depending on how cold it gets,then a top layer of wind/rain or fleece top,how this works is the chem packs keep your mid section warm and inso doing keep your feet and fingers warmer. This worked great for me last winter so im set for this winter/also use pogies on the bars.

my choice too, long sleeve silkweight Powerdry, although I got mine from LL Bean, even cheaper than MEC prices. Looks like they don't have any silkweight in stock at the moment.

Wool, or another Powerdry midweight as a mid, insulating layer.

foxwear.net is another source.

What is better than getting your heart rate up and saddle time?
Getting your heart rate up on a footbike! (footbikeusa.com)

I'd love to find a base layer, that would allow for layering so that we could wear our Summer club gear, all year long. Don't football players use such when they play at Greenbay new year's day?

Silk long underwear with wool for the next layer or two (on top anyway). I have a couple of fleece outer layers and a water resistant shell I mix up once things are ridicoulous (usually mid Jan. to the end of Feb. things are quite ridicoulous). The precise combinations depened on wind, percipitation, temperature, ground water (i.e. slush/snow), and how cold I got on previous rides. On the days when I get it right every single layer is just damp. On the days when I overdress only the outermost layer seems to get soaked. Lets face it the frost on the outside fleece looks pretty cool.