As a keen cyclist, I look-out for British-made cycling clothing and accessories. I was therefore pleased to meet Mike Gore, who's behind Road Rags which produces merino wool cycling jerseys in England.
Mike kindly sent me a Smithfield top (pictured below) to try. Of soft dark grey merino, it features a pull-up neck, long sleeves with hand-warmer ends to them and a double thickness drop tail to keep you warm as you crouch down on the handlebars for more speed. I've found it ideal as the weather has (later than usual this year) turned chilly and it has become a favourite jersey.
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| Road Rags Smithfield top - and what lovely bikes! |
Merino wool is superbly suited to cycling. The fibres absorb perspiration, moving it away through evaporation so that you stay cool in the warm. The coiled spring fibres trap heat from the body to keep you warm in the cold. I find also that it's less smelly in warm conditions than artificial fibres.
Road Rags offer several tops, for men and women. For town or longer rides, they have long and short sleeves; some with rear pockets for the more race or touring-oriented cyclist. They are beautifully made and the merino washes well and has enough stretch in it to be comfortable and well-fitted on and off your machine. See the Road Rags website here.
With thanks to Road Rags who supplied a jersey for this review.