We’re sick of winter so we’re shopping and wool is on the menu

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

This post might be more RivSister-centric, but maybe not. Last summer I was in a quandary for bike shorts. I was given a pair of Terry padded shorts and I felt like I was in diapers. I had tried them because I’d been wearing regular workout shorts and this is where I discovered the wisdom of biker-style shorts. You need shorts to stay put on the thighs and not ride up and expose your skin to chafe against your saddle. This is almost 100% a women’s problem because of the short length of our shorts. 

I wanted wool. Unpadded merino biker shorts is a TALL ORDER and good luck to you. But I am nothing if not an accomplished shopper and I found the world’s perfect bike shorts with pockets at this company: 

https://www.simplymerino.com

What sets them apart is that they are making product that is nearly all merino. You can find merino workout wear in other brands, but it will be half nylon. This is 94% merino and 6% elastane. And OEKO-TEX, which you can read about on their website.

I spent a mint there and have zero regrets. I also changed over all my underthings to merino (those came from different sites, which I’m happy to share if anyone wants to know) and then I got my adult son a set of merino underwear for our bike camping trips. He said, “Mom, these really are great. Every time I ran out of them and had to go to cotton it was so disappointing.” You really cannot get us away from merino for biking anymore.

But back to Simply Merino - I have found that a lot of their tops will work for long bike rides in hot weather. You can even wear their tank tops as a “jersey.” They lack the pockets but it’s basically the same fit. I have several now and they are wonderful. Toss a breathy linen shirt over the top for sun protection.

They are a small company, so they run out of inventory often, so if you see something you like, get it right then. The bike shorts are thick and luscious and I have 4 pairs and will likely get more of them. You can wash on gentle and hang to dry. Their garments never stink, are lovely to the touch, and wear like your own skin. I LOVE them. 

If anyone gets a piece from them, tell me!

Leah

[Bill Lindsay]

I've been meaning to restock on merino unmentionables, and your post made me hit the order button.  I'm trying a new (for me) brand.  There's some $60/pair options out there that I elected not to try at this time.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Leah Peterson]

Fabulous, Bill! I hope you love them. If they are mostly merino, I bet you will.

I got these for my son and they are 100% merino and affordable. Was this the site you ordered from? There was a set that was close to $60 so I wondered… 

Also, I think you can get them on Amazon, if that appeals to anyone…

On Feb 24, 2026, at 7:01 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've been meaning to restock on merino unmentionables, and your post made me hit the order button.  I'm trying a new (for me) brand.  There's some $60/pair options out there that I elected not to try at this time.  

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[Ryan Fleming]

Oh...and Canadian, too. I could use a bike short restock....usually buy black peral izumis....but maybe I can live without the diaper. Great tip,Leah...thanks for this!

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Ryan, if you get a pair of those shorts I really want to know. If they can be unisex I want them for my son. They show women wearing the shorts but if you sized up, maybe men could wear? I can’t know all these things…

[Bill Lindsay]

I'm trying out a 3-pack from Woolly.  I've been running SmartWool lately and they are good.  I've used Devold, Rapha and Riv MUSA merino undies in the past, and they were very nice as well but it seems to me that the SmartWool last a bit longer.  

BL in EC

[Leah Peterson]

Bill, I got underwear from Woolly! I LOVE their stuff! All my merino underwear is theirs. They were the first merino thing I tried last summer. The rest followed. You’ll love them. Smartwool is only for socks now. It’s just too much nylon and not enough merino anymore. And certainly no less expensive. 

On Feb 24, 2026, at 8:01 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm trying out a 3-pack from Woolly.  I've been running SmartWool lately and they are good.  I've used Devold, Rapha and Riv MUSA merino undies in the past, and they were very nice as well but it seems to me that the SmartWool last a bit longer.  

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/30d40772-2ee0-474d-8aee-425f03741d60n%40googlegroups.com.

[John Rinker]

I wonder if sheep love wool as much as I do? 

Thanks, Leah, for the tip on merinotech.ca; they seem to offer fine products, and their reviewers (72000!) seem to agree.

One thing I try to factor in when sourcing my woolly wear is whether it is RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified, and I don't see mention of this at merinotech. RWS seeks to certify wool that considers both farming practices and the welfare of the animals. Companies like Patagonia, Smartwool, and Woolly offer RWS-certified products. 

For what it's worth.

Cheers, John

[Ryan Fleming]

ah...Leah,I am a woman...but with a name like Ryan Fleming I undertand the confusion...indeed...my Montreal birth certificate listed me as a male, and I got more snail mail addressed to Mr. Ryan Fleming than you can shake a stick at...

[Leah Peterson]

Yes, good point. And Simply Merino (out of Canada) says their wool is “non-museled” which is supposed to mean they are treating the sheep humanely.

On Feb 24, 2026, at 8:07 PM, John Rinker <jwri...@gmail.com> wrote:

I wonder if sheep love wool as much as I do? 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0385e981-4c09-4c1e-a4a4-a6c9de643453n%40googlegroups.com.

[Leah Peterson]

Ryan, I’m so sorry! Ok, go get those bike shorts from Simply Merino, those good Canadians! You’ll love them.

On Feb 24, 2026, at 8:14 PM, Ryan Fleming <ryte...@mts.net> wrote:

ah...Leah,I am a woman...but with a name like Ryan Fleming I undertand the confusion...indeed...my Montreal birth certificate listed me as a male, and I got more snail mail addressed to Mr. Ryan Fleming than you can shake a stick at...

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3a364b45-242e-4da5-afc0-8c80e47e656fn%40googlegroups.com.

[John Rinker]

Oh, perfect! Since I'm in Canada it's very nice to know of another source- Simply Merino! Thanks.

Cheers, John

[Eric Floden]

Thanks for pointing out this new to me Canadian supplier. Most appreciated!

EricF

Vancouver