Recommend me wool base layer for chilly commutes
#1
Recommend me wool base layer for chilly commutes
Brand name and / or model name.
Looking to not spend more than $50 if possible.
I need something to wear under a jersey or t-shirt and my wind jacket on those early morning chill rides.
Bonus points if it's available on Amazon. Links are helpful either way.
Thanks!
Looking to not spend more than $50 if possible.
I need something to wear under a jersey or t-shirt and my wind jacket on those early morning chill rides.
Bonus points if it's available on Amazon. Links are helpful either way.
Thanks!
#2
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
I've had a traditional red wool union suit for decades - long johns. I don't recall the name - they're still in the bottom of the closet in the winter wear bag, since it's not quite cold enough yet here in Texas. But they came from LL Bean, Lands' End or some place like that. Good quality. The only noticeable sign of age is a few tiny holes from critters nibbling. Over the decades I've worn them for winter commuting by motorcycle, while doing yard work, etc. Very soft and comfortable, even when wet from rain or snow. Perspiration wicks away properly, so they're comfortable even when working hard.
I'll dig 'em out soon since we've had a snap of chilly rainy weather and I'd still like to ride my bike.
I also have two or three sets of two-piece synthetic winter underwear, poly-something or other. Comfortable and warm, but I still prefer the traditional wool. Both the wool and poly-whatever have been warmer than silk. I like silk shirts for sweaty humid summer wear, but it's not as good for winter wear.
I'll dig 'em out soon since we've had a snap of chilly rainy weather and I'd still like to ride my bike.
I also have two or three sets of two-piece synthetic winter underwear, poly-something or other. Comfortable and warm, but I still prefer the traditional wool. Both the wool and poly-whatever have been warmer than silk. I like silk shirts for sweaty humid summer wear, but it's not as good for winter wear.
#3
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 105
From: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
I have two of these. Like them a lot. $41.Stoic Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's | Backcountry.com
#5
I have yet to find anything available here in the states that is 100% wool and in that price range. The Stoic Merino 150 fabric is a 60% merino/40% polypropylene blend.
However it seems that BackCountry has the SmartWool Micro 150 (100% Merino wool) on sale right now... down from $75. https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool...F0MTExMTAxMzA=
However it seems that BackCountry has the SmartWool Micro 150 (100% Merino wool) on sale right now... down from $75. https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool...F0MTExMTAxMzA=
Last edited by BassNotBass; 11-30-15 at 07:09 AM.
#6
It's hard to find 100% wool - google "Smartwool" for one brand. There's also "Coldpruf", which is two layered - 100% cotton inner and 50/50 cotton/wool outer. It's ok for hiking, but I don't think it would work for running or cycling, where you sweat more.
You might try Steep and Cheap. I've found reasonable buys there, but when you find something, search for it on Google Shop. You can sometimes find it cheaper from Amazon or a closeout (REI, Nashbar, etc). I also dislike that they make it hard to search for a specific item.
You might try Steep and Cheap. I've found reasonable buys there, but when you find something, search for it on Google Shop. You can sometimes find it cheaper from Amazon or a closeout (REI, Nashbar, etc). I also dislike that they make it hard to search for a specific item.
__________________
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
#7
Junior Member

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: California, USA
Bikes: 2011 Raleigh Grand Prix, 2014 Raleigh Sojourn, et al
Icebreaker has great stuff, and Rivendell has great stuff. Very hard to get tops or bottoms for $50 unless you paitiently wait for sales. 100% wool is worth it, though.
#8
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
I have two of these. Like them a lot. $41.Stoic Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's | Backcountry.com
#9
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 105
From: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 111
From: North of Boston
Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,
I like my Patagonia wool base layers, good prices can be had by digging through the bins of close outs and seconds in the outlet stores. New like $ 80.00 though. Most are 80% merino wool.
#12
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
#13
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
#14
Did I catch a niner?
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: a van down by the river
Bikes: Vassago Fisticuff/Surly Ogre/Surly Pugsley/Surly Pugsley 29+
I got some telluride wool base layer 2x LS shirts 1x pants for about $30 at marshalls, I could not believe it when I found them.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 1
From: 6367 km away from the center of the Earth
These are blend 60% merino, 40% polypropylene
Stoic Alpine Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve Reviews - Trailspace.com
Stoic Alpine Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve Reviews - Trailspace.com
#16
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 105
From: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Yep, 60% wool, 40% polypro. As mentioned, I have two. They insulate well, dry quickly and hold no odor (I wear one daily in the winter, including my commute to and from work and fat biking on the weekend, and wash them maybe every three weeks). I also have 100% merino Smartwool that I wear. Can't tell a difference between the two, except that the SW is double the cost.
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Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
#17
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,160
Likes: 6,382
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
100% wool is nice, but if there's at least 15 or 20% nylon (or other), it can be more durable and isn't necessarily less comfy.
If you want to save money, I think a regular old wool sweater, not cycling specific, can be OK.
If you want to save money, I think a regular old wool sweater, not cycling specific, can be OK.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 1
From: 6367 km away from the center of the Earth
I have yet to find anything available here in the states that is 100% wool and in that price range. The Stoic Merino 150 fabric is a 60% merino/40% polypropylene blend.
However it seems that BackCountry has the SmartWool Micro 150 (100% Merino wool) on sale right now... down from $75. SmartWool Micro 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's | Backcountry.com
However it seems that BackCountry has the SmartWool Micro 150 (100% Merino wool) on sale right now... down from $75. SmartWool Micro 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's | Backcountry.com
There are some icebreaker for 30$/40$/50$ (40%/50%/60% sale) available all year but it's Canada only
Men's Clothing in the category Merino Wool, tops sweaters & dress shirts - The Last Hunt
I also have a few from MEC that are 100% but quality will vary. Since they've chosen to go environmentally friendly merino quality has gone down drastically. That's the price to pay if one care for environment. They should have improved their processes by now....or not? My old one are like new and my new one all have holes in them
Hopefully, glue makes wonders on merino
Last edited by erig007; 11-30-15 at 01:41 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 137
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Bikes: CAAD 9 Tiagra, DaVinci Madrid, DaVinci Oslo, CAAD 10 (one day)
I'll agree to this. An Icebreaker base layer is great, zippered neck allows good climate control and sleeves with thumb holes makes sure the arms are well covered. On cold days I wear one 260gm shirt, and a thicker rain jacket and have a great ride. They really last. I just got a new one, sale for 110 CDN, and bought one about 4 years ago. Look great off the bike too and keep well.







