Who makes wool base layers?
#6
My money's with Ibex or Icebreaker from now on. Smartwool is ok if you're looking to spend a little less money for what feels like lower quality stuff. I own products from all three.
That said, I don't pay full retail. Ebay, froogle searches, etc typically yield savings of 30% or more. Hincapie has a wool baselayer and at one point I think Craft did.
That said, I don't pay full retail. Ebay, froogle searches, etc typically yield savings of 30% or more. Hincapie has a wool baselayer and at one point I think Craft did.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 477
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Swobo S/S $30.
Hincapie S/S $39.99
Rivendell S/S $52
Terramar L/S $19.99
Of all these, the Hincapie one has the most contoured fit, but all the others are fairly tight-fitting as well. The Terramar L/S is a little thicker than the others. None of them are itchy and all are machine-washable.
Hincapie S/S $39.99
Rivendell S/S $52
Terramar L/S $19.99
Of all these, the Hincapie one has the most contoured fit, but all the others are fairly tight-fitting as well. The Terramar L/S is a little thicker than the others. None of them are itchy and all are machine-washable.
#11
34x25 FTW!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,013
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
Swobo S/S $30.
Hincapie S/S $39.99
Rivendell S/S $52
Terramar L/S $19.99
Of all these, the Hincapie one has the most contoured fit, but all the others are fairly tight-fitting as well. The Terramar L/S is a little thicker than the others. None of them are itchy and all are machine-washable.
Hincapie S/S $39.99
Rivendell S/S $52
Terramar L/S $19.99
Of all these, the Hincapie one has the most contoured fit, but all the others are fairly tight-fitting as well. The Terramar L/S is a little thicker than the others. None of them are itchy and all are machine-washable.
#12
Take the lane!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Hartford, CT
Bikes: 2007 Scott S40, 1987 Panasonic Dx-4000 SS, 198(ish) Univega Supra Sport
Patagonias' are all 100% wool and aren't washed in chlorine (nasty chemical) so are more environmentally friendly, if thats important to you (which it should be).
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
In the UK, Chocholatefish sell NZ merino. I have a couple of T-shirts style bases and they are very good.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 382
Likes: 1
From: NYC!
Bikes: Jamis Sputnik (2007) & Bridgestone RB-2 (1994).
I have a Patagonia baselayer. Wore it commuting all winter and its been fantstic.
As mentioned above its chlorine free, made from NZ Merino and its available in different weights. I use the lightest one with a hard shell over it to keep wind/rain off.

It wasnt cheap, but shows no signs of wear. I dont see why this would not last me like 4+ years.
As mentioned above its chlorine free, made from NZ Merino and its available in different weights. I use the lightest one with a hard shell over it to keep wind/rain off.

It wasnt cheap, but shows no signs of wear. I dont see why this would not last me like 4+ years.
#16
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Patagonia makes good stuff. I use the cap3 base layers all the time during the winter. I find the tops extremely comfortable and wear them around the house all the time. I have found no issues with durability. I have not tried the cap1 stuff, but am in the market for some right now and will be getting some soon (top and bottoms). As far as wool goes, their wool layers are great as well, I have tried them but people keep giving me the capilene during holidays and I have liked them so much I stuck with them. The wool tops are great too and I would recommend them too, I just don't have quite as much experience with them.
I love smartwool socks but have to admit I have not tried their base layers, they are probably great as well.
-JR
I love smartwool socks but have to admit I have not tried their base layers, they are probably great as well.
-JR
#17
Pain is Temporary
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale CAAD9-1, 2003 Cannondale R800
Icebreaker is the softest, Smartwool is ok (socks are great). As far as patagonia goes, they are the most eco friendly as mentioned above, and offer both Capilene and Wool, and range from Cap1 - Cap4 and also wool1 - wool4. One of the biggest differences between the two is that Wool is natural bacteria repellent, where capilene needs a synthetic component to be bacteria repellent. In short Wool will not smell bad after sweating in it. Although working at a specialized retailer that sells all three of these products my money would be on Icebreaker based solely on durability, body temp regulation, and price.
#18
Ground Effect makes some nice cycling garments, some 100% Merino, some blended, but all well designed and executed. Ordering is easy and, customer service is first rate.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: minnesnowta
wool
check out
joneswares.com
made in the US and they'll custom size for $10-$20
shorts with 3 different inseam options!, knickers, tights, jerseys, baselayers, i thought very reasonable for the money, really like my shorts.
joneswares.com
made in the US and they'll custom size for $10-$20
shorts with 3 different inseam options!, knickers, tights, jerseys, baselayers, i thought very reasonable for the money, really like my shorts.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Bikes: A crappy Trek 1000 knockoff from Bikesdirect.
I haven't used the new wool Patagonia stuff but I've worn their capilene for years and swear by it. Their base layer shirts are seriously some of the best articles of clothing that I've ever owned.
I have a smartwool shirt long sleve crew and really like it as well. My biggest complaints are how many holes I've gotten in mine after a few years of use. I'm sure this is just from washing it using the normal cycle or moths or something - who knows - point is that you'll have to take special care of it if holes bother you.
I'd avoid the ice breaker stuff. I've had it in the past and my biggest complaint was that it quickly gets discolored in the arm pits. I don't know if its my deodorant or what but it looks nasty. That hasn't happened with my patagonia or smartwool stuff after several years of use.
I have a smartwool shirt long sleve crew and really like it as well. My biggest complaints are how many holes I've gotten in mine after a few years of use. I'm sure this is just from washing it using the normal cycle or moths or something - who knows - point is that you'll have to take special care of it if holes bother you.
I'd avoid the ice breaker stuff. I've had it in the past and my biggest complaint was that it quickly gets discolored in the arm pits. I don't know if its my deodorant or what but it looks nasty. That hasn't happened with my patagonia or smartwool stuff after several years of use.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: VA
Bikes: Giant, Jamis fixie, Orbea Orca; Ceverlo P2SL TT
#23
Arizona Dessert

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15,029
Likes: 2,170
From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Who makes a white (not light grey, not light tan i.e, natural white) wool longsleeve baselayer?
Al
Al
Last edited by noisebeam; 02-29-08 at 01:33 PM.
#24
Icebreaker used to make a "snow" baselayer in long and short sleeve. It was called the oasis crew. I'm not sure if they are available anywhere.
Last edited by wanders; 02-29-08 at 01:55 PM.







