Details
Reviews
Mountain Biking Australia - Jul 10
Ground Effect has gone through a few incarnations of their 'Lightwave Merino' fabric over the past couple of years. To begin with, this summer weight fabric was quite cool indeed but very stretchy and saggy once you chucked a tube and a few gels in the back pockets.
The next generation was more supportive but a little too warm to be considered a warm weather garment. In its latest guise, Ground Effect has blended the merino with polyester; 50% New Zealand merino against your skin with the polyester on the outside (it was previously a merino/nylon blend). While you still can't overload the pockets in the same way as you can with a study full synthetic jersey, the new fabric is a lot more supportive and you can pack a reasonable amount of stuff into the rear pockets - a handy thing if you don't always ride with a pack. As with the earlier incarnations, the Merino fabric remains relatively odour free and remained comfortable in warmer conditions - say up to 25 degrees.
By John Hardwick, Editor of Mountain Bike Australia magazine.
London Cyclist Magazine - Jun 07
Like the Helly Hansen base layer, this Ground Effect vest consists of two layers, but this one has the Merino wool next to the skin, to wick away sweat. The synthetic outer layer provides extra warmth and also acts as a shell to protect the wool if you are wearing it on it's own.
I absolutely loved the Ristretto. It sits snug next to the skin, wicks moisture away very effectively when you are working hard but doesn't suffocate you when you slow down. It's sleeveless, so fits easily under whatever other layers you've got over it. All panels are flat stitched, so nothing chafes. This Spring I've been wearing it on the journey to work, on it's own with a jacket on top. I've felt toasty as soon as I've started pedalling.
I spent several days trying to work out which way on it goes, because there are both labels inside and out. I can confirm that it works fine both ways around.
Ground Effect is a New Zealand company. I'd normally be shy of advocating LC [London Cyclist] readers order something from so far away, but Merino sheep live in New Zealand and parcels arrive swiftly. My order took about 10 days to arrive.
Conclusion:
Fantastic value for money. The rugged outer layer means the vest looks spotless despite all the abuse it's been given. The merino inner layer is soft and warm.
Cycling Plus (UK) - Dec 03
... This thermal vest contructed with superfine Heatwave Merino inner layer keeps you warm and dry even in the coldest temperatures. Good wicking properties draw sweat away from the skin and help keep core body temperatures constant. The polyester outer is hard wearing and durable for a lifetime's use, odour buildup is minimal and washing at moderate temperatures keeps thing sweet and clean - no matter how hard you train. A low rear hem helps keep draughts out and the close fitting design works well to keep sweat at bay and skin dry. Sleeveholes are edged and stretchy to allow maximum arm monement and comfort whilst on the bike.
Verdict: 8/10
A modern take on the classic undervest, high wicking properties and simple styling make a good base layer combo.
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Jul 03
Specifically intended to be a base layer for the colder times, the Ristretto can also be worn as a jersey when it is sweltering...The long back keeps kidneys covered against chills and the Heatwave Merino fabric wicks sweat away, keeping you warm and dry. The mix of natural Merino wool with polyester gives the Ristretto a technical edge mixed with the luxury of wool.
Performance: 8 /10; Value: 8/10
Verdict: Get those arms out and go for some tribal tats with the help of a few thorny bushes.
A bi-component thermal fabric combining 51% merino wool and 49% polyester. Superfine 18.5 micron New Zealand merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Lightweight at just 160gm/m2 and machine washable. Developed by Ground Effect and knitted for us in New Zealand.
> Composition: 51% Merino; 49% polyester
Man vs Wild
Merino is unrivalled for comfort as a body layer. It absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres, mopping up excess sweat rather than letting it settle and cool on your skin. However high-aerobic activities like cycling will often overload ordinary merino. Heatwave's polyester component repels moisture to avoid total saturation of the fabric - so it dries faster to keep you toasty.
Snug-as-a-Bug Fit
Heatwave™ Merino tops are intended to hug your body, ensuring the fabric sits against your skin to wick sweat away - keeping you dry and not chilling out.
Hot ‘n’ Cold
As a single garment Heatwave™ Merino regulates your temperature through a wide range of conditions. Delivering comfort in all but the hottest climes. Yet it is versatile enough to layer under a WindFoil™ top or HydroFoil™ jacket in winter.
Sizing
This chart 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.
| Unisex | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
|
|
Height |
154 -
164 cm |
163 -
172 cm |
169 - 178 cm |
175 - 185 cm |
183 - 191 cm |
|
Chest |
84 - 90 cm |
91 -
97 cm |
98 - 104 cm |
105 - 111 cm |
112 - 118 cm |
|
Waist |
66 - 72 cm |
73 - 79 cm |
80 - 86 cm |
87 - 93 cm |
94 - 100 cm |
|
Hips |
78 - 86 cm |
87 - 95 cm |
96 - 103 cm |
104 - 111 cm |
112 - 120 cm |
Unisex vs Women's Sizes
Most Ground Effect designs are unisex. The jackets, tights
and baggy tops generally fit both men and women equally well.
Fitted garments like cycle shorts and some tops are more gender
specific so there is generally a women's version in the Outskirts
range.
Thermal bodywear to keep you buzzing through the depths of winter. Layer the Ristretto under your favourite riding top - the superfine Heatwave&trade Merino wicks sweat away so you stay warm 'n' dry. Make mine a short black.
> Heatwave&trade hi-performance thermal bodywear combines a merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
> Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
> 'Snug-as-a-bug' fit keeps the fabric against your skin to wick sweat away.
> WhaleTail&trade cut keeps you tucked in.
> XS size option (approx. women's small).
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Heatwave 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 and Popsicle are intended to be used as a stand alone cycle top in cool, as opposed to cold, conditions.
> The Ristretto, Model T, Submerino and Hot Toddy are all base layers - 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.