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Base layers: Wool vs. Synthetic?...

19K views 45 replies 36 participants last post by  Newnan3  
#1 ·
While researching some Rapha bib short choices that led to an earlier post (http://forums.roadbikereview.com/ge...com/general-cycling-discussion/rapha-classic-vs-pro-team-bib-shorts-269183.html), I noticed a couple of bundle deals on Rapha's wool base layers and wondered curiously how they might stack up against the synthetic variety by Craft, et al? Anyone tried any of the Rapha base layers (or familiar with using merino wool base layers)?

the bundled deals:
Base Layer 3 pack | Rapha
V-Neck Base Layer pack | Rapha

standard solo:
Buy merino base layers | Rapha

finer wool version solo:
Buy merino v-neck | Rapha
 
#2 · (Edited)
$86US for a shortsleeve "base layer" t-shirt?

Gordon Gekko said it best...

"A fool and his money were lucky to get together in the first place..."

Image


Trust me, I don't mind spending lots of money for silly things (hell, I pay money for tanks of air to breathe) but spending $86 for a wool base layer is nuts.

My local sport/hunting shop has synthetic baselayer products for a fraction of that price. Similarly look at REI, EMS, Campmor, Cabellas, etc.

Plus, I find that the synthetic stuff holds up better than wool and is easier to care for.
 
#4 ·
Gordon Gekko said it best...

"A fool and his money were lucky to get together in the first place..."

Image

Purple shirt, suspenders, a tie clip, and funny pants. Now that is one high powered outfit Gordon!
 
#3 ·
I have a few wool baselayers (not Rapha brand but Icebreaker).

I like them a lot when used as a mid-layer over a synthetic mesh baselayer when it's cold but I'm not too crazy about using them as an actual baselayer against the skin.
That has as much to do with fit as material. I like baselayers to be really tight without feeling like it....the synthetic mesh has stretch that wool doesn't. Wool gets too wet compared to synthetic mesh when next to the skin too. Yes it still provides warmth when wet which is pretty amazing but it's heavy and uncomfortable. It wicks well so it does take a lot to get it soaked but once you're there it ain't good.
 
#5 ·
I prefer a "base-layer" of polypropylene with a mid or outer layer of wool. Both breathe very well, but polypropylene actually "wicks" the moisture away from the inner surface of the fabric and away from my skin, and onto the outer layer of the fabric were it can evaporate or be absorbed by an outer layer where it is then evaporated. This keeps my skin drier so I feel that I lose less body heat.

Wool manufacturers will tell you that their wool "wicks moisture very quickly", but what it really does is evaporate moisture quickly. The problem is that your skin is still wet until the wool evaporates the moisture from the outside to the inside where you are. Wool will keep you warmer than most fabrics when it is wet, but you are still wet.
 
#6 ·
Hate wool, but merino wool doesn't bother me. I read about the smartwool stuff a while ago and wanted to try.

I've recently got a couple of smartwool base layers. Very nice so far. 60 mile road ride, 35*, long sleeve base layer and then a PI jersey and I was good. Haven't had too much of a chance for snow rides this year yet.

Maybe I'm not buying fancy synthetic base layers, but the wool keeps me the right temp and dryer. Synthetics are good and I can live with them, but just not as good as merino.

Sure, you pay more, but so far it is worth it. Agree with looking for offbrand and sales with cross purpose stores like Cabela's, Gander Mtn etc.
 
#13 ·
I balk at the price of wool base layers though. Since trying out a wool jersey that's all I want to buy and the price difference with synthetic deosn't seem that great/painful. But looking at a thin fitted t-shirt for $60 makes my wallet tighten up. On the other hand seems bass ackwards to have a nice wool jersey on the outside and synthetic against your skin.
 
#9 ·
Go to a department store, get some 100% merino woll faux turtlenecks on sale, buy them one size smaller.
 
#11 ·
I sue both wool and polypro. I do like the wool best in colder weather as it is warmer. None of my underlayers are cycling specific.
 
#12 ·
I have really enjoyed my icebreaker tops (super pricey but can be had somewhat reasonably at sierratradingpost.com or steepandcheap.com). The patagonia tops were itchy at times but usually comfortable. The house brand for backcountry.com makes good merino clothing. All of these brands don't produce clothes tailored for road biking but they are reasonably form fitting with ample sleeve length.
Also, you will smell like wet dog for the first few times you wear these items. have fun and it is better than smelling like really bad BO
 
#15 ·
#19 ·
For base layers Ive been wearing the starter brand compression shirts from wallyworld for $10 each for the past year.

