Well, I am simply a "woven convert" from pure merino. I used to love Isadore jerseys, the feeling inside was just unbeatable..actualy until the moment I was really freezing with my pure merino Isadore base shirt under heavier Merino LS jersey, because I was constantly damp.blaugrana wrote: ↑Sun Apr 11, 2021 6:16 pmI completely agree that X-Bionic make the best base layers: the design, choice of materials, and overall quality is just on another level from everything I've tried (including one Q36.5, which is also very good, maybe the best of the rest). The problem for me, however, is that their sleeves don't seem to fit people with long skinny arms, so I just use their short sleeve stuff. The short sleeves Energizer shirts are the perfect 3 season base layer for places that aren't too cold, and work perfect with jackets, LS winter jerseys, and especially under summer jerseys for days that start cool but end up with 20 degree temperatures.
Than came my first X-bionic piece, Energy accumulator in that futuristic lemon green colour and it was like a nirvana revelation! It is supremely warm, but I did not feel damp when working hard, so the motto "turn your sweat into energy" seemed to work perfectly
Since, I looked a bit like a sponsored rider by X-bionic and here are my conclusion:
- Socks (long, compression from the running line) - I love them, I do wear almost exclusively them
- As soon as it get freezing - Energy accumulator base layer
- Jerseys - I am a total fan of The Trick line - but previous generation with superbly bright orange colour and reflective details. Lack of it deters me of the current model line.. - but the previous is simpy THE BEST. Cool when you need, protects greatly when the temperature starts to drop in the evening. Perfectly adopts to my body, do not smell.. actualy like merino, only better..
Bibs - I got The Trick (previous generation) and in spite of fact that I don´t like the pad (not perfect for my bottom), that the looks are weird and that they have the most uncomfortable straps on earth (boy the do cut into my traps!) I just see myself reaching for them over and over and leave Assos, Isadore and others lay there..why so? Because of that woven structure, this is so much better after a few dosens of minutes of sweating! They hug me without any restriction, do not feel sticky nor "greasy" like the lycra does.. and the best part? Lumbar ribs! This is an eye-opening experience for me - this is such a game changer to not have your pad completely damp on your sitting area because of the constant sweat stream down your back into the chamois! So even if the chamois is not that great for me, it becomes more comfy over time in comparison with others, because this lumbar ribs section just take care of the excessive sweat..
Please tell me - does the Q36.5 bibs with their lumbar section works the same way? If so I would be really tempted to try them out..
Other base layers - well, I got an Energizer short and long sleeves, but honestly? Let me put it this way - in my dressing room, when I put them on, I feel super hot, uncomfortably so. And when cycling out there in cold, I just feel rather cold
Q36.5 baselayers = exact opposite! I don´t feel much dressed inside, so I don´t overheat. So I would suggest to get cold quite quickly oustide, but not... magic happens and I feel just the best I ever felt in temperatures above zero...