Merino Jacket advice please

muir.mackean
muir.mackean Posts: 15
edited March 2012 in Road buying advice
I have a Gore Phantom II jacket, which is brilliant in every way, except that it honks like a dead badger after 1/2 rides - whereas my merino and bamboo baselayers can go on seemingly for ever before getting niffy. I am looking around for a merino, or merino lined, jacket, and the only one I have found so far is the Orca Men's Velo Merino Torque Full Zip Jacket (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=56540). Does anyone have experience of this jacket ? Any other merino jackets out there worth considering ?


Boardman Comp
Specialized RockHopper

Comments

  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    That looks a nice jacket !! (in fact I may buy one at that price !!) I've got a few Orca tops and they're really nice. I have a long sleeved and a short sleeved base layer, and they're great. They get worn all winter and are made from extremely soft and comfortable Merino. I also have a thicker merino base layer from Orca, which I find a bit warm for cycling, but I tend to wear as a thin jumper all the time in the winter. It's probably my most worn piece of clothing over the last 6months !

    Not sure why the Phantom is getting smelly ? I've got one as well and it only gets washed when it's dirty on the outside. Do you wear it with a jersey or base layer underneath ? Depending on the weather, I either wear mine with the long sleeved Orca, or the short sleeved Orca and a long sleeved jersey underneath.
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • flasher
    flasher Posts: 1,734
    Are you looking at Merino to save on washing liquid?
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    I wear one or two layers under the Phantom, depending on temperature, always merino or bamboo or both - the baselayers stay fresh, but the Phantom stinks, and I'm fed up with: a) picking the thing up to wear and having to hold it at arms length and b) the chore of endlessly washing it. I'm looking for merino because its combination of comfort, insulation, and odour-resistance is second to none in my experience.
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Wierd ! I've had my Phantom for nearly three years and I only wash it when the outside is dirty. It's never suffered from smelling. Not wanting to appear rude, but are you a bit of a sweater ?
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • graham_g
    graham_g Posts: 652
    I'm a big merino fan, but you need to remember that your base layer(s) still transfer sweat through to the outer layer. Even though your base layer may be stink-free, if you've been wearing the base for days it will carriy days-old stale sweat through to the outer layer which will end up stinking. If you wear a bag (i.e. when commuting), this is exacerbated 20 times over as the bag and sweaty wet layers underneath stew up the mix to make the most disgusting BO stench possible.
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    My Goto place for merino is Chocholatefish. They do baselayers, midlayers and lots of other stuff, direct from NZ.
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    I don't think I'm an above average 'sweater' - once I've been riding for a couple of hours or so my baselayer is pretty damp, but I assume that's typical. Maybe my bacteria have a particular affinity for polyester...as to merino, Chocolatefish looks good, as do Icebreaker, Howies, and Rapha (where I go to dream), but Planet X seems to be the best value by a distance. But none of them seem to make a merino jacket/outer layer, as opposed to baselayer/jersey. So I have taken the plunge and, after talking to the Orca distributors, I've bought one on eBay for £69 which seems a very good price. Will post a review here when I've ridden in it.
  • mr_sj
    mr_sj Posts: 507
    Ive got the orca velo bib tights and they are fantastic, be interesting to see what the jacket is like
    summer bike - Kinesis KiC2

    winter bike - Planet x uncle john
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    muir.mackean wrote:
    I don't think I'm an above average 'sweater' - once I've been riding for a couple of hours or so my baselayer is pretty damp, but I assume that's typical. Maybe my bacteria have a particular affinity for polyester...as to merino, Chocolatefish looks good, as do Icebreaker, Howies, and Rapha (where I go to dream), but Planet X seems to be the best value by a distance. But none of them seem to make a merino jacket/outer layer, as opposed to baselayer/jersey. So I have taken the plunge and, after talking to the Orca distributors, I've bought one on eBay for £69 which seems a very good price. Will post a review here when I've ridden in it.

    Definitely let us know what it's like ! Whilst I don't particularly need a new jacket, at £69 I may well buy one anyway !
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    MattC59 wrote:
    muir.mackean wrote:
    So I have taken the plunge and, after talking to the Orca distributors, I've bought one on eBay for £69 which seems a very good price. Will post a review here when I've ridden in it.

    Definitely let us know what it's like ! Whilst I don't particularly need a new jacket, at £69 I may well buy one anyway !