Walmart.com: Starter - Men's Long-Sleeve Performance Compression Tee: Men

I have 4 of the greys and two of the blues. The grey ones seem warmer IMO.

Sometimes I wear the thicker compression tee over them Walmart.com: Starter - Men's Dri-Star Cold Compression Tee: Men

Theyre not as sexy as the rapha brand but they work for me.......Theyve also held up surprisingly well.


I wear these... The thin versions are great in all weather. I wear white ones in the summer to cut back on sun exposure. I have thicker ones I wear on colder days. They're cheap.. they work.. so a win in my book.
 
#16 ·
I have all sorts of brands and materials and find the Craft Zero Extreme to be the most effective. You can also get this (and some other brands) with windstopper fabric on the front which adds to the effectiveness. Also when it is very cold I use as many as three base layers, just be sure to put the best wicking one next to your skin.
 
#17 ·
I have all sorts of brands and materials and find the Craft Zero Extreme to be the most effective. You can also get this (and some other brands) with windstopper fabric on the front which adds to the effectiveness. Also when it is very cold I use as many as three base layers, just be sure to put the best wicking one next to your skin.
I've been wondering why these would be more effective. Presumably your cold weather top layer is windproof on at least the front. Also, I would think adding a windstopper element to a fabric would compromise its wicking and breathing properties, which I consider the most important properties of a good base layer. But I admit ignorance on this.
 
#18 ·
A merino baselayer is very nice in cooler conditions, but I agree with others who have said it doesn't wick as well. You don't get cold because of the wool properties, but you are more conscious of being wet if you've been sweating hard. I've actually gone off them a bit for that reason - I find I stay just as warm with the synthetics.

Ground Effect in NZ make a great merino baselayer: Ground Effect - mountain bike clothing
 
#20 ·
I just recently purchased 5 different base layers, all of which are made of different synthetic material.
I got two short sleeved shirts, one made by Assos, the other made by Specialized. Those work absolutely perfect when the sun is up and its kind of cool. For when it's down right cold, I bought three long sleeved Under Armour shirts. I have to say the synthetic shirts do exactly what they claim. I stay dry, and keep warm.

I love merino wool socks, but I end up having to put a synthetic cover over my shoes when it's really cold, so points again go to synthetic materials.
 
#23 ·
windstopper

Yes, the windstopper can have a negative effect on wicking. Better quality tops have windstopper that breaths and this effect is minimal. I only use a base with a windstopper layer on really cold blustery days and I put a good wicking layer underneath to minimize the moisture on my body. It's similar to wearing a windproof jacket. It's warmer but you pay a price in moisture transfer.
 
#29 ·
I'm reviving this thread because Im a recent wool convert. Its great....I wear it under my suit during the week and wear it on the bike after work. It insulates great and doesnt smell.

It tends to dry super quick too. I usually wear each piece at least 3-4 times between washings. It will not hold a smell. Its kind of amazing in that regard.

The 3-pack base layer bundle pack pricing isnt too bad considering that wool is generally more expensive than synthetics. A rapha jersey was initially what turned me on to wool in the first place.

The cons: More expensive as mentioned before and once you go wool you'll want to switch all your baselayers, underwear and socks to it. I also use nikwax to wash my stuff but I could probably get away with using it every third wash or so.

On a side note i have a few Sportwool items which tend to be a synthetic and wool blend. They seem to work well too but are not as odor resistant as pure wools.
 
#31 ·
Last weekend, I wore the LS Craft Gore Zero Wind Stopper over a lightweight merino wool (LL Bean) turtleneck plus a Louis Garneau Geminix Jacket. Rode for 2 plus hours w an avg temp of 41.5*. It was partly sunny and a bit breezy and still some ice on the roads from a storm the prior week. Also wore merino wool socks w neoprene bootie covers and a baclava and performance tights over a LG bib shorts.
My legs were fine. But, I was sweating after the first 10 minutes and felt like the sweat was pooling up on my shoulder blades and upper back. I had to keep opening the LG jacket for ventilation. Next time I will reverse the layers and put the wool over the Craft or use a polypro as a base. That may work better.
 
#34 ·
I have tried all sorts of base layers but IMHO nothing beats the Icebreaker merino wool. Wicks moisture, doesn't need to cleaned after every ride and is very comfortable to wear. I have a 200 that I use for temps in the 40s and a 260 (long sleeve) for when its get colder. Combine the 260 with a short sleeve jersey and a Gore Phantom Jacket and I am comfy down to the low-mid 30s. Haven't ridden in anything colder than that yet.