ews

So I want to stock up on a few wool tops this season. Longsleeve, shortsleeve, zippered, jerseys, sweaters, etc.

What would you suggest? Where would you go?

Thanks,
Eric

PS -- Anyone have any idea how much that Surly jersey is on the website? I'm not seeing a price.

knobster

Check steepandcheap.com They have great specials on there from time to time, but you have to have patients and check often.

jonestr

kucharik (has everything) and portland cyclewear (jerseys) seem like good buys

I would especially recommend the kucharik wool blend cap, but not the full wool cap

mconlonx

Don't limit yourself to cycling specific gear and check out anything wool at Goodwill or Salvation Army...

ConstantRider

Sometimes these Terramar base layers go as low as $20, but even as $35 they are a relatively good deal.

Ibex jersey and vest, half off at REI Outlet. These are thinner than a lot of wool jerseys.


The outlet section at Ibex also has a lot of stuff. Not exactly cheap, even with the discounts, but cheaper than usual.

Patagonia base layer, almost half off.

VolGirl

Second the thrift store suggestion. I've already scored 2 merino sweaters this fall. Look for merino or cashmere.

nashcommguy

+1 Went to my local Goodwill and was able to get my entire winter 'base layer' wardrobe. I got 5 100% wool close knit sweaters, a pair of Sealskinz socks for .59, several pairs of wool tights(in the women's area, but who cares?) wool glove liners, socks, etc. for about 30.00. The key is to look for 100% natural fibers not blends. And 'close knit' for wind resistance. A good windstopper shell over everything will help w/heat retention. The key is 'temperature regulation' even more than 'heat retention'. Also, it's always better to have a layer too heavy than a layer too light when dealing w/winter cycling. Go to https://www.icebike.org for plenty of good ideas for gear, layering, etc.

d2create

Also, just do a google search for Smartwool and other brands, including the model name of the top you're looking for.
As an example, i did just that recently and got one of smartwool's cycling jersey's for $40 instead of $80 retail.

VolGirl

Also on the closeknit thing, if you are a smaller person and find a big Goodwill wool sweater, wash it and shrink it. It mats into a nice warm cozy sweater.

Bignslow

I wore a Portland Cyclewear wool sweater last winter that I bought that was a last years model that was about 50 bucks. It is great and looks just as good today as it did when I first bought it. I think the Surley Jersey is about 110-150.

veggie_lover

While we are on the subject of wool, how does one wash Merino wool without it shrinking? I can handwash cashmere and lambs wool fine, but seeme merino really like to shrink the most. And I refuse to dry-clean! I tried strethching it back into shape without much success.

El Pelon

Hand wash in cold water with Woolite. Line dry. Warm water and/or warm air from the dryer will shrink it.

JeffS

Depends on the specific piece of clothing.

I alternate between hand-washing in Euclan and just throwing it in the machine. To date, the only wool piece that has shrunk has been the Icebreaker hat that my wife washed, then dried on high heat. (I don't machine dry much of anything, and especially not wool).

My only concern is the increased wear from the washer, not a fear of shrinkage.

--------

Of the "big brands", Icebreaker gets the nod for style, and Ibex for comfort and durability. Smartwool isn't in the same league, but is cheaper...

I've tried a few off-brand merino garments and have been disappointed for various reasons. A Merrell shirt was extremely scratchy and some no-name shirts were extremely soft, but very poorly cut/designed. I'll stick to what I know from now on. Luckily, I wear a large so I can get icebreaker samples. I'd never drop the full retail price on anything but one of their hats.

zagnut

I have two Merino wool garments, one an Ibex jersey, the other a Terramar baselayer. I throw both of them in the washer (cold water) and hang dry, No problem so far and no special treatment.

Zagnut

ollo_ollo

Thrift stores are the best source, with good wool sweaters usually in the $4-$12 range, but not all communities have thrifts loaded up with good buys on wool. Don't limit yourself to just sweaters, watch for Pendleton shirts and look for wool pants & knickers. Another source is military surplus, these people have some good deals from time to time: https://www.sportsmansguide.com/

Blue Roads

Ibex stuff ain't cheap, but in my experience, it's great. Good Ibex sale prices now at The Sock Company.

Ashen

I got five long sleeve sweaters (some merino, some cashmere) for about $20 this weekend at goodwill. One of them is lime green for high viz!

GV27

Well, you don't really have to be a doctor, but you do need to have some patience.

Or just buy it a size bigger. I'm wearing a Merino shirt right now that I pulled out of the dryer all hot and cozy this morning. I wear a large, bought an extra large. Washed it with the rest of the wash. Cold since it's black.

Ash

also watch chainlove.com they have a single item up at a time .. but i've seen merino jerseys that are normaly >100 for around 30.

HardyWeinberg

https://www.sockcompany.com/snetoskwe.html