    will do
    muir
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    Orca Velo Torque jacket review as promised. Fit: this jacket sizes up VERY small. I'm a large (5'11", 34" waist, 40" chest), and that's what I ordered, and that went straight back in exchange for an XL. The XL fits, but it is snug, particularly in the torso - in fact the XL Orca is tighter than my L Gore Phantom. I suspect I would be perfectly comfortable in an XXL Orca. So bear that in mind if you go for one, particularly if you are generously proportioned in the torso department. The upside of this is that you could wear it as a jersey under something else in very cold weather. Comfort: it is very light, and the wool is soft and stretchy. Riding in it, you don't really feel like you are wearing anything. The sleeves are generous, with thumbloops in an extendable cuff. Windproofing: I think it is slightly less windproof than the Gore, but marginal. This may be accounted for by the Gore's zip-off sleeves, which means it has quite a lot of extra material around the shoulders. Insulation: it feels very slightly warmer than the Gore - as soon as you slow down or get out of the wind, you feel warm again quite quickly. Again marginal. Waterproofing: only one ride in the dry so far so can't comment. Overall: I like it - much more like a second skin than the Gore. You want to keep it on after you get off the bike. The warmth and softness of the wool makes the Gore seem cold and synthetic to the touch. And bye-bye bad smells. Although it is rated for Cool weather, I suspect with an extra layer you could wear it on cold winter days. If you like merino over synthetics, don't mind a snug fit, and can live with the Henry Ford colours (black), go for it. Oh, and I recommend the eBay seller (exercise-direct 36950) who I bought it from, superfast and good customer service.
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    Also don't need a new jacket, but that looks perfect. Thanks for the review.

    In terms of size, I know you have already stated fit, but just need to know where it's tight (if that makes sense)

    I'm 6 ft, 42" chest (I just have a big rib cage btw), 32" waist... the size chart definitely states L
    Note that I have a large in the Gore Phantom, but it's not that snug on me.. would you still suggest XL?

    Looking at the EBay item suggested...
    "PLEASE NOTE THIS ITEM TENDS TO BE RATHER LARGE FITTING AND IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PURCHASE ONE SIZE DOWN FROM YOUR NORMAL FIT"
    Simon
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    Hi Simon, the Orca is tightest for me round the hips at the level of its elasticated waistband, fairly snug up to the ribs and fine above. Sleeves aren't tight at all, and very long so there is no risk of sleeves riding up, esp. with thumb loops. Don't get me wrong it is comfortable (would have sent it back otherwise), but definitely not roomy. Have just put the XL Orca on UNDER my L Gore Phantom, everything zipped up, and that felt perfectly comfortable ! So maybe the Orca shd be seen as something that can be either an outer or inner layer, which makes it very versatile. Looking at your measurements I wd guess that like me an XL would fit, but if you don't like things too clingy then maybe you could risk an XXL - don't go for L unless you like things wetsuit tight.
    Don't understand that eBay comment (maybe they got it the wrong way round)...can only go on my own experience. Good luck
  • Wily-Quixote
    Wily-Quixote Posts: 269
    Ground effect, NZ online store, make pretty good merino gear. They do a merino jersey with wind proof front panel. The sleeves are light though, may not bevwhat you want in winter.
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    Just picked the XL up from CRC for £52 :)

    Reading the blurb, it sounds like it's designed to be worn next to the skin (or layered)... so maybe this is why it's tight.

    If anyone's interested, here is is for £52 (only XL mind you!):

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=56540
    Simon
  • mr_sj
    mr_sj Posts: 507
    Start fitness also have them for 50 quid
    summer bike - Kinesis KiC2

    winter bike - Planet x uncle john
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    springtide9 wrote:

    'Reading the blurb, it sounds like it's designed to be worn next to the skin (or layered)... so maybe this is why it's tight.'

    I think you are right, the beauty of the Orca is that it can be a baselayer, a jersey under something else, or an outer layer, which makes it a very flexible piece of kit.
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    muir.mackean wrote:
    springtide9 wrote:
    'Reading the blurb, it sounds like it's designed to be worn next to the skin (or layered)... so maybe this is why it's tight.'
    I think you are right, the beauty of the Orca is that it can be a baselayer, a jersey under something else, or an outer layer, which makes it a very flexible piece of kit.

    Turned up today and very pleased. It's lovely :) although I haven't worn it outside yet mind you.
    Just what I was after - a mix between a jacket and a jersey. And XL fit is spot on.

    For £52 you can't go wrong. CRC are still cheaper than 'Start fitness' due to the free postage at CRC, but CRC only have XL (where as Start Fitness seemed to have all sizes)

    Thanks... not sure I really needed another jacket, but there you go!
    Simon
  • muir.mackean
    muir.mackean Posts: 15
    ah well...you always have to remember that the ultimate purpose of cycling is To Consume Kit !
    ...talking of which, my last several rides have started in cold conditions and ended up in warm/hot, and it occurred to me that the ideal thing would have been a pair of cycling pants with zip-off legs, any recommendations ? must go, got to look at some Brooks saddles, I fancy a B17 Special in Racing Green for the road bike...
  • Eyorerox
    Eyorerox Posts: 43
    I have these
    http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-d ... LA-WIN.htm
    Just the chest is windproof not the arms, not a tight fit, GroundEffect are really MTB and very well made
    the Median Strip is a superb top if you do not mind a 3/4 zip and two zipped pockets on the back (close fitting well at least for me) http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-d ... ED-SUM.htm
    This is a superb base layer for winter (British Summer!) http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-d ... IS-MER.htm
    I also have this one from Endura, http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?de ... rod_id=233
    The front of the arms and chest are wind proof (not Merino) works very well
    you could have a lok at IceBreaker, well made, I haven't tried their cycle specific stuff
    http://nz.icebreaker.com/Biking/mens-biking,en,sc.html
    In addition I have a Rapha winter Jersey..........

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