Beau210

I have been looking at some knickers to get and I came across some Ibex wool ones that look pretty sweet. Just wondering if you guys have any wool cycling stuff and if so how did you like it? I have some other wool clothes but never anything bike related so curious if any of you do. Thanks.

bobbycorno

I've got a bunch of wool stuff: jerseys, both short-sleeve and long-, arm and knee warmers, socks and base layer shirts. Unless it's micro-weight, I find wool to be too warm over about 60f, 'cept for socks, which are great regardless of temp. But from there down to low double digits, it's just what the doctor ordered. Broad comfort range, breathes better than "plastic", AND is more wind-proof, and keeps its insulating qualities when it gets wet. Oh, and you can wear it more than once without grossing out your riding partners with the smell. In fact, I can get a good week's worth of commuting (120miles/week) out of wool between washings.

SP
Bend, OR

Beau210

Does it hold up pretty well? Also how many layers do you usually do at about 40f? Do you use mid weight stuff and does it start to get noticeable heavy compared to other stuff?

Seattle Forrest

Most of my cycling clothes are wool, because it's awesome. This time of year you need an outer layer for the wind (and rain), but all my base layers & shirts are wool. My mid layers are goat wool. All my socks are wool. So is my hat. And my gloves.

Use a 150 grams per square meter base layer at 40 F, and a wind blocker over it. Maybe something in between for insulation if you get cold.

B. Carfree

I have found that my wool clothes hold up better than any other materials that I have used. I've got a few pairs of those Ibex knickers; they're great down to about 35F, then I throw something over them for rides of over 200 km.

Indigo Mule

Wool is wonderful! I wear far fewer layers, and it better handles fluctuations in temperature than synthetics or cotton. I have found it to be superior for moisture management and keeping you warm when damp. The only drawbacks are it can smell a bit of damp dog when it's wet, and you should lay it flat to dry (instead of tossing it in the clothes dryer).

I usually wear a Smartwool merino (blended) base layer, a wool vest, and wool knickers. For socks, I like the merino sock liners or thin wool dress socks. When the weather gets nippier, I add wool arm warmers or a mid-weight merino pullover.

Has anyone gone whole hog and started wearing the wool underwear (not long underwear--the regular underwear)?

danvuquoc

I actually just recently bought a Rapha polo made of merino wool. I usually don't spend that kind of money for casual clothing. But I'm actually shocked with how good it is, it's well cut -- I look good in it, it has a pocket back there for while riding, when its cold out it keeps me warm and when its warm out I'm fairly cool. If only I could find well cut stylish clothing made with some cycling features that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

bobbycorno

My two most-used LS wool jerseys are between 15 and 20 years old (and a lot o' them's been HARD years) , and have plenty of life left in 'em.

SP
Bend, OR

Beau210

Do You usually wear a wind break over your knickers?

Beau210

Also where do you get your gear from? REI?

Seattle Forrest

Try replacing your wool vest with a cashmere sweater, which will set you back anywhere from $5 to $10 at your local thrift store. Merino makes the best base layers, but (up north in cold Seattle winters) I find goat wool is much better than sheep wool for a mid/insulating layer. It loses its insulation when you sweat, and gains it back when you cool off; I don't overheat in them.

Seattle Forrest

A lot of sources. BackcountryOutlet.com is a good one, if you have patience.

Indigo Mule

I love cashmere, but the few garments I had of it were too hot and too prickly. Given your recommendation, I might give it another chance.

Seattle Forrest

Try it with a merino base layer, when it's around 45 F out, or really anywhere from 20 to 50 F.

When I'd wear a merino base layer and a merino sweater, under a goretex shell, after about 10 miles of hammering, the base layer would feel ok, but the sweater always absorbed a lot of sweat. There's a point on the lake I'd like to stop at, enjoy the view, and take in some calories, and I'd get chilled to the bone if I sopped too long. I'd do exactly the same ride, at the same intensity, but switching the merino insulating layer for cashmere, and I'd be almost completely dry (of sweat) throughout the ride. Maybe it's just me. But I notice the same thing on mountain hikes and snow shoeing.

