by Kallie Szczepanski

Created on: March 03, 2008

Are you looking for a rugged, mountain biking-worthy jersey that won't snag if you hit a tree branch, or cling to your body like Borat's bathing suit? The Ibex Beezer Jersey could be just the top you're searching for.

Since 1997, Woodstock, Vermont-based Ibex has been creating classic high-performance wool sportswear for all kinds of activities. The company sources its wool from those shearling superheroes of sustainable clothingNew Zealand's fabled Merino sheep. The Ibex website quite rightly refers to Merino wool as "the temperature-regulating, anti-microbial masterwork of nature." Ibex takes this wonder material and weaves it into biking jerseys, tights, shorts, and accessories, as well as clothing for skiing, running, yoga even sailing! Every piece comes with a full lifetime warranty against material and manufacturing defects; yes, this company takes its wool very seriously.

This commitment to all things wool shines through in the Men's Beezer Cycling Jersey ($125), spun from silky-smooth, itch-free 18.5 micron Merino. The Beezer features a full-length zipper with locking pull at the front for easy temperature regulation, so you can wear this from the crisp early-morning hours through the heat of mid-day. Three back pockets provide a place for stowing maps, Clif bars or car keys. Ibex's Merino is surprisingly stretchy, so the jersey moves with you, yet never clings like those synthetic road-biking jerseys. (Ibex describes it as "semi-fit.") The back is dropped to keep kick-up off the back of your pants; peel your jersey off when you get back to the car, and you won't even have to vacuum the upholstery later! This jersey is machine washable, which is key, because who wants to stop at the dry cleaners after a long day of pounding the singletrack? The bottom hem is elastic to keep out drafts and mud. The ribbed collar and cuffs are soft and smooth, so they won't irritate your neck and arms.

Ibex's Beezer Jersey comes in men's sizes S-XXL; some reviewers note that it runs a bit small, so order up a size (or at least keep the receipt). The jersey comes in several color combinations: Silver/Grass, Carrot/Silver, and Royal Blue/Silver.

For mountain biking through rain, mud, slush, or bright sunshine, the Ibex Men's Beezer Jersey has your back!

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