Lyrca.  Some people love it some people hate it.  For the latter there are now plenty of option that don’t involve pouring yourself into a tight stretchy tube.  Over the next few days we are going to look at some of these options, begining with tops.

There are many advantages to non-lycra tops such as real pockets, not looking like a total prat down the pub afterwards and padding in the event of an unexpected interaction with mother earth.  Here we take a look at some offerings from Icebreaker.

For those who have never heard of Merino wool first a quick introduction.  Hailing from the New Zealand Alps, Icebreakers merino sheep need to survive in temperatures which vary from dramatically from summer to winter.   The wool has an amazing ability to dissipate heat and breathe as well as holding heat it in when things get cold.  Visit an outdoor shop in New Zealand and you will be lucky to find much else these days as not only does the fabric deal really well with temperatures but it also does not become smelly from body odours in the same way as synthetic fabrics like polyester.  In fact Icebreaker can be worn for days and days without making your neighbours toes curl and is now the fabric of choice for most expeditions.

Icebreaker Chase Zip jersey

Icebreakers shortsleeve Chase Zip top is custom designed to meet all your multisport activities including mountain biking and still leave you looking cool and fresh down the pub afterwards as you toast the sun going down.  The jersey has no strange rear cycling pockets that will have your friends looking at you weirdly but features a neat pocket at the hip to hold a bank card, phone and cash making you ready for anything.  Being Icebreaker it has all the non-BO benefits of merino wool etc.etc. and its light enough for most weather conditions.  No excuses for not cycling to that barbecue now…  RRP €69.95 from Cycle Surgery @ Snow&Rock in Dundrum.

Icebreaker Rapid Zip long sleeve jersey

When its a little colder layer the Rapid zip over the Chase zip or wear it next to your skin to keep things snug and warm.  Its made from a heavier grade of Merino wool than the chase zip (GT280 weight, the Chase Zip is GT180) and features a chest zip pocket as oppose to the hip pocket.  It also has thumb loops to keep the sleeves pulled down.  This is a truly versatile garment, as home off the bike as on.  Panels under the arms are mesh to aid in ventilation.  RRP is €149 from Cycle Surgery @ Snow&Rock in Dundrum.

They are not only for the boys though.  Both garments are available for the fairer sex including this long sleeve version of the Chase zip which we also tested.  It’s lightweight, well cut and perfect for Summer evenings.   A big favourite with our female tester.