OK, so this isn't strictly about classic/vintage bikes, but about clothing, so I thought it would be more suitable in this forum than any other...

I'm looking for some new jerseys and other clothing, and I am wondering about the merits of wool. Merino, I suppose, but not really sure what other types there are in jerseys and underlayers.

I don't have a need for a lot of cold weather gear, so I'm not nearly as interested in it in that respect, but I understand that people ride wool even in hot weather? Can someone explain that to me? What is a S/S wool jersey like in the summer? Is that simply a rationalization for the wool jersey producers to make it seem more plausible to be able to use a wool jersey when it get hot out?

As there are a lot of wool jerseys that are produced in the vintage styles (Moltini, for example), if I were looking for a vintage print, it seems that I may have no choice but to go with wool in these cases.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,



---Michael

I think you are in the right place.

There is a whole thread about this subject here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...eys-Love-em-or

Some good information there.

There are some modern fabric jerseys that replicate the old wool jersey graphics like Molteni, etc. As far as I'm concerned though, the advantages of pure Merino wool outweigh everything else, unless you're riding in Sacramento in July. Then I might use a synthetic or a simple baselayer.

For less than a hundred bucks, these are a great deal, IMO:


Portland Cyclewear.

Thanks for the link! I did some searching, but that thread didn't show up, so I missed it.


---Michael

Thanks for starting up the wool jersey discussion again. It reminded me I needed to post my wool jersey review here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post15300338


1982 Nishiki Cresta

Thin merino wool jerseys work great in the summer. They don't stink and they handle sweat very well. (I live in Berkeley, grew up in Livermore and still ride around there a fair amount, so I have a pretty good idea about Sacramento summers.) The key for summer is a fairly thin wool. Something like the short sleeve jerseys Vintage Velos sells (I have about half a dozen from them). https://www.vintagevelos.com/ They even have extra-thin jerseys, although I have never tried them. The one downside to Vintage Velos is they don't have long zippers, but that is not a deal breaker for me.

Cima Coppi also makes a good, reasonably priced wool jersey. They have their own designs, but with a classic look. Mine is a tad heavier than the Vintage Velos/Woolistic jerseys. Worth a look. https://www.cimacoppi.ca/

If you want vintage jersey designs in modern fabrics, try Prendas Ciclismo. https://www.prendas.co.uk/ Yes, it's in Great Britain, but the prices are reasonable and they seem to be able to ship stuff to the US on a reliable basis. (My sweetie got me a La Vie Claire jersey from them for Christmas, and it looks and fits great.) Another great thing about Prendas is they have sizes to fit everyone from Really Tiny to Really Big.

You are right not to worry too much about thick winter jerseys for Sacto. Wear two or three short sleeve jerseys and you should be good for just about anything if you add arm warmers, leg warmers, long-fingered gloves, something to cover your ears and either thick socks or some sort of booties. Doing it this way also gives you maximum flexibility when Spring comes and you start off a ride in nippy temps and end it with warmer temps.

haven't read the other thread.......

Love wool, but some 100% wool jerseys are subject to stretching with age.

+1 on the Portland Cyclewear. Love mine.

+ 1 for Portland Cyclewear & Wabi Woolens!

As far as baselayers go, I've always been a big fan of Terramar's Thermosilk line. It's a tad on the pricey side, but it's warm, quite durable, & paper-thin. For thicker baselayers, they make a merino wool/silk knit called Thermawool that's all the prior, warmer still, & even more comfy.

Smartwool's baselayers are also very, very good.

Yup, I've ridden them in hot weather. They're fine when I'm riding, but when I stop, they can be uncomfortable.

In warm weather they can feel a little oppressive, even though they breathe very well.

Thanks for the links and feedback everyone. I have a bunch or reading to do, but I'm definitely going to try some wool.

I'm a big fan of SmartWool products, and it seems they have a few, so I'll add that to the list of possible good sources for others to consider.


---Michael

Michael,

I spend the winter here in Minnesota in Smartwool and cast off Patagonia sweaters from second hand shops and ebay.

Smartwool and Merino wool in general is tough to wear out, so they last me a long time.

If you end up with a nice wool jersey or two, treat yourself to a Smartwool base or even a Patagonia Capilene base layer.

I find Capilene quite often on sale and our Patagonia shop by our house has 40-60% off winter items right now.

You simply can't go wrong with those products.

Ah, this is right up my alley! I've been looking for 100% wool or other natural-fiber jerseys AND shorts, myself!

I'll look through some of the info posted above- but does anyone know if 100% wool shorts suitable for cycling (and not costing a mint) exist? (I can't STAND spandex!- Like the look...but hate the feel of that crap!)

O~o Powder your woolens, and be sure to wear one that's fitting
if you can wear it right, it wears.

Ibex makes some... They are made with a little bit of spandex, but seem quite nice. I've been meaning to give them a try, haven't really had the opportunity; FWIW, everyone I've met who has a pair likes them.

You can get 100% wool shorts from Kucharik, but in my opinion there are better choices. Not that I don't love wool. I do. But all wool in shorts doesn't hold its shape very well. Ibex adds some stuff to their wool, perhaps a bit too much, but they're nice. I like mine. And they have a nice pad in them. Also check out Woolistic shorts.

Based on an earlier post by rootboy i bought a merino jersey from Portland Cycleworks. It just arrived the other day so i've had no chance to ride in it yet but the quality and workmanship is outstanding and the price compared to others i've seen is very reasonable.

another one from Vintage Velos (Woolistic)