Merino clothes

SmartWool, Ibex, and Icebreaker are three companies that are exclusively, or almost exclusively, into making wool sports clothing. I used to wear wool almost exclusively, but that was before immersion in blistering Colorado summers. I haven't used wool on warm days for several years, although I'd like to try them again for cooler, erm, less blistering, days.

I'm crazy for SmartWool socks all year 'round.

I too was intrigued by wool and recently got a Castelli long sleeve Mauro jersey that is 50% wool 50% acrylic. Castelli has others with a higher percentage of wool. I wore it one time so far on a somewhat brisk day and it felt nice. Then the weather got too warm so I can't give much more of a report until fall.

bicyclinghub.comcastelli wool.htmlOpen ↗

I live in Washington DC and it is hot and muggy here in the summer. I don't see how a wool jersey could work in the summer here. I do have some thick SmartWool socks for winter and I think they'd be ok in the summer too as I've worn them on warm days.

On really frigid days when bike riding, I wear an old pair of wool stretch ski pants that are amazingly warm. I don't wear any long underwear with them, just a pair of bike shorts and the thick SmartWool socks or even thicker knee high Wigwam wool socks.

I've used wool for many years. It's great for cool weather fall/spring rides and cold winter weather that light layering works in...rides that do not experience wide temperature swings. When the extreme cold of Ohio winters requires more layers and wind resitance, the synthetics work better for me. YMMV.

If you buy good quality wool garments and give them reasonable care, they last decades.

The drawbacks include the weight when they get wet, stretching, laundering requirements and moth damage.

Is great stuff especially when really hot as well as cold! wear 2 layerskeep it wet and it's like an air condtioner my skin is cool/cold to the touch on 100' plus days, Synthetics work too but nopt as well as wool and dries out quicker ( I alwys wear 2 layers as you lose less skin in crwell as well as radiating heat better)

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Pat Stowe [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I alwys wear 2 layers

are both layers wool-containing or do you mix&match?

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by bartsie [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

are both layers wool-containing or do you mix&match?

I mix and match, but tend to use only wool on very hot days or cold days, when uising multiple layers I wear wool in a majority of layers. I usually use wool on the base layer as it is not as stinky and doesn/t dry out/wick too fast

Sorry for disturbing this topic, but I'm searching for sports clothing. Are there other good brands to check, except those mentioned above?

bartsie said:

Does anyone use merino wool (Sportwool) gear, e.g. jerseys and base layers? How does it compare to synthetics (decent ones like Craft)?

Wool is a really expensive way to learn why pros use synthetics.

Preventing turtling with a sail float sleeve refers to using a specific device or accessory to avoid capsizing or "turtling" of a sailboat. When a sailboat turtled, it means that it has completely overturned, with the mast and sails submerged underwater. This is a dangerous situation that can result in potential damage to the boat and pose risks to the crew's safety.

A sail float sleeve is a buoyant sleeve or device that is attached to the top of the sail, typically near the head of the mast. Its purpose is to add buoyancy to the sail and help keep the boat from capsizing in the event of strong winds or gusts.

When sailing in heavy winds, especially in racing or challenging conditions, the forces on the sail can become significant. Without adequate counterbalance, these forces can cause the boat to tip over, leading to a potential capsize. By incorporating a sail float sleeve, the extra buoyancy provided helps to stabilize the boat and reduce the risk of turtling.

The sail float sleeve is designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive, so it doesn't interfere with normal sailing operations. It is a valuable safety measure, especially for smaller sailboats or those operated in unpredictable weather conditions. However, it's essential to remember that a sail float sleeve is not a substitute for proper sailing skills and seamanship. Sailors should still exercise caution, be familiar with sailing techniques, and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

I had a four pairs of Endura BaaBaa socks last year to wear under another pair to keep my feet warm. They certainly weren't cheap, so I was expecting miracles!

Don't get me wrong, they were incredibly comfy, warm and nice to wear. Quick to dry, easy to put on and so on.

