Icebreaker - Pure Merino

When I heard I had won a merino cycling top from the Travelling Two website I was pretty excited.  I have been a big fan of merino for the last few years, but tended to stick to thermals for skiing and using it in sports where I wouldn’t get too sweaty, so I was intrigued to see what a cycling top would be like.  The parcel soon arrived and inside was an Icebreaker SS Halo Jersey.  On first impressions the fabric seemed quite thick (200 weight) so I thought it would be good for winter riding – I was living in the Austrian Alps at that point.  But then I wimped out of doing much <0 deg.C riding so the testing never quite got going…

Since mid May 2011 I have been doing a bike tour around the western part of the USA; going from desert and temperatures above 30 deg. C in southern Utah, to mountain passes over 3,700m and with snow banks 5m high in Colorado.  The merino cycling top has performed brilliantly in all places – it does what Icebreaker says it will: it keeps me cool in the heat and warm in the cold.  I have two short sleeve riding tops with me on this tour and I reckon I wear the merino top five days a week.  Normally I try and rinse it out at the end of the day, but I have gone five days without it seeing a drop of clean water and it hardly smelt.

I am really pleased with this top and I think having this one, in combination with a lighter weight (and quicker drying) top, is perfect for me.  If I was doing a trip with just one cycling top this Icebreaker SS Halo top would be the one for me.

- Helena, Icebreaker Fan

The first thing that struck me about Timm’s book is the physicality. It’s a weighty book, beautifully embellished with emphatic typographic quotes pronounced through colour and texture… giving you glimpse of the journey you’re about to take.

Just a little bit of context… I recently had the pleasure of working closely with Timm Kolln, when he shot our new Icebreaker GT Bike collection.

Whether you’re a hard-core cyclist, a fan of the sport or simply someone who appreciates a well designed picture book – this will certainly be of interest.

It’s evident right from the moment you open this book, a considerable amount of time, energy and love have been poured into the pages, a beautiful balance of imagery, text and minimal but intense use of colour.

You’re hit with an impressive flash of fluorescent right from the get go, which is quickly followed up by stories that get right to the point. As you go deeper, you’re drawn into Timm’s rider portraits while listening to the words of the riders themselves – it’s a heady mix.

I’ll confess, I’m not a cyclist… but I subscribe to the power of great design, as a sport – cycling is heavily influenced by it. This certainly comes through in the design of this book, which is flawlessly executed.

Moving away from traditional of the glossy, Timms book is beautifully printed on uncoated stock of the highest quality- it’s warmth is inviting and feels great as you navigate your way through it.

I love the rubberized spine, mimicking a road bike tyre, achieved by strategic placement of the type and texture. It’s a small detail but easily overlooked, it ultimately adds to the overall impression that countless hours have gone into the making of this labour of love.

I’ve certainly gone on about the designof this book, but the real story lies within the pages of The Peloton. The rider portraits tell their own incredible story.

Congrats Timm.

I suggest you buy a copy and experience this journey for yourself.  Just Google… ‘The Peloton Timm’and you’ll be confronted with a long list of appraisals for this highly anticipated release.

http://www.timmkoelln.com/the_peloton/

http://www.rouleur.cc/the-peloton

http://www.amazon.com/Peloton-Timm-Kolln/

- Reviewer: Fred l’Ami, Icebreaker New Zealand Identity Design Director

Holy Sheep, indeed! Here’s what bike media around the world has to say about Icebreaker’s first Bike product.

Click on the links to read the full reviews:

Icebreaker’s “Spring/Summer 2012 GT Bike collection will help you perform better in the summer heat, both on and off the road…. In addition to being lighter weight, the cycling jerseys are softer, resist odor and help to keep you both cool and dry. . “
- TheGearCaster.com

“Yes, it’s time to ride fast and go easy on the petroleum-based threads. The joy of the long ride is often the sense of discovery around the next corner and over the mountaintop. Icebreaker is one of those happy revelations. Wool, my friends, is back on the bike.”
- Twisted Spoke (Review of Icebreaker Circuit Bib Short)

“After spending a few days on the road with this gear, it is clear that Icebreaker really does have a hit on their hands…. This is a very impressive entry into the cycling market, and a welcome one to be sure. If you’re looking for some great spring cycling gear, then look no further than the Icebreaker line. I think you’ll be as impressed as I am. Excellent gear for your long rides.”
- TheAdventureBlog.blogspot.com

“Get this jersey if you want to look and feel good on the trail.”
- SingleTracks.com (Review of the Women’s Grace Crewe)

“Cycling is a sport Icebreaker had not previously supported. Based on the jersey and bib I was sent, it’s clear that they were just biding their time; sitting back and observing the industry to figure out the best way to make a first impression….The products are an investment (merino is not cheap), but details like a gripper at the hem and hardy zippers put a smile on your face each time you get out.”
- JoshSpear.com

“We’ve got plenty of brightly colored polyester jerseys in the closet. Perhaps that’s why Icebreaker’s low-key merino wool SS Circuit Jersey instantly became our new favorite.”
- Outside Buyer’s Guide, 2011 Outside Gear of the Year

“The Circuit Shorts are hands-down the most comfortable cycling shorts we’ve worn….Icebreaker’s foray into cycling clothing gives racers and weekend warriors alike a stylish, natural alternative and stands apart from the spandex crowd.”
- GearPatrol.com

“The fashion graveyard is littered with the abandoned efforts of non-cycling companies to make technical riding gear, but Icebreaker’s first effort is remarkably finished-stylish, comfortable and unique-they may be here to stay.”
- Bicycling (review of SS Circuit Jersey)