Merino

[rcannon100]

Any recommendations on where to purchase merino wool bike garb?

Looking at wool to replace spandex as the stench of spandex is a bit overwhelming. The lit says wool is naturally antibacterial and will not stink. But I am not seeing it in many of the LBS online inventories.

Topic

[Dirt]

@Tim Kelley 30546 wrote:

Why not consult Dirt on this? http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?1108-Vanquish-stinky-cycling-clothing

I’ve also found that there may be something special about my own personal funk. While most people say wool doesn’t retain odors, I’ve found that it does in my case. Using Sportwash or Assos helps with that. Both appear to be gentle enough to not damage the wool. Having a front-loading washer really helps with the longevity of cycling clothes. Actually my mom has a new washing machine that is a top loader, but it doesn’t have an agitator like the old style washers. It seems to work very, very well. Saves water like a front-loader too.

[rcannon100]

Many thanks!!!

One note: Be careful about sprays and stuff that claim to eliminate odor. They eliminator odor not be eliminating the cause of the odor, but by eliminating the ability to smell the odor. Many of these nice smelling sprays and scents and stuff are basically oils, that get into your nose, that block your smell receptors. So yes, everything smells like lilacs – but the problem that is causing the smell is still rotting in your gym bag.

[KelOnWheels]

This: http://www.soakwash.com/

[Certifried]

I use a packet of Tropical Punch Kool-Aid in each load of cycling clothes. Works great!

[5555624]

@Certifried 30579 wrote:

I use a packet of Tropical Punch Kool-Aid in each load of cycling clothes. Works great!

Just don’t use the sugar-free version, because you want to smell sweet.

[jopamora]

More deals on merino at REI Outlet.

[TwoWheelsDC]

I have a couple Endura BaaBaa base layers that are absolutely awesome. I usually wear them under a long-sleeve jersey or jacket and they can go several days without a wash before they even begin to smell “used”. Another awesome thing about wool is that it’s great at regulating temperature, so it’ll keep you warm when it’s cool out, but if it warms up, it won’t make you overheat. A lot of the shops in the area sell Endura stuff, so they should be relatively easy to find, and I’ve been very pleased with the quality of all my Endura stuff.

Regarding polyester stuff, I find that if I hang dry, or immediately wash my jerseys/shorts after a ride, they don’t really get funky at all. But if you crumple it up or leave it laying in a pile before it dries, then you’re gonna have problems.

[Dirt]

At Shenandoah Bicycle Company in Harrisonburg this weekend they had a pretty good selection of Ibex jerseys… both long and short sleeve. I was picking up my registration packet for the Alpine Gran Fungus and got seriously distracted. I really wanted to snuggle with those jerseys. I’ll be wearing these this winter.

[consularrider]

@jopamora 31371 wrote:

More deals on merino at REI Outlet.

Some great prices, too bad the jerseys are only in black or gray.

[Author]

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