SmartWool Betasso Shorts and Jersey - First Look

I had always been aware of SmartWool, but more as a winter apparel company. They are venturing deeper into the bicycle world now, and they sent along some tasty treats to test out. SmartWool uses New Zealand Merino Wool, which has some pretty amazing properties. It's odor free, warm, highly breathable, itch free, with great moisture and temperature regulation.

SmartWool Betasso Shorts

The Betasso bicycle shorts are comfortable, rugged and even look and wear like a normal pair of baggy's. They are comprised of an outer short made from polyester, and an inner one made from SmartWool and nylon. The outer and inner shorts connect together with two robust strap mounted snaps, to keep the pants from drooping, although they still liked to slowly slink down. The outer short has two normal pockets, two large zippered cargo pockets, a zippered front fly with a dual snapped closure, and a webbing and buckle system for waist adjustment. The inner liner is a one piece seamless design, with a plush chamois padding and grabby elastic at the waist and leg hems.

The shorts were baggy enough not to cause any binding, but not so much to feel like they are flopping around. The large zippered cargo pockets were handy, and the waist fit was easily adjusted by pulling on the webbing. The inner liner had a good stretch and was comfortable, and the thick chamois offered enough padding while riding.

The only complaint I have so far, is that the fly is too short, so the call of nature can be an act of contortion.

Specs:

• 2-in-1 mountain short with snap-in liner and stretch woeven exterior short with bias-cut back yoke for increased mobility
• Front fly with exterior offset adjustable buckle/webbing
• Front slash hand pockets and angled zip cargo pockets
• Inseam 10.5"
• Gender specific to provide a snug fit while allowing for freedom of movement
• One piece seamless construction, designed airflow, and a covering made from SmartWool jersey offer protection from chafing and moisture management
• Multi-thickness and central channel in the perineal area to support male anatomy
• 1.5-10mm thickness. 340 x 210mm (L x W)
• Inner short: 45% nylon, 39% SmartWool, 16% Elastic;
• Outer Short: 100% polyester (58% recycled)
• Color - Carbon
• MSRP: $150

SmartWool Betasso Jersey

The Betasso mountain bike jersey is understated, but it has great functional aspects. The main body of the jersey uses their excellent SmartWool Merino Wool, while the underarms, side panels and outer shoulder use a mesh polyester for venting. There is a small zippered pocket of the left side, which is easy to use when wearing a hydration pack. The jersey was very comfortable, soft, and the wool didn't itch nor hold odors (no stink), and it provided extra warmth for cooler days.

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges."

With the warmth provided by the wool, and the lack of a front zipper for additional venting, this would not be a full summer usage item, but will work perfectly for the cusp seasons. I liked the relaxed fit, the long cut, the side vents, and the soft and warm Merino wool.

Specs:

• Raglan short-sleeve mountain jersey with drop tail cycling fit
• Mesh panels at underarms, sideseams, and over shoulders for venting
• 75% SmartWool, 25% polyester
• Fabric weight 170gm/m2
• Color - Orange
• $95

PhD Cycling Socks

I am also testing out their SmartWool Arm and Leg Warmers, and PhD Light Crew Socks, all which use a SmartWool and nylon blend. I love the socks, as they are comfortable, durable, breathe well and offer lots of cushioning. I am testing a silver color, which is a bummer, since they tend to show dirt stains quite easily, and I think for mountain biking a slightly darker color would suffice? The PhD socks are loaded with features, like WOW Technology (Wool on Wool), which has an additional layer of SmartWool in the high impact Zones, 4-Degree Fit System, which provides a four-point compression system for a secure and comfortable fit, and the usual SmartWool moisture and temperature regulation and odor control.

UberWoolness!

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