By: Jenn K.
The manufacturer provided this garment for the purpose of this review.
- Photo obtained from the manufacturer’s website.
Icebreaker has some new additions to the GT Road Bike Performance Sports line up. One of these fine garments is the Halo Short. Icebreaker is known for making merino wool base layers, clothing, and accessories. Now Icebreaker is manufacturing cycling shorts that have a built in chamois, Lycra, and merino wool.
The Icebreaker merino wool is naturally anti-bacterial to resist odor, is highly breathable, prevents irritation, and regulates temperature. Also the merino wool has a fast drying time.
I was skeptical to try the Halo Short. I have been a fan of merino wool base layers and tops, but I did not know what to think about wearing a merino and Lycra cycling short. First of all, I was wondering if I would overheat. I was also curious to see if I would like the fabric mix. So far I just love the Halo Short!
The Halo Short is made of 84% merino wool and has a double-knit construction with a six panel design. The short is also made with 10% nylon and 6% spandex. The Halo Short is constructed with an elastic waist band (no draw string), leg grippers at the hem, and stylish flatlock stitching. There are small reflective details on the rear; located on the seams where the Lycra and merino wool materials meet, and on the logo/lettering. The Lycra fabric runs from the inner thigh through the back panel and covers the chamois.
I washed the Halo Short before the first wearing in cool water and I dried it on a laundry rack. While the short was wet I could smell the wet wool. The next day the short was dry, there was no wool scent, and I was off to go on a 20 mile ride after work.
When I started riding it was sunny and in the mid 70’s. I was slightly concerned that I would overheat in the Halo Short. It never happened! The temperatures dropped to the upper 60’s at the conclusion of the ride; my legs were not chilled and there was no need for me to break out my knee warmers.
I could not believe how comfortable this short was; I felt like I was wearing pajamas! I usually wear a Lycra tight or short when I am road riding and I will admit that I noticed a difference in the fabric content and support of this short. It was soft and comfy, unlike my Lycra cycling bottoms. I have to say that my Lycra cycling bottoms give me a little bit more support than the Halo Short. However, I may trade that off for comfort and performance. The chamois was comfortable; not too bulky and I had no irritation.
Update 5/20/11
A month has gone by and I am really enjoying the Icebreaker Halo Short. I am surprised how comfortable this short is during both short (10-20 miles) and long road rides (over 40 miles). During the past month, I wore the Halo Short 2-3 times per week in various temperatures ranging from the low 60′s to the mid 80′s. Unfortunately for reporting purposes there was no rain; lucky for me though.
When I wear the Halo Short, it feels like I am wearing light flannel pajama shorts. I wear this cycling short as all cycling shorts should be worn; with no underwear. The wool fabric of the Halo Short is very comfortable and so is the chamois. Before riding I apply a cream to protect my skin in the high friction/pressure areas. So far, I have not encountered any saddle sores or other irritations; even on long rides. I also noticed that the short does not stink from sweat after my rides.
The Lycra area gives me great support on my bottom and the rear/inside of my legs. I found that this Lycra fabric slides slightly more on my bike seat than other brands that I wear. This is not a big issue for me; just something I noticed. There have been no issues of the shorts sliding down or bunching up while I am riding. I noticed that the wool fabric above the Lycra on the rear of the short (my lower back area) becomes damp after a long ride from my sweat. This has not caused any skin irritation and I do not take notice to it while I am riding.
The Halo Short washes nicely with no pilling or fuzzing of the wool fabric. After being laundered the short air dries overnight. I noticed that the waist band takes a longer time to dry as compared to the rest of the short.
I am used wearing tight shorts that are made completely of Lycra. I am still getting used to the soft feeling of the Halo Short. If there is one change I would make to the Halo Short; it would be more added support on the sides of the thighs.
Final Update 7/2/11
The Halo Short has been worn the past month in temperatures ranging from the low 50′s to the low 80′s. Even though the short has wool fabric; I am still finding it to be regulating temperature well in these ranges. The merino wool is comfortable against my skin and does a good job of wicking moisture away. Therefore, I am not clammy. Moisture is still collecting near the top waist band of the short above the Lycra area, but this has not caused any irritation.
The Lycra provides good support; and I like the fact that the material is not thin and see- through. However, I wish the wool leg panels had more support; like my 8 panel full Lycra shorts.
The short has been washed after every wearing and air dried. The chamois is still in good shape with no break down in the padding. The Lycra fabric and stitching has been holding up well and has not become pilled or fuzzy from the friction of rubbing against my saddle for many hours. The wool fabric has shown no signs of pulls in the fabric from normal wear or washing.
The Halo Short was worn on my training road biking adventures for distances ranging from 20 to 65 miles. I am still comfortable after 60 miles with no irritation or sores developing on my skin. The chamois is comfortable at mile 1 or mile 65. There has been no numbness in my legs from the chamois pressing against my sensitive areas.
The Halo Short is so comfortable! When I wear it I feel like I am wearing PJ’s. Right now I am not wearing the Halo Short while mountain biking; mostly because I fall frequently and tear up my mountain bike clothing.
I plan on wearing the Halo Short for many road rides to come.
The Halo Short retails for $160.00 and is available in black at www.icebreaker.com.
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