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This Barra Waffle Merino Gilet from FINDRA is a unisex gilet made in the UK from ethically sourced Merino wool. Made with two layers, the inside is a ...
By stwhannah
Get the full story here:
https://singletrackmag.com/2021/12/findra-barra-waffle-merino-gilet-a-dash-of-luxury-on-the-trail/
That does sound lush.... I've a friend who wears a fair bit of Findra - and it's really simple, nicely made and functional kit.
£125 for a still game cardigan.
It's quite nice looking but strikes me as totally unsuited to cycling
Those on a budget take a look at what Damart have to offer 😀
£125 for a still game cardigan
Even as an almost pensioner, I wouldn’t wear that, but that and the polka dot shorts are a good reminder that taste in clothing styles is a very subjective thing. If you’re into the OAP look, then £125 is probably on a par with what you’d pay for a similar merino item from the likes of Icebreaker.
The shorts are very Morvelo.
Shorts are by Wild Rye, from a few years back: https://singletrackmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/first-look-wild-rye-clothing-for-women-in-the-mountains/
Looks good for bikepacking on your £1.7k steel hardtail frame though.
Cy from Cotic's dad has launched a waterproof, breathable gilet that looks the business. Much more competitively priced too..
Cy from Cotic’s dad has launched a waterproof, breathable gilet that looks the business. Much more competitively priced too..
My mum knits blankets for the Sue Ryder shop on Park Road in Bingley. Seems about as relevant.
My mum knits blankets for the Sue Ryder shop on Park Road in Bingley. Seems about as relevant.
If she knitted gilets it would be. Or are her blankets ‘adventure’ blankets with a hole in and sold at a premium price?
I've just had a little Google.
Yes you can get Merino or wool fashion gilet's for less.
But most other outdoory/performance/made in UK are the same price, or more.
The only oddity is somewhere like GroundEffect who sell similar products (made in NZ, high quality, ethical etc) will sell you a merino jersey posted to UK for less.
My mum knits blankets for the Sue Ryder shop on Park Road in Bingley. Seems about as relevant.
Well, that's me told then eh? So polite too.
However, on an article about a cycling specific gilet, a comment about another cycling specific gilet doesn't seem too out of place. Does it?
For clarity, this is the background to the Cotic gilet (as written by Cy), which makes it something more than a bit of stitching by some old duffer, making it extremely relevant as I see it:
Dad ran a success waterproof clothing manufacturing business and brand throughout my childhood. It's where I had my first Saturday job, laying material and putting press studs in pockets. He ran the company, designed the products, got involved in production. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh? He's a dab hand with pattern making and the sewing machine, and knows loads about waterproof materials and garment design.
After enjoying doing the framebags, he wanted to do something more and set about developing this gilet. I've helped out with testing some of the early versions, advising on tweaks to cut and features. Here's what David has to say about the product:
Waterproof, breathable cycle gilets. Made by us, Ridgecrest Clothing, in Bedford, UK.
Material is PU coated polyester to EN343 Grade 3, the highest level of breathability for a waterproof material.
The front is cut away to prevent bunching and the back tapers down from the hips for good lower back coverage on the bike.
Collar is lined with two layers of 100% cotton for maximum absorption, and close cut fit keeps the wind out.
Knitted, rather than woven, elastic gives a greater stretch around the waist and arms.
Zips are maroon YKK nylon with a large inner storm flap to prevent water ingress. All seams are top-stitched in matching maroon thread."
I've bought one anyway. Seems like good value for money. Perhaps STW could review it too?
No worries, it's on ebay.
Can't vouch for it as only ordered it yesterday. But at £45 posted - and given Cy's chops generally and his dad's in terms of this kind of thing - I figure it's worth a punt.
I'll report back once I've got it, assuming that's okay with Brant 😏