When wool cycling gear is mentioned, it's often tied to visions of cold and/or wet rides, where comfort and performance come from warmth and just being able to feel your toes. It doesn't have to be that way though and Ibex's curiously named Enduro Half Zip jersey is pretty darn useful on all but the hottest mid-summer rides.
- Ibex 3/4 Bib Knickers review
- Mons Royale Temple Tech LS baselayer review
- Mons Royale Redwood 3/4 Raglan T Dirt review
Ibex Enduro Half Zip features
- Weight: 7.02oz
- Fiber content: 100% Merino wool
- Fiber source: New Zealand
- Fabric source: Vietnam
- Garment source: United States
- Lightweight overdyed heather Merino jersey
- Regular fit
- 12" center front zip with locking pull
- Back length from top of shoulder = 29" (size L)
- Reflective piping
- Single rear pocket
Ibex Enduro Half Zip fit
The fit falls into what Ibex calls its 'Regular-fit' on my large. It's the third fit of four from Ibex: Form-fit, Semi-fit, Regular-fit and Relaxed-fit.
On my gangly frame, the large fits more like a Semi-fit, which is ideal in my world. It can easily slip under bib straps when used as a baselayer yet doesn't look goofy when worn solo with baggy shorts.
The rear pocket is slanted for easier access, but honestly it's not big, fitting an energy bar and multi-tool, maybe a C02. When the pocket was loaded with a heavy tool, I could feel the jersey being pulled to the side.
Riding in the Ibex Enduro Half Zip
I've ridden the Enduro Half Zip in just about every weather and temperature. From using it as a baselayer when winter fat biking in freezing temps to wearing it as a jersey in the dry desert heat of Moab, and to inadvertently testing it out in mid-afternoon rain showers and everywhere in between.
That versatility has seen it become the jersey I reach for more often than not.
The 150g/m2 meter wool weight is on the lighter, thinner side of the scale, but thanks to the 3/4-length sleeves, the Enduro Half Zip works well even in cooler temperatures.
Like all high-end wool, it resists becoming funky and slimy like polyester-based performance fabrics tend to. That stink-free trait held up so well that I was able dig it out of my laundry pile and then ride in it for four days in a row and not disgust myself or my riding buddies.
Compared to the Mons Royale Temple Tech LS, the Ibex Enduro Half Zip feels more like a jersey than a baselayer. Its fit is a touch looser and the zipper allows for some ventilation if need be. Both garments have the undeniable benefits of wool and the associated three-digit price tag.
Bottom line: expensive, but it's become my go-to jersey
Perhaps due to increasing age or maybe due to decreasing free time as a parent, I've come to appreciate buying quality things just once instead of lesser items numerous times.
Ibex's Enduro Half Zip jersey speaks to that ethos perfectly. I'll never say $130 is cheap but the fact that it's become my go-to jersey proves it worth. Plus, the fact that it looks and functions exactly like it did many months back makes me believe it's here for the long haul.