My girlfriend would get upset, since it says "dry clean only," but I'd get it from Value Village, so...

surgeonstone

Wool is the best fiber for cycling-bar none. It is comfortable, and contrary to some posts here, in all weather. Ibex is a superb company to deal with. I would buy their products from them, not a secondary dealer, as Ibex has excellent support and a no questions asked policy with returns.
The Giro jersey, long or short sleeve, is the best. The short sleeve is good from 60 F to over 90 F. Get the full zip.I wear the long sleeve in temps below 60F.
On yesterday's ride, conditions were very heavy cold rain, temps of 42F and wind of over 30 mph, I wore only the long sleeve giro with a Novaro rain jacket and wool ibex cap and gloves. Went thirty three miles and was wet...but very warm.
Wool dries very quickly, I have been soaked in downpours and 30 minutes of riding completely dried the clothes out. Another benefit is the antimicrobial properties... the clothes never stink, even after a weeks wear. Awesome stuff.
Beware garments that are too light, they can become fragile when too light. I had a Smartwool jersey that was summer weight and it was too flimsy. The Giro is a good weight for any condition.
I converted to wool 2 years ago, all my cycling gear except the waterproof stuff is wool. Will never go back.

Machka 

Like windpants?

No ... not unless it is really, really significantly cold. Like -30C sort of cold.

Machka 

I have acquired my wool clothing (all tops) from:

MEC
Target
Thrift shops (specifically Value Village)
DeMarchi (via Ebay, I believe)

I actually prefer polypro to wool on coolish days (like 5C/40F), and a polypro with wool over for colder days. And the wool I use is Merino wool.

As far as wool, cashmere, and angora socks go, I get them from Walmart, Sears etc.

Bachman

I got some wool long sleeve undershirts from Cabelas last year. They kept me very warm and dry and never even stunk. Really amazing material, and well worth the 10 bucks that I paid..

My only gripe is that after one season they ended up pilling pretty badly, but for that price I'll just buy more this year.

bikerjp

Anyone know where to find a pair of tights w/o chamois? Something you can put over bibs for colder days? I can find lots with a chamois but nothing similar to standard fare lycra tights but in wool.

Beau210

bikerjp just google it and it will kick you back to some sites that sell them. (I was looking yesterday so I know) Although I was looking at wool stuff so it kept bringing me to the Ibex site. Also look at REI, Cabelas, etc. I see them sometimes when I'm looking for other stuff.
Sergeonstone- Is the Giro a brand or is it a particular design/piece of clothing? Is it just one of the Jersey's made by Ibex? Also Ibex vs. Smartwool what do you think who is better? I have some shirts, long johns, and socks from smartwool that I love but no cycling stuff.

bikerjp

I did google. I only found joneswares (and very expensive assos) but they are out and apparently taking a break. Most everything else had a chamois or was more of a long john. Didn't try Cabelas though so will give them a try.

EDIT: I was looking for something like https://www.sugoi.com/usa/bike/men/ti...200-tight.html in wool and I can't tell if these are wool or not. Under "technology" it talks about wool but these don't "look" like wool. Kind of confusing.

surgeonstone

https://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Sh...-Sleeve-Jersey

This is the Giro jersey from Ibex. It's a good all around weight. I also have the Giro long sleeve is great. Not a fan of smartwool; quite flimsy.

Beau210

Thanks, it looks like a pretty nice jersey. I think this will make a nice addition to my winter stuff.

Seattle Forrest

$45: https://www.departmentofgoods.com/sto...no-bottom-mens

They look funny, because they're made mostly for hikers. Wear a pair of shorts over them and they should be fine, though. I have similar ones, not these (although at this price I'll probably pick a pair up) and wear some quick-dry pants over them.

Seattle Forrest

For some things, one company, for others the other, and for other stuff, some other company. What's really important is the quality of the wool and the knit. And, obviously, how it fits. Look for stuff made from 17.5 micron fibers; larger and you can start to feel them.