Pong free riding top recommendations

hard-rider

Now that the weather is warming up I'm finding that my el cheapo Decathlon synthetic riding tops are getting too smelly so am looking for some decent tops for the summer that will remain pong free. Can anyone suggest some that work well? I've tried riding in a plain cotton t-shirts but they get too wet and clingy with perspiration.

Ian43

I use Endura humveee tops myself so that would be my recommendation but depends on your budget.

BigJimmyB

I've got Endura tops, I also have Altura which were off the 'bay and pretty cheap.

al2098

Any top with 100% merino wool.

warpcow

The only tops I have that don't stink after a short time (no matter how and how often they're washed) are merino. I find them far too warm in summer though. I've got some other tops with bamboo stuff in them, which is supposed to combat stink, and they're slightly better than standard polyester, but not by much.

hard-rider

Thanks. I had a look at the Endura and Altura stuff before but it all seems to be 100% polyester which will just smell unless they have some sort of anti bacterial treatment. I agree Merino while it's great for not smelling, it is too hot, especially here where temps can get to 28-30C by 10am in the summer.

Warpcow, what brand is the stuff with bamboo? It may be worth a look too.

warpcow

I've got one Sombrio (they don't make the specific top I have anymore), and one Dakine (Cascade I think it's called) with bamboo stuff in them. The Dakine is more breathable and sizing is pretty standard. It's basically just a slightly more functional t-shirt; no pockets, zips, or anything similar, just a glasses wipe sewn in the inside.

cooldad

I have all sorts going back years and none stink. But I do shower myself and stick my clothes in a washing machine.

hsiaolc

al2098 wrote:

Any top with 100% merino wool.

Too hot over 12-14 C

So not really good in the summer.

I just wear HH and so far they don't smell. I've recently used Underarmour and they seem to be very good too for the summer.

majormantra

Get a Sportwool jersey. They're a merino/poly blend with the best attributes of each material. 100% merino is also a possibility but it doesn't hold its shape as well. What's great about Sportwool is it doesn't stink even after multiple rides without being washed - really! And you can wear it when it's warm, just like a regular jersey.

I'm a recently convert having got a few bits of Rapha kit but there are cheaper options out there. Just be aware that not all merino is created equally. I've got an On One merino top and although it's fine it's much scratchier than the Rapha stuff. I don't get on well with wool normally but the good merino doesn't itch for me.

blister pus

Check the Altura stuff, some is straight 100% poly which stinks (long sleeved Inter base layer, Merlin). Other stuff is treated and fast wicking, but still labeled as 100% poly. Like the Mayhem short sleeved t-shirts have bamboo mix in them. If you can get a couple of those for < £15 and stick to the washing instructions, they do a fair job of wicking, fast drying, and keeping your temperature regular.

Some BO is down to diet though, in which case nothing will work apart from isolating the dietary cause, which is easier said than done.

hard-rider

warpcow wrote:

I've got one Sombrio (they don't make the specific top I have anymore), and one Dakine (Cascade I think it's called) with bamboo stuff in them. The Dakine is more breathable and sizing is pretty standard. It's basically just a slightly more functional t-shirt; no pockets, zips, or anything similar, just a glasses wipe sewn in the inside.

Thanks. Both those brands specifically mention anti microbial treatment for some of their jerseys so that's a start. A little expensive for basically a t-shirt but if I don't find anything else I may give it a go.

majormantra

cooldad wrote:

I have all sorts going back years and none stink. But I do shower myself and stick my clothes in a washing machine.

In my experience, better quality lycra stinks less, but even the good stuff always has a faint 'aura'. Choice of detergents probably makes a difference. I just use standard non-bio Persil at 30° - maybe there's a better option. Or maybe you just aren't riding hard enough.

.blitz

Fox Racing Phoenix tee

blister pus

^ nice tee, doesn't stink, used it for the first time the other day.........the XL is a proper XL (tent for most).

hard-rider

MajorMantra wrote:

Get a Sportwool jersey. They're a merino/poly blend with the best attributes of each material. 100% merino is also a possibility but it doesn't hold its shape as well. What's great about Sportwool is it doesn't stink even after multiple rides without being washed - really! And you can wear it when it's warm, just like a regular jersey.

