- Local cycling manufacturer Ciovita now offers merino garments
- Merino offers excellent properties for riding in warm and cool conditions
- Ciovita has also launched a direct to consumer online store
Cape Town cycling apparel manufacturer Ciovita has recently expanded its range of cycling wear with a range of merino undergarments and base layers.
Merino has long been one of my favourite fabrics to wear under cycling kit. Unfortunately it has not been widely available locally.
When I have been able to find merino garments, they has been from premium international brands, which come with a hefty price tag.
A true 'local' base layer
Merino offers excellent thermo-regulating properties that respond well to changes in body temperature, helping riders to stay warm in cold conditions and cool in warm conditions
Natural anti-bacterial properties and the ability to absorb odour molecules will help you remain odour-free even in hot conditions. It makes merino ideal for long or multi-day rides where you have to rely on one set of kit for prolonged use.
Merino is exceptionally soft, thanks to a high thread count and feels great against the skin. Merino is also one of the most breathable fibres and it can absorb large quantities of moisture - allowing persperation to evaporate naturally away from the body.
Merino is a 100% natural fibre and supports South Africa’s local wool industry. It is also biodegradable and organic, thus exceptionally environmentally friendly in its sourcing and production.
Order online - and trim the packaging
Ciovita’s merino blend is 79% merino wool and 21% nylon, which allows the natural heat-insulation and breathability of wool to be shaped into a lightweight garment.
The range consists of sleeved base layers and sleeveless under vests in men’s and woman’s cuts. There is also a winter collar, which is perfect for doubling-up to keep your face warm and masked.
Ciovita has aggressively priced these garments and despite their superior qualities, they cost the same as similar undergarments made of synthetic materials. The brand has recently launched an online shop, where cyclists can purchase their wide range of riding apparel directly from the manufacturer and delivered to their front door.
When checking out, Ciovita online shoppers are given the choice of choosing minimal packaging. This reduces the amount of plastic your garments are packaged in, making that Merino gear purchase even kinder to the environment.
