cycling gifts no. 2: rapha’s warm hug of wool
It’s tough to imagine a cyclist – city, road, cyclo, trail – who wouldn’t enjoy wearing this super-soft wool base layer from the British apparel and accessories maker Rapha. Wool’s warm embrace makes this the perfect holiday gift for the people in your life who love cycling as much as you do.
From left, front and back of Rapha cycling base layer in 100 percent Merino wool. Photos: Rapha
Accustomed to synthetics, I only recently learned about the characteristics that make wool a classic choice for cycling apparel: It combines superior insulation and moisture wicking with odor resistance and natural anti-bacterial properties. And contrary to what you may be thinking, it doesn’t itch.
Thoughtful details in this long-sleeve design: flat-lock stitching on seams helps prevent chafing, long and lean cut lends comfort, and discrete styling (right) assures that it wears as well with jeans as it does with cycling apparel. Also available in short-sleeve and sleeveless versions.
Rapha Long-Sleeve Base Layer, black or white, unisex sizes XXS – XL, washable, $85. Free shipping is offered on the Rapha website through Dec. 24, and discounts apply to holiday gift bundles.
Yeah, it’s pretty hard to beat Rapha. I actually don’t own any of their stuff yet myself, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about them. I’m going to have to get some soon.
Darryl