Merino wool

When you pull on this Road Rags Smithfield jersey you realise that the merino wool this relatively new British company Road Rags use for this garment is a little bit more special than what a lot of the other merino labelled togs out there use.

This dhb Merino Roundneck base layer is very good indeed for most types of cold-weather riding.

I've been testing the short-sleeve round-neck version. Other merino options from dhb include versions with long sleeves and with long sleeves and a high, zipped neck. The vests are also available in two fabric thicknesses (M 150 and M 190, the numbers refer to the fabric's weight in grams per square metre), and in men's and women's cuts. Oh yeah, and they come in a range of colours too.

The pun-tastically named Ewetopia Knickers are a good looking garment, made from 39% merino wool mixed with nylon and elastic. The fabric is stretchy and robust with a pleasant matt finish and the natural anti-microbial properties of merino.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of the Buff, then you’re missing out on what is a supremely useful and versatile piece of kit. Named by the manufacturer as ‘Multi-Function Headwear’ the original Buff is essentially a lightweight seamless microfibre tube that can be used as a throat warmer, bandana, beanie, or any other variation you can come up with.

The Wool Buff is a new member of the rapidly expanding stable of Buffs, and is remarkably similar to the original except for a few differences.