Zerofit - Why The Hype?

I bought one of their heat rub ultimate base layer tops and, yes, it’s brilliant in the winter. Very comfortable and very efficient, as Ronseal say, it does what it says on the tin.

If I were to go on tour in Central Europe in summer I wouldn’t hesitate to get one of their Icelayers.

Yes, it’s pricy compared to other ‘thermal’ tops but IMO it’s well worth it for the fit and the fact it works.

 

I find the Helly Hansen ones very good, thin one is ideal in Summer in Europe

 

I bought a base layer called 32° from my local Costco last year, cost £15 from their clearance table for 2 tops and 2 bottoms. IMO, I prefer them to the Zerofit stuff I bought that cost an awful lot more. Andy

 

Merino wool is my preference. Have a few ranging from Aldi's Crane brand which are excellent. Though I haven't seen them for a few years now. Also have a Helvarsons wind blocker merino long sleeve top which is my favorite, should be as it cost £80.

Tend to stay away from synthetic baselayers having tried some previously and hating them. However, with an impending birthday have asked partner for a long sleeve ZF Icelayer top. Off to Ireland for a wee tour in a couple of weeks, probably not the ideal testing ground TBH Will report back once I've tried it.

 

The Heat Rub is the only ZeroFit that has a collar as far as I know. Having been stung by a Hornet in the past, I always wear a Buff, all year round so no collar required. Andy

 

Agree with Merino wool, unfortunately they always seem to get holes quite easily. Annoying when they are more expensive than the rest.

 

I haven't had great experience with Merino, for me it quickly fails to wick away moisture as it holds on to the sweat. It also ends up with small holes appearing. They were Icebreaker branded garments.

Best I've bought is Saucony, lasted a little over 30 years now and always perform well.

 

Is it specifically the zero fit heatrub you're interested in buying or are you after the ice version for summer?

It's a big spend but i own and rate the heatrub for winter riding. It works much better if you're actually walking though, designed originally for golfers i think. If i take it for a walk in winter i end up taking a layer off as it warms you. Not that I've used heated gear but I'd guess they'd be the ultimate way to keep you warm on the bike.

 

Have had the Helvarsons merino wool top since 2019 (mine's an earlier model than this), use it for most rides and tours. Still without holes but maybe starting to show it's age. My partner has one too and hers gets somewhat less use and is as good a new. They're high neck too, I agree with @RC1 in having this as a strong preference.

The Aldi Crane brand ones are various, just plain merino with a high but fairly loose neck, wearing well about the same age. A couple of Crane cycling merino cycling jerseys, one with a breeze blocker front, again both high neck. All perform well and a close 2nd to the Hevlarsons. I also have a selection of Crane merino long johns of a similar and earlier vintage, these do tend to hole in the crotch quite easily. The plain Crane garments were £15-£20 and the cycling jerseys a little more if I recall. I still keep an eye out for them but the ones I've seem lately are all synthetic and I pass them by.

 

Holes in merino are probably from moth larvae

 

What does that say about my crotch

I bought a merino neck tube off of Temu early last year. It's really good, ideal weight for spring, summer and autumn. Regrettably that got holed by the metal zipper on my leather jacket. Have just taken delivery of another one after my partners dog ate my Temu slippers so had to make up an order.

 

It’s close to your wallet ? Andy

 

You want “mad prices”….. look no further….. https://www.x-bionic.com/en-gb/collections/base-layers

 

Yes indeed, working on that.

 

Merino FTW.