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Baked Alaska
$199.00 NZD
298
A hot 'n' cold top that propels you at the speed limit across the gap between summer and winter. Its WindFoil™ softshell front takes the edge off a chilly headwind while the Lightwave™ Merino sucks sweat off your body. Wrap your meringue around that.
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- +Features
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- Lightwave™ hi-performance thermal bodywear combines a merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
- WindFoil™ micro-fleece softshell front deflects chilly winds.
- Long front zip for temperature control.
- Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
- 'Snug-as-a-bug' fit keeps the fabric against your skin to wick sweat away.
- Integrated thumb loops keep your wrists under wraps.
- Rear security pocket and twin elasticised angle-pockets.
- WhaleTail™ longer back for greater cycling warmth.
- Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
- +Tech
-
Weight: 290 gm
- +Lightwave™ Merino
- A bi-component thermal fabric combining merino and polyester yarns. Superfine 19.5 micron merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Lightweight and machine washable.
- Composition: 46% merino; 54% polyester.
- Weight: 150 gsm.
- +Man vs Wild
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- Merino is unrivalled for comfort as a body layer.
- Its natural fibres help fend off the big stink on multi-day epics.
- Merino absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres, mopping up excess sweat rather than letting it settle on your skin.
- However high-aerobic activities like cycling will often overload ordinary merino. Lightwave's polyester component repels moisture to reduce total saturation of the fabric - so it dries faster to help keep your cool. Ideal for going hard 'n' fast, and for wearing under your rain jacket.
- +Hot 'n' Cold
- Lightwave™ Merino regulates your temperature through a wide range of conditions. Delivering comfort in all but the hottest climes, as well as a thermal layer under a WindFoil™, microFoil™ or HydroFoil™ shell in winter.
- +UPF 50
- UPF 50+ rating extends your no-burn time by 50 times over bare skin. Designs with a stand-up collar and long sleeves maximise protection from the sun's UV rays. Yank 'em up if it gets too stifling.
- +WindFoil™
- WindFoil™ combines the insulative benefits of a polyester micro-fleece liner with a smooth, water resistant, softshell exterior. A totally windproof, yet highly breathable membrane is sandwiched between the inner and outer fabrics providing effective protection in cold, dry conditions.
- Composition: 100% polyester with PU membrane.
- 100% windproof.
- Water repellent finish on face fabric.
- Breathability: 4000gm per sq.m per 24hr.
- +Hazard!™
- Night travel is a spooky experience. Many Ground Effect garments feature our Hazard!™ reflective logo and piping to help remind traffic that we're on the road too.
- +Composite Tops
- For short trips in stable weather conditions, a Ground Effect composite top lets you travel light and fast with just a single thermal layer. These designs combine a WindFoil™ softshell fleece front with a breathable Thermostat™ fleece or Lightwave™ Merino back. Some designs have a long front zip for ventilation - allowing you to manage your body temperature through a wide range of conditions. Apparently you can have your cake and eat it too.
- +WhaleTail™
- Ground Effect tops are cut with extra length in the back... and in the sleeves too. So when you stretch out in search of the perfect downhill position, neither your shirttail or sleeves will ride-up to expose your back or wrists to the elements.
- +FAQ
- ▸ Why is Lightwave™ Merino so comfortable next-to-skin?
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- Lightwave™ Merino combines the comfort, warmth and low-odour properties of merino wool with the durability of polyester. Merino wool absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene. This makes it very effective in dealing with excess sweat - it is absorbed into the fabric rather than settling (and cooling) on your skin. The polyester component repels moisture which avoids total saturation of the fabric - helping it to dry faster. The strength of the polyester also maintains the shape of the garment and minimises wear 'n' tear and pilling.
- The Baked Alaska, Popsicle and Hot Toddy are intended to be used as a stand alone cycle top in cool, as opposed to cold, conditions.
- The Thermos, Isotherm, Ristretto, Submerino and Inferno are all base layers - best worn directly against your skin.
- The Berglar, Flying Nun, Median Strip, Hula, Neopolitan and Lozenge are riding jerseys, with additional features including rear or hipster pockets. For use in both hot and cold climes and versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in winter.
- +Compare
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Draft Dodger Hoodwink Frosty Boy Windproof Full Full Front & sleeves Fabric WindFoil™ front & back & Thermostat™ sides WindFoil™ WindFoil™ front & Thermostat™ back Front Zip Full length + 2 forearm vents Full length Full length Pockets 2 hand plus large rear Single at chest 3 rear plus single at chest Baked Alaska Astro Windproof Front only Front only Fabric WindFoil™ front & Lightwave™ Merino back WindFoil™ front & Lightwave™ Merino back Front Zip 3/4 length None Pockets 3 rear Single at chest - +Washing
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- All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
- The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
- Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
- Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
- Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
- As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
- Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
- Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellant finish.
