Worth Its Weight In Wool

Do you miss riding your bicycle about town? This winter, consider riding through it. Old man winter hasn’t given us much to get excited about, but hopefully snow will come, and then the fun can begin. It’s been quite mild this year, but if you’ve ridden in the cold before you've probably realize that cold weather biking is a whole different beast.

In the past I’ve purchased synthetic fiber clothes that claim to keep me worm and wick away the sweat, but they end up smelling after one use. I don’t have time to spend washing an article of clothing I spent 70 bucks on – I’ve only got one of them besides. If you've got a little extra money to spend an investment in natural wool garments that will outlast and outperform synthetics is totally worth it.

Problem is - what to buy? So many expensive options, and so little time to try it on, deal with returns, and then find something that works better. Finding the right articles of clothing will take some experimentation on your part, but this too is well worth it.

My number one recommendation: wool. And not just a wool sweater wore over a cotton shirt. Wear wool next to the skin. You’ll still sweat, but you’ll stay warmer be less clammy.

Winter riding can be dangerous and not just because you ride the risk of wiping out on ice. Staying warm and dry is essential and possibly the most difficult aspect of winter riding. Just riding around town all layered up will cause you to break a sweat.

For the first time I've got some extra money to spend and I’ve pretty much gone all out wool. It wicks moisture, keeps in warmth, and doesn't smell I never have to wash it.

- Wool underwear. Yes, it exist, no itch, and it's wonderfully comfy! I'm not going to mention just how many days I wore them for before washing during the trial period, but lets just say wool underwear is perfect for extended time away from home where there's no access to a washing machine, sink, or stream.

- Wool base layer. Leggings and long/short sleeve top. Wear them under everyday clothes. Some leggings don't even look like long underwear so they work well under skirts. Find top base layers that are slimming and not see through and wear them as everyday clothes.  

- Midlayer. This could be a wool sweater or more athletic zip up. For more mild days, a light windproof jacket may be all you need, as wool is quite warm, and riding you will heat up fast.

- Wool leg warmers. My ankles and feet get super cold, but I've found that wearing leg warmers under pants solves the problem better than anything.

- Wool socks. If you don’t already own a pair then consider buying some. I wear them year round – not just in the winter so they're totally worth spending 20 dollars on.

- Wool hat. Something that works under a helmet – if you wear one. I adore my custom Iowa City Bike Library bicycling cap. Walz makes wool, bike specific caps too. I don't know what I would do without my wool headband.

Some brands worth looking into: Icebreaker, Nau, Smartwool, Redram, Ibex, Minus 33, Patagonia, Andiamo!, Rapha, Fox River.

The key is to find the perfect wool base layer and not to wear cotton next to the skin if you tend to sweat.

Reminder: Drink plenty of H2O!