Merino wool is frequently used in technical clothing such as hiking apparel, cycling kit and other activewear. It's been around for decades but why should merino be part of your cycling wardrobe?

Let’s take a look at the properties and benefits of this fascinating, soft fibre.

What is merino wool?

Merino wool is a natural fibre derived from a merino sheep. It's been around for centuries but it's only since the First World War that it's been a regular fibre in fashion. Most merino flocks come from Australia where the merino industry is booming thanks to innovations in textile technology.

Merino wool has many advantages for cyclists year round, so let's take a closer look.

Five reasons cyclists should wear merino wool Canyon Merino Cycling Jersey

Benefits of merino wool

Merino is common in base layers, technical t-shirts and cycling jerseys thanks to its many great properties outlined below.


1. Warm in the winter, cool in summer

One of the unique features of merino is its ability to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. This makes merino clothing perfect for year-round riding. The thermoregulation properties of merino wool mean you’re comfortable no matter the conditions outside.

When it's hot, your sweat is absorbed by the merino fibres. Sweat is then evaporated on the outside of the fabric. This means you'll be nice and cool even if you're climbing a hot Alpine pass in the middle of July!

In winter, your sweat condenses inside the fibre. Condensation creates heat therefore keeping your body warm when it’s cold outside.

This process of sweat moving through the fabric is often referred to as moisture wicking.


2. Odour resistant and quick drying

One of the unique features of merino is its ability to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. This makes merino clothing perfect for year-round riding. The thermoregulation properties of merino wool mean you’re comfortable no matter the conditions outside.

Sweating is part and parcel of riding a bike. Bacteria contained within your sweat create unpleasant smells. Merino wool absorbs the odour leaving you to enjoy a stench-free ride day after day. This reduces how often you need to wash the garments, which means more time for riding bikes.

If you're on a long bikepacking trip and you need to wash your merino cycling kit, you'll be glad to know it's quick drying. Just lay it flat after washing and it'll dry much faster than other bits of clothing. See our merino care guide below for more information.


3. Lightweight and quick drying

No cyclist likes to carry unnecessary weight. That's what makes merino kit a great choice; it's lightweight! This makes merino particularly desirable to bikepackers and cycle tourers who are riding long distances.


4. Hypoallergenic and UV resistant

Merino fibres are kind to your skin and won't cause itching like other woollen products do. This is particularly good if you have sensitive skin or eczema as it won't irritate your skin while you wear it.

Another advantage of bikepacking adventures is spending hours outdoors in the nature. This can also mean hours under the sun's harmful UV rays. Merino clothing is UV resistant preventing skin damage while you're outdoors.


5. Naturally made, naturally disposed

Merino wool is a natural fibre. The flocks of sheep graze the hills and pastures of Australia and New Zealand and are sheared twice a year. In addition, this wonderful fabric is renewable and does not rely on processing fossil fuels.

Merino cycling kit will naturally decompose in the ground, giving back all that fibrous goodness into the earth.

How to care for merino cycling kit

Even though merino cycling kit can go days without needing a wash, you'll need to wash it at some point. Luckily, if you follow our step-by-step instructions, you'll be wearing your favourite merino garments for years to come.

1. Look at the care label inside your garment for specific instructions

2. Place the items in the washing machine using a wool-friendly detergent

3. Wash at a low temperature (maximum 30 degrees Celsius) to avoid shrinking

4. Hang on a coat hanger or lay the item flat until it's dry. Avoid tumble drying merino wool as it can damage the fibres

Five reasons cyclists should wear merino wool Canyon Longsleeve Merino Cycling Jersey

Canyon's merino cycling kit

Our Adventure Collection features many merino garments suitable for your next weekend ride, overnighter or round-the-world expedition.

All our merino clothing comes from non-mulesed sheep. This means the sheep are not subjected to painful procedures during their lives. Animal rights groups around the world have been the driving force behind outlawing mulesing in parts of Australia and all over New Zealand.

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