Details
Reviews
Cycling Plus (UK) - Oct 07
I wore the Hot Toddy for nearly two weeks straight while lightweight cycle touring - to test the Merino's odour resistance... really! I know wool does amazing things to odours but even so, I was really surprised that this top held up to that much repeated wear. I had it on while riding on cold mornings, under a waterproof in the rain and in the evenings at camp. It stayed warm and pong-free, even when it got damp from sweat. The Heatwave merino/poly fabric (62/38) doesn't dry as quickly as airy synthetic base layers, but it remained comfortable in a wider temperature range. The minimal hood is a nice touch, and can be worn under a helmet for extra warmth, but it won't be to everyone's taste. I did find the material picked up snags quite easily, so take care around Velcro and brambles.
Cara Cooolbaugh
Verdict: 8/10; Fantastically good value merino/poly cycling top.
Ride On - Jun 07
You've got to admit it; the kiwis know how to do cold. Take the Hot Toddy, the latest women's thermal from NZ gear whiz Ground Effect (the blokes version is called the Submerino). Although classified as 'thermal underwear', you could wear this lightweight top as a thin overlayer when it's a bit chilly or under a shell jacket when it gets really bitter.
The light polyester outer is paired with a merino inner, so you've got the natural fibre against your skin to ward off sweatiness. A reasonably tight fit will help the 'wicking' effect keeping you dry and toasty.
The Hot Toddy is well tailored, with the obligatory fish tail to stop the shirt riding up. But my favourite bit has to be the lightweight hood which fit's snugly over your head and ears; barely noticeable under your helmet; perfect for crisp morning rides. When you warm up you can just unzip the collar and let the hood sit back, and it's thin enough to not be annoying when it's not being used.
I was a bit disappointed about the lack of pockets, but if you are wearing a jacket you probably have that covered. Although not cheap, at A$89 this snug little number will leave you with a bit of coffee change.
Melissa Cranenburgh, Editor.
Ditte, hut bagging on the Pisa Range.
Photo: Dave Mitchell
A bi-component knit combining 51% merino wool and 49% polyester. The unrivalled properties of superfine 18.5 micron New Zealand merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. The polyester also repels moisture to avoid total saturation of the fabric – helping it to dry faster than 100% merino. As a single garment it regulates your temperature in both hot and cold climes, yet is versatile enough to layer under a WindFoil™ top or HydroFoil™ shell in winter. Lightweight at just 160gm/m2 and machine washable.
> Composition: 51% Merino; 49% polyester
Sizing
Check out the chart to suss out where you fit. This is a guide
only - if you fall in-between sizes, the right size for you will
depend on your body shape and how loose or tight you like to wear
your clothes. It's no hassle to swap it, if your first choice
is not the best fit.
| Women | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WS (8-10) |
WM (12) |
WL (14) |
|
|
Bust |
88 - 92 cm |
93 - 97 cm |
98 - 102 cm |
|
Waist |
63 - 69 cm |
70 - 76 cm |
77 - 83 cm |
|
Hips |
89 - 95 cm |
96 - 102 cm |
103 - 109 cm |
Not quite a dram with a slice, but this thermal underwear will keep you equally toasty during the depths of winter. Layer under your Ice Queen or She Shell and discover the unrivalled properties of merino wool against your skin. Giddy up.
> Heatwave hi-performance thermal bodywear combines a merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
> Three panel hood fits smoothly under your helmet.
> Seamless underarm gusset.
> Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
> Front zip for temperature control.
> 'Snug-as-a-bug' fit keeps the fabric against your skin to wick sweat away.
> WhaleTail longer back for greater cycling warmth.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Both are bi-component knit fabrics: Lightwave combines 51% Merino wool with 49% Polyester; Heatwave, 62% Merino wool with 38% Polyester.
> The Polyester component in Lightwave allows for construction of a light fabric for use in both hot and cold climes (just 160gm/m2), and is versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in Winter. While the high merino content in Heatwave makes it ideal thermal bodywear that eats up a wide range of weather conditions with just a single top. (weighing in at 190gm/m2). Both use superfine 18.5 micron merino.
Why is Lightwave Merino so comfortable next-to-skin?
> Lightwave 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 Ristretto, Model T, Submerino and Hot Toddy are all intended to be used as a base layer - best worn directly against your skin.
> The Median Strip, Berglar and Flying Nun are riding jerseys, with additional features including three rear pockets and long front zips. For use in both hot and cold climes and versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in winter.
Washing Instructions?
> Try to avoid cold-water detergents, those with bleach, fabric softener or 'oxygen whitener'. Bleach rots natural fibres like wool. Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run. Fabric softener can do both.
> Warm machine wash, 40°C.
> Wash colours separately.
> Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so drying on the line or hanging over the bedpost does the trick. Or use a dryer on a warm (not hot) cycle.