Merino Wool, A Revolution in Bike Apparel

Banish man-made fibers to a stinky pile and ride natural with merino wool

Is there anything worse than being only three pedal strokes into a massive hill climb and immediately feeling the heat climb up your back? A small seed of dread begins to grow because you know that this is going to be a long, blazing slog for which you chose the wrong jersey. What’s worse is finally reaching the alpine plateau, only to turn into an ice block after losing all of that heat you’ve built up to the sweat-sopped sponge that is now your shirt.   Luckily, rides like these are now a distant (albeit traumatizing) memory. Consider the merino sheep your new spirit animal by investing in clothes made from their wool. Merino are unique because their wool regulates their temperature from the depths of winter through to heights of summer. The same can be said for the Mons Royale bike range. We’ve banished man-made fibers to a stinky pile and instead, we’ve brought merino wool’s legendary moisture management, temperature regulation and odor control to bike apparel. Allow us to introduce you to your two new riding buddies (and no, their names are not Brandon Semenuk or Casey Brown – keep dreaming).    

Merino Air-Con

Merino Air-Con is best friend #1. See, we’re optimists here at Mons, but we also know that not everyday is sunny. But that shouldn’t stop you from riding; enter Air-Con. Air-Con is our go-to “all-mountain” bike jersey fabric for any condition. Versatility is key here, so Air-Con ensures you remain comfortable through variations of altitude, humidity and temperature. “How?” you ask? Well, we wrapped a core of nylon and elastane in a tight, but tough hug of merino wool which enabled us to keep all the benefits of merino, while also creating a super-light fabric that is soft, highly breathable and dries quickly. So, whatever the mountain chucks at you, all you’ll have to worry about is stomping bangers.    

Merino Tencel

Alright, here’s riding friend #2; Tencel. Never heard of it? You gon’ learn today. New to our Spring Summer 2019 range, Tencel is a natural, sustainable, high performance fiber derived from sustainably sourced wood. And while we’ve been talking about merino wool’s benefits for riders who love to climb, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you park rats. We’ve got just the fabric for your lower altitude, high summer riding. Tencel drapes like a dream and is cool feeling next to your skin, so even while you’re enduring the crushing humidity of four guys and their bikes stuffed in a gondi, you’ll be feeling chill and airy. When Tencel is blended with merino wool, the result is light, dries fast and won’t develop an odor – so you can slash through that puddle like the bike park miscreant you are.     Unequivocally, we’ve got you covered for high performance riding apparel. But what about flair? Never one to cut corners, Mons has delivered in that area as well. Ladies, gone are the days of oversized Crankworx tees from 2015 that you nabbed from unsuspecting fanboys. Our women’s mountain bike capsule is chock full of vibrant colourways and new-age style, as well as our signature silhouettes. Men, say hello to earthy tones and bright blues that are fitting and bold for all urban or mountain commutes.     Whether you’re a suspension sadist, brake burner or tire tormentor, Mons Royale’s riding capsules will keep you cool on the hottest days, toasty on the cold ones and ripping everything in between. What are you waiting for? Go ride your bike.  

Photos: Jay French & Callum Wood

Riders: Charlotte Frost, Ronja Hill-Wright, Russ Paver & Conor Macfarlane

 

Shop the Story >>>

Vapour Lite 3/4 – $120 Zephyr Lie 3/4 – $120 Redwood Enduro VT – $130 Phoenix Enduro VT – $130