I'm a recently convert having got a few bits of Rapha kit but there are cheaper options out there. Just be aware that not all merino is created equally. I've got an On One merino top and although it's fine it's much scratchier than the Rapha stuff. I don't get on well with wool normally but the good merino doesn't itch for me.

Interesting. Not seen or heard of Sportwool before. That Rapha stuff is expensive but I'll see what alternatives I can find. Does the wool not make it too hot for summer though?

cooldad

MajorMantra wrote:

cooldad wrote:

I have all sorts going back years and none stink. But I do shower myself and stick my clothes in a washing machine.

In my experience, better quality lycra stinks less, but even the good stuff always has a faint 'aura'. Choice of detergents probably makes a difference. I just use standard non-bio Persil at 30° - maybe there's a better option. Or maybe you just aren't riding hard enough.

Ride? Don't be stupid, I just look awesome in tight lycra.

cycle monster

Clothes washing advice? Sorry this must be the road forum or the ladies one.

majormantra

hard-rider wrote:

MajorMantra wrote:

Get a Sportwool jersey. They're a merino/poly blend with the best attributes of each material. 100% merino is also a possibility but it doesn't hold its shape as well. What's great about Sportwool is it doesn't stink even after multiple rides without being washed - really! And you can wear it when it's warm, just like a regular jersey.

I'm a recently convert having got a few bits of Rapha kit but there are cheaper options out there. Just be aware that not all merino is created equally. I've got an On One merino top and although it's fine it's much scratchier than the Rapha stuff. I don't get on well with wool normally but the good merino doesn't itch for me.

Interesting. Not seen or heard of Sportwool before. That Rapha stuff is expensive but I'll see what alternatives I can find. Does the wool not make it too hot for summer though?

I haven't had a chance to try Sportwool in real heat but I was impressed with it during the great Scottish heatwave of March 2012. There are different grades of the stuff too - I notice Rapha's "Lightweight" jerseys have a lower merino content than the regular ones which probably makes them a little cooler.

There are quite a few companies doing Sportwool stuff. For example this one, which is obviously Rapha inspired: http://www.torm.cc/torm-products.html

al2098

I have a light coloured Embers merino short sleeve top and its not too hot in summer.
The wool comes in different weights and it seems the more you pay the better it is. It doesn't itch and can be machine washed.
It's not a miracle garment but I would buy it again.

hard-rider

MajorMantra wrote:

There are quite a few companies doing Sportwool stuff. For example this one, which is obviously Rapha inspired: http://www.torm.cc/torm-products.html

Thanks. I found that company too and may give them a try although styling and designs are a little conservative.

al2098 wrote:

I have a light coloured Embers merino short sleeve top and its not too hot in summer.
The wool comes in different weights and it seems the more you pay the better it is. It doesn't itch and can be machine washed.
It's not a miracle garment but I would buy it again.

Thanks for the embers heads up. Shame I didn't know about them during the winter when I was looking for Merino baselayers.

Torm

hard-rider wrote:

MajorMantra wrote:

There are quite a few companies doing Sportwool stuff. For example this one, which is obviously Rapha inspired: http://www.torm.cc/torm-products.html

Thanks. I found that company too and may give them a try although styling and designs are a little conservative.

al2098 wrote:

I have a light coloured Embers merino short sleeve top and its not too hot in summer.
The wool comes in different weights and it seems the more you pay the better it is. It doesn't itch and can be machine washed.
It's not a miracle garment but I would buy it again.

Thanks for the embers heads up. Shame I didn't know about them during the winter when I was looking for Merino baselayers.

I've got some new SportWool stock coming in shortly, including some designs in yellow if you want something less conservative. Always happy to hear any ideas.

mcnultycop

I have an On-One Merino top that does have it's own (none sweat related) odour, not unpleasant, just a bit wooly.

I normally wear a Helly Hansen Dry Lifa Base Layer, which is superb and never smells. I wash it after every ride (I have two) but on the lowest temperature with no washing powder with the rest of my bike gear and that does just fine. Nothing smells, and I'm a big unit who gets sweaty.

Woodmonkey

If you are on a budget, Aldi had some bamboo base layers in their running promotion last week

felix.london

wife-beater.

MrM

I find wearing deodorant & having a shower after a ride helps. Being able to use a washing machine is a bonus
If im on a long ride i'll change tops. I don't buy into the £70 per cycling top nonsense