Ibex Serrano Cycling Jersey : Invest in the Best

Although synthetic layers are getting lighter, there's nothing that feels as soft and trim as Merino wool. IBEX's long-sleeved Serrano wool bicycling jersey has quickly become my favorite exercise top. I've been wearing it as a middle layer in the still mostly chilly Pacific Northwest spring, layered over a turtleneck and under a wind or rain shell.   In warmer temps, wear it as cover-up over a short-sleeved jersey or as a first layer.

Because Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, I noticed it doesn't get as smelly as fast after cycling uphill for a half an hour (which is my whole commute home)--this also means being able to get in a few more uses between washings. I had no idea wool was so easy to wash. I remember years of carefully hand washing wool sweaters, but I just tossed my Serrano jersey in the washing machine on the gentle cycle and it came out great. I did bypass the dryer and instead laid it flat across the top of my Swedish wood clothes drying rack.

Another appealing aspect of the Serrano jersey is that it looks much classier than many of the synthetic cycling jerseys out there. I don't feel like I'm a walking/cycling billboard for some brand logo or pop-art designer. This jersey is so nice-looking that I've even been wearing it around town and to work layered over a nice cotton shirt. But even though it doesn't look like a typical cycling jersey, it has the right features: longer in back with the convenient horizontal zip pocket across the lower back, elastic around the bottom to trap in warm air and keep out cold air, and natural stretch.

Yes, it rains here in Seattle, and I've found that even when I somehow manage to get wet or damp, the Merino wool keeps me protected and warm. Here in the Upper Left Hand Corner of the country, a light wool jersey will be useful year-round, even throughout the summer for those cool mornings and evenings.

Bottom LIne: Invest in the best. The Merino wool IBEX Serrano cycling jersey is a classy, versatile layer for bicycling as well as other outdoors sports.--J.I. (May '06)

Price: $135

Manufacturer's Site: www.ibex.com

BUY ONLINE : Ibex Merino Wool, , , , bikeman.com