Merino Wool Baselayer + warm socks

G1032

I'm looking to buy a merino wool baselayer.
Anybody here recommend any particular brand?
I'm looking at this from Altura @ €53 (including delivery)
Any better value or brand out there? I'll check local shops too when they open again

Socks -
Best socks for warmth I've managed to find have been the wool socks that Aldi stocked a few weeks ago.:) I have the Endura Baa Baa Merino wool socks and they don't really keep my feet that warm to be honest.

I was looking at these DeFeet Woolie Boolie 2 socks. Anyone own these and what do you think of them?
Any other recommendation for good warm socks?

ford2600

G1032 wrote: »

I'm looking to buy a merino wool baselayer.
Anybody here recommend any particular brand?
I'm looking at this from Altura @ €53 (including delivery)
Any better value or brand out there? I'll check local shops too when they open again

Socks -
Best socks for warmth I've managed to find have been the wool socks that Aldi stocked a few weeks ago.:) I have the Endura Baa Baa Merino wool socks and they don't really keep my feet that warm to be honest.

I was looking at these DeFeet Woolie Boolie 2 socks. Anyone own these and what do you think of them?
Any other recommendation for good warm socks?

@doozerie has few detailed posts on various baselayers if you can find with a search.

I have those woolie boolies and they are no different to decent hiking socks.

If you want to be warm on bike biggest factor is how much heat you generate; pedal harder and cold adapt (Google is your friend ☺). Keep stream of cold water of your feet and back is next biggest factor imho.

Wishbone Ash

G1032 wrote: »

....Any other recommendation for good warm socks?

I use the ones that are generally stocked by outdoors/camping type shops. They often have hiking ones at half price (e.g.€12.50 instead of €25). Check for the wool content and try to go for 85%.

(They're fine when wearing overshoes/tights but don't look great with shorts and no overshoes).

G1032

Super stuff. Thanks guys. No better men to get this kind of info from

Wishbone Ash

Something else to consider for good value is to check Lidl/Aldi when they do motorcycle stuff. They sometimes have specific motorcyclist base layers which are also great for winter cycling. I bought a couple a few years back and still use them daily in winter (although they're getting a bit worn now).

G1032

For anyone else interested, here are 3 posts by @doozerie about merino

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=92423600&postcount=4484

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=92452899&postcount=4517

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=92468278&postcount=4533

nak

The Rapha merino baselayers and winter socks are brilliant. Can usually find some sort of discount code or get them on sale. Have had my socks for 3 winters now and they're still as good as new.

Paid €50 for a DHB merino baselayer and the quality isn't as good as the Rapha version.

OleRodrigo

+1 . All my DHB merino base layers developed holes. Rapha socks and base layers are still perfect after 3 years. The base layers arent used in summer but I always wear the socks.

If you get them in a bundle they are good value.

crosstownk

I've been using Under Armour compression base layers for a while now. They keep you very toasty even on a cold day but if you over dress with one of these then you'll sweat like a pig. For cold weather rides they are perfect. I just ordered another a few days ago.

I still have one that I bought over 2 years ago that's probably been washed over 200 times and it's still in great condition - it was white but has gone a bit grey having been washed with so much black kit over the years.

Link below but it was about €26 when I ordered it. A major disadvantage is that it's not available in black.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/under-armour-heatgear-long-sleeve-compression-aw15-1/

G1032

OleRodrigo wrote: »

+1 . All my DHB merino base layers developed holes. Rapha socks and base layers are still perfect after 3 years. The base layers arent used in summer but I always wear the socks.

If you get them in a bundle they are good value.

nak wrote: »

The Rapha merino baselayers and winter socks are brilliant. Can usually find some sort of discount code or get them on sale. Have had my socks for 3 winters now and they're still as good as new.

Paid €50 for a DHB merino baselayer and the quality isn't as good as the Rapha version.

Are we talking the Rapha Deep Winter socks? On sale at €20 a pair

Edit - 20 GBP
Edit 2 - Nope. €20. I need to stop drinking

OleRodrigo

The other ones:

http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/merino-socks/product/SCK01

nak

These ones http://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/shop/winter-socks/product/WSK03

Hasn't been cold enough yet for me to try the deep winter ones.