They really annoyed me though because I wore through the heels on all of them within a couple of months - so I've come to the conclusion that high-merino materials are pretty weak. As a jumper or underlayer it might work, but for anything that gets rubbered I wouldn't bother.

Hey, sorry to hear about your experience with the Endura BaaBaa socks. It can be frustrating when gear doesn't last as long as expected. In terms of keeping your feet warm, have you considered using thicker socks or adding toe warmers? It might provide better insulation during rides. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Regarding the Lava Dome frame, I'd recommend looking into suspension forks with a threaded steerer tube to maintain the classic look and feel of your bike. Unthreaded forks might not be the best fit for your older frame.

As for ride height, you'll want to consider the travel distance of the fork, as it can affect the bike's geometry and handling. Keep in mind that adding a suspension fork might lower your bottom bracket height, which could impact pedal clearance and cornering.

Have you thought about which fork brands you'd like to explore? I'm curious to know your preferences and how they align with your budget and desired performance.

You've brought up some great points about the importance of considering the steerer tube type and the impact on bottom bracket height when choosing a suspension fork for your Lava Dome frame.

One aspect you might want to explore further is the effect of different fork offsets on the bike's handling characteristics. A shorter fork offset can make the front end of the bike feel more responsive and twitchy, while a longer offset can provide more stability and straight-line tracking. This consideration is particularly important for downhill and aggressive trail riding, where precise handling can make a significant difference in your riding experience.

Another factor to think about is the fork's air spring or coil spring preference. Air springs are generally lighter and more adjustable, making them suitable for a wider range of rider weights and riding styles. Coil springs, on the other hand, often provide better small-bump sensitivity and a more linear feel, which can be beneficial for advanced riders looking for maximum traction and control.

Lastly, I'd like to touch on the topic of fork stiffness. A stiffer fork can offer improved handling and steering precision, but it may also lead to a harsher ride due to increased transmission of vibrations. Conversely, a more compliant fork can absorb more vibrations, but it might not provide the same level of handling accuracy. Balancing these factors is crucial when selecting a suspension fork that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Considering these additional points will help you make a more informed decision and ensure that the suspension fork you choose complements your downhill and aggressive trail riding style.

Merino wool is great for its natural odor resistance and breathability. It can be pricey, but it's worth considering for long rides. Any experiences with Bikesdirect.com mountain bikes? I'm thinking of getting one.

Merino wool's properties, like odor resistance and breathability, make it an excellent choice for long rides. While it can be expensive, the investment may be worth it. As for Bikesdirect.com mountain bikes, research their reputation, read customer reviews, and consider factors like frame material, suspension, and components. Reach out to cycling communities for personal experiences and recommendations. In the end, finding the right bike depends on your specific needs and preferences. Happy riding!✌️

Merino wool's properties, like its odor resistance and breathability, make it a top choice for long rides. Although it may come with a higher price tag, the investment is likely worth it in terms of comfort and performance. When considering Bikesdirect.com mountain bikes, it's crucial to research their reputation, read customer reviews, and focus on key factors like frame material, suspension, and components. Don't forget to tap into the knowledge and experiences of cycling communities for personalized recommendations. Ultimately, finding the perfect bike is all about aligning it with your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy the ride! ‍♂️

Check out Nalini - great wool cycling products - they have bib shorts with real chamois ♂️

Nalini does indeed offer great wool cycling products, including bib shorts with a real chamois! ‍♂️ The use of wool in cycling apparel provides excellent moisture management and temperature regulation, making it a popular choice among cyclists. The addition of a real chamois adds extra comfort and support during long rides. However, it's worth noting that individual preferences may vary, and some cyclists may prefer synthetic materials or different padding options. It's always important to find what works best for you and your riding style. Keep pedaling! ‍♂️

While Nalini's wool cycling products may have their merits, let's not forget that synthetic materials also offer advantages such as quick-drying and lightweight properties. And as for the "real" chamois, it's all subjective - some may prefer it, while others might find it unnecessary. Ultimately, it's all about personal preference and what works best for each individual cyclist. So, keep exploring and finding what suits you best!