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Found: New Zealand’s Ground Effect Merino Wool Cycling Clothing

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ground-effects-merino-wool-cycling-long-sleeve-jerseys
L to R: Frosty Boy, Baked Alaska and Berglar.

A few weeks ago, New Zealand brand Ground Effects sent over an intro by way of a little video about their trail building efforts around Craigieburn Forest Park in the foothills of the Southern Alps (NZ). They brought together employees and customers to help build 2km of singletrack to connect two popular trails. The result is a now continuous 30km of riding between Broken River Ski Field and Castle Hill Village. Oh, and they mentioned they make some pretty sweet merino wool cycling kit, too.

Being suckers for merino, we checked out the line and it’s pretty sweet. Not all of it uses wool, but considering the season, a few highlights stuck out. Above, the Baked Alaska and Berglar are long sleeve, light-to-medium weight merino tops. The Baked Alaska has a softshell windproof core with merino lining, and the Berglar is an all-season top that doubles as a natural fiber base layer when temps drop. The Frosty Boy is a standard microfleece technical material with full windproof front and shoulders. Women’s versions of all three are also available, and they offer several colors for each. They’ve even got a few kids pieces.

Check the bibs, tights and more, plus the video, below…

ground-effects-merino-cycling-bibs-tights
L to R: Snake Bites, Daddy Long Legs and Helter Skelters.

Ground Effects offers a massive selection of bottoms, you’ll have to hit both “Shorts” and “Longs” categories to see them all. The Snake Bites are a merino Lycra blend with soft lycra ankle cuffs and a long zip to make potty breaks easier. The Daddy Long Legs are full length tights with windproof knees. For commuting or really nasty mountain biking, the Helter Skelters are waterproof, breathable 3/4 shell pants.

Another note they sent was that they’re offering free shipping to the USA for a while. Oh, and new customers can knock $30 off their first order. All that’s on top of what we’d consider pretty decent prices for technical wool cycling kit. Check them out at GroundEffect.co.nz.

We’ve just received a couple pieces for testing and will report back soon. First impressions are good – shipping was quick, materials are nice and construction seems good. Sizing is a bit more American, so stick with your normal size…and if you’re waffling between them, you may actually want to size down unless you’re super tall. Full write up coming in a few weeks.

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Bazz
Bazz
10 years ago

Ive been using Ground Effect gear for years. Great stuff that lasts!

Aussiegirl
Aussiegirl
10 years ago

Great gear , great people …kiwi Mtb rocks …even through the Christchurch earthquakes these guys kept going . They support so much trail building in NZ and Australia.

Troy Junge
Troy Junge
10 years ago

I am a very long time user of the fine products from Ground Effect.
They make great products, they are a nice company, and they put back into the community at large.
I would say the “baked alaska” is the best fall/spring top out there, I have used it on a commute every workday for about six years. When winter comes I simply add a baselayer.
The sizing is great – they size their clothes like regular clothes – that takes a lot of stree out of online ordering.
Anyone who tries these products will not be disappointed.
If you are into boutique products like Rapha, maybe stick to them, as Ground Effect is not trying to deliver race wear.
One long term happy customer

Memphisj
Memphisj
10 years ago

When i saw this posted I decided to jump on it and ordered a baked alaska top (with the $30 off deal for first timers, $99. Ordered on Monday and received via FedEx (had it held at nearby FedEx location) Friday morning, free shipping. I used it this morning for the first time on a 25 mile road ride and found it exceptional. It was about 45 degrees with a northerly wind of about 10-12 mph and was great. The wind panel front worked well. Zipper/pocket construction is the best I’ve seen on a jersey/top, and I’ve had more than a few. I’m a big fan of Ibex and I’m thinking I prefer this top to those. The arms & back are a pretty thin material so in slightly colder weather I’d throw on a thin wind shell. Time and miles will tell as to durability but my first impressions/use are pretty over the top….

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