Smartwool socks and MTB jersey: Smart wool for hot days on the bike

Thick hiking socks, warm undershirts for the winter - we already know all this from the wonder wool Merino. But merino not only keeps you nice and warm, it also has the great feature that your clothes don't usually start to stink even after a long day of sweating. Actually a good prerequisite for the summer too! The Smartwool brand has brought out some items especially for bikers that are also designed for warm temperatures and high physical activity on a mountain bike.

We have opted for a bike sock from Smartwool and a Longsleeve jersey decided on the long sleeves. The long arms of the bike jersey offer a little less ventilation, but in times of 50 sun cream, the additional sun protection certainly doesn't hurt. Ok, to get a little sun, both test products had to fly to Taiwan. But with a humid 28 degrees and sunshine, these were perfect conditions to find out how suitable Smartwool clothing is for summer.

Smartwool is backed by the VF Corporation - a listed US clothing company based in Denver, Colorado, which claims to have 35,000 employees worldwide and a turnover of USD 11.8 billion. Its brands include, for example

• Icebreaker
• Napapijri
• The North Face
• Timberland
• Eastpak
• Vans
• Supreme

Practical test Smartwool mountain bike long sleeve shirt

The Smartwool mountain bike long-sleeved shirt had its first test use concealed under a fleece jumper and rain jacket on winter rides in the Bavarian Alps. However, it was to show its strengths on a Visit to Tektro in Taiwan where we rode a lot of MTB - and sweated. The first impression, and the one that remains, is that the fabric of the bike jersey really does cool on the one hand, but doesn't feel wet on the skin on the other. This is the plan of the Smartwool developers: a blend of merino wool and polyester regulates the temperature and dries quickly. In addition, ventilation slits on the upper back provide even more breathability.

The fit is also practical when cycling. The sleeves are not only long, but also cut long enough to prevent them from riding up when in a sporty riding position. The same goes for the back, which has a longer hem so that the Smartwool bike jersey doesn't ride up under a rucksack or anything else. The Smartwool long-sleeved jersey has a loose fit, but the fabric is at least thick enough to prevent annoying flapping or static cling to the body. My subjective impression is that it really does feel like a favourite shirt.

The large, reflective "Smartwool" lettering on the left sleeve is eye-catching, but only makes a difference if there is traffic coming from the left at night. What is very noticeable from all sides: even after several sessions with different hip bags and rucksacks and at least as many washes, the Smartwool bike shirt shows virtually no signs of wear. No "pilling" (tiny fibre balls on the fabric), only one or two pulled threads, and the colour is still the same as before. And that's despite the fact that you can simply put the merino shirt in the machine on the sports/soft wash cycle.

Details about the Smartwool mountain bike long sleeve shirt

• Regular Fit
• Merino wool: moisture and temperature regulating and odour-neutralising
• Offset shoulder and side seams for better comfort and to minimise chafing
• Extended back hem
• Weight: approx. 200 grams
• Country of manufacture: Vietnam
• Main part: 69 % recycled polyester, 31 % merino wool
• Trimming: 56 % merino wool, 44 % recycled polyester
• Colours: black and white or olive and black (tested here)
• Sizes: S to XXL
• Price: 94,95 Euro >> available here

Smartwool offers 30-day test for bike shirts

The manufacturer is particularly impressed by this Smartwool MTB shirt. That's why they offer you the chance to try it out on your own outdoor adventures for 30 days. At the end of this period, you can simply send it back if you don't like it and Smartwool will refund your purchase including shipping. That goes further than a free return - we think it's fair.

Practical test Smartwool Zero Cushion Stripe Crew cycling socks

Socks are one of those things in warm temperatures: if you don't wear any in your bike shoes: No-go! If you wear something too thick, after a day on the bike your feet look like they've been in the bath for three hours. So what can the merino socks from Smartwool do? So after the cold days in the foothills of the Alps, the Zero Cushion Crew cycling socks come with us into the humid heat of Taiwan.

Smartwool says its Zero Cushion bike socks are designed for comfort. Of course, they are not wafer-thin racing bike socks and not super-hard compression socks. They are also probably too short for some people (What do the style police say here?). Nevertheless, the Smartwool socks have different zones on the foot with more or less traction. The toe area is knitted seamlessly (Virtually Seamless - according to the manufacturer). Our impression: they don't fit too tightly, but firmly on the foot all day long without slipping in the shoe.

The main feature of the Zero Cushion Crew cycling socks But again, the certified merino wool used is supposed to naturally regulate temperature and odour - and it does this very well. Without wanting to go into too much detail about feet, the socks could certainly have been worn for a second day, despite the sporty action. The Smartwool bike socks are really comfortable to wear in cold and warm conditions. However, they are a little thicker in the shoe than some other socks for biking. What is noticeable after a good three months of testing is that the socks fluff a little in some places, which seems to indicate increased stress. However, this is still fairly limited and doesn't seem to mean a hole or anything similar.

And because they are socks, they have to go in the washing machine relatively often. Smartwool makes it easy for us: "Wash inside out. Machine wash cold or warm. Gentle or delicate cycle. Tumble dry on a low setting."

Smartwool uses ZQ-certified merino wool for the Zero Cushion Crew Bike Socks - as well as for many other products - which is a common seal for wool and is monitored during implementation. The website states that five Factors for more sustainable production be taken into account:

1. Animal welfare (e.g. no mulesing)
2. Ecological sustainability
3. Highest fibre quality
4. Traceability to the source
5. Social responsibility

Details about the Smartwool Zero Cushion Stripe Crew cycling socks

• special knitting for a good fit on the ankle with flexibility zone
• Light Elite Cushioning - padding on the ball of the foot and heel
• Shred Shield helps to reduce abrasion on the toes
• Weight: approx. 45 grams
• Country of manufacture: United States
• Material: 50 % merino wool, 25 % nylon, 21 % recycled nylon, 4 % elastane
• Sizes men: EU 38-49
• Price: 24,95 Euro >> available here

Note: The colour variant shown here is currently no longer available. Black-grey and grey-blue-orange are available.