Originally Posted by
ooga-booga
and yes, it's true. the merino stuff will not last as long even if you're diligent about maintaining it. and yes, the synthetic stuff is usually less expensive. however, when the bleep hits the fan,
which would i rather be wearing? pretty easy to trace the slow deterioration of a merino wool garment vs a complete and utter failure of synthetic stuff in wet(tish) conditions.
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not my experience at all over decades of outdoor stuff, winter and summer, but you obviously feel otherwise.
and I love some of my merino stuff, especially my long sleeve top with a nice high neckthat fits snugly. My most worn top.
I also do the synthetic jerseys, take one light one that breathes well and cooler in super hot riding, and can put the thicker one on top of the other one if cool, and use arm warmers.
basically I use both synthetic and wool, but synthetic jerseys are handy , I wash them in shower every day along with bike shorts and socks, so just part of the daily routine.
and yes, always have a fleece , beanie, neck up buff thing, and light gloves.