Hasyun Wool Promo

Since it's all of six fucking degrees outside this morning, today's as good a time as any to pimp the stylin' wool base layers being sold by our pal Murat over on his retail sideline site weebike.com. Many of you are aware that I'm known to extol the virtues of Ibex wool clothing here, and the truth is that stuff, specifically their wool shorts and knickers, has changed my life. OK, the way I approach life in winter anyway. No more restrictive layers; in this stuff I can stay warm without being mummified by layers of so-called "thermal lycra" or what have you. The Ibex leg and arm warmer accessories are equally awesome for the extremities, as is their headgear for your noggin. But what about my torso?

Enter Murat and his Hasyun wool base layers. Sure, Ibex sells a line of wool base garments too, and the truth be told, they're slightly nicer in feel and trim than the Hasyun stuff. But compare $60 for an Ibex woolies T with the $25 for a similar item from weebike. I like super-nice quality clothing as much as the next person, but we're talking base layers here. Sure, the Ibex stuff is so nice that you could probably wear it out in public when it's brand new, if that's your thing. But under your jersey or jacket on a ride in 28 degree temps? You'll never know the difference. The real beauty of wool though, is for the in between temp rides, the ones that start out in the 40s but end up pushing 60 or better. Here is where wool blows away other base layer fabrics, as it will keep you warm, even when wet, without smothering you when things heat up. I wore wool almost every day on my recent west coast trip, and it was absolutely perfect for the days when it was 55 and windy on the PCH, but pushing 80 as soon as I turned off and started climbing up a canyon road in the sun. No need to put on a wind jacket when bombing back down, comfy as can be all the way out and back.

Cons? All wool picks up serious lint in the wash, so you have to keep it separate from unlike colors if you care what it looks like. You also don't want to put it in the dryer. And definitely keep it away from your cycling shit with velcro, as that stuff will rip it apart in the wash if you're not careful. What about the itch factor? Well honestly, with Ibex stuff, for me that doesn't exist. As noted earlier, the Haysun fabric is not quite as soft, but I can wear it next to my skin no problem, and forget about it two minutes after I put it on. If you're really sensitive, it's still a good product to wear over a thin poly underbase on cold days. The only other issue with the Haysun is that when new they have an overbearing mothball odor and you're going to need to wash it out once or twice before use. Good luck, stay warm, thanks for reading.