- Wash colours separately.
- + Shipping
- Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
- Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
- NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
- Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out.
- More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.
Customer Reviews
4.8 Based on 298 Reviews
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TE
08/01/2005
Tama E.
The Geneva Convention
A couple of years ago I discovered the magic of merino, and promptly consigned my reeking polypro to the trash. On my bike, in the mountains, even clubbing... my trusty merino keeps me at the right temperature, shreds sweat and its odour doesn't contravene the Geneva Convention. Yet, there's a ***** in merino's performance - it offers as much wind protection as a butterfly net. So I was consumed with wanton **** when I spied the Baked Alaska. A long sleeved merino, supercharged with a windproof front just made sense. Instantly it has become a central part of my winter wardrobe. On chilly night rides I generally sandwich it between a Ristretto merino singlet and my trusty Flash Gordon shell. But it is also great 'solo' on a mild Wellington winter day (we get lots of them - really) - and when stopping for post-ride sushi it doesn't scream 'serious cyclist'.
CG
03/01/2006
Cass G.
Himalayan Tops
I subjected the Baked Alaska to three months in the Indian Himalayas and it stood up very well indeed. In use, Ground Effect's WindFoil fabric across the chest buffets wind to the side, while the merino wool wicks sweat away. I wore it pretty much every day and to be brutally honest probably didn't wash it more than a few times - and it didn't reek like a polypro top would have. The low pack size and understated colour are well suited to touring too. The cut is close fitting but not too clingy, and great for off the bike too. Back home, use it as a post ride warming top or even a mid-layer in the bleakest heart of winter. And despite winging it's way all the way from New Zealand, it's excellent value for money too. A superbly versatile, technical merino top that won't break the bank.
BM
02/01/2007
Bike M.
Baked Alaska
Ground Effect's Baked Alaska is designed to bridge 'the gap between summer and winter', which sounds like a pretty close description of the UK at any time of year. As befits a multipurpose garment, the Baked Alaska is made from two different materials. Most of it - the back, the sides and the sleeves - is made of Heatwave Merino, a blend of the famous New Zealand wonder wool and polyester. The idea is that the Merino sits against your skin feeling all soft and doing its magic wicking thing, while the polyester provides a durable outer layer.The front of the panel is WindFoil fleece - polyester microfleece on the outside, wicking mesh on the inside and a windproof PU membrane between the two. It's all held together by the now de rigueur flatlock seams. There's a long zip at the front and two zipped pockets (plus some reflective piping) round the back.There are of course a couple of Ground Effect trademarks. The elastic thumb loops keep the sleeves in place (although we didn't have a problem with them riding up without) and there's a puncture repair patch hidden in one of the pockets.The cut is deliberately close - there's not much point going to great lengths to make a super-efficient wicking garment and then having it sitting two inches from your skin. In use it's just lovely. It's soft to the touch and really does manage to be warm and cool at the same time. The two fabrics work well together, and the polyester mix on the sleeves seems to be reasonably resistant to snagging.It's described, as being for 'cool, not cold' conditions - if the Baked Alaska isn't warm enough for you, there are two options. Either take a look at Ground Effect's Frosty Boy - a very similar top, but with WindFoil on the sleeves and sides too, and thicker microfleece everywhere else. Or just stick a thin base layer under it - we've been plenty warm enough in biting icy winds with a base layer, Baked Alaska and a jacket. There's also a women's version called the Popsicle - same fabrics, different cut.Ups: Soft to the touch, well-made, snug fit, well-pitched level of warmth, good price.Downs: Bit of a nuisance to send back to New Zealand if you get the wrong size.Performance 5/5Value 5/5
DL
08/05/2015
Dave L.
G
08/07/2015
Geoff
Baked Alaska
All my cycling clothing is from Ground Effect and I bought most of it in 2002 – 2003 (3 pairs of knicks, wind/spray shell top, long pants with the fleecy front, long sleeve jersey, long finger wind shell gloves, and thin fleece under-helmet cap – forgotten the quirky names though) and ALL of it is still respectably usable even after almost 100,000 km of riding. The Alaska is an addition to counter the somewhat-cooler-than-usual mornings we’ve been experiencing in Sydney lately (I know I know – it doesn’t really get cold here) and the Alaska works well as expected.