WoolWeenies Club

[Dianyla]

The Ibex neck gaiters are double layer merino- very warm and plenty wide. I go out walking for miles in 20 degree cold and wear a neck gaiter over my shak neck but tucked under any jacket or vest. I can also pull it up to cover my chin if it gets cold. Sometimes if my ears are getting cold I just pull the gaiter up and fold an edge under a bit and it makes a fabulous thick warm headband that really covers your whole ear area and even most of your head too if you don't fold it much. If it starts to drizzle I just wear it like a hat with a hole on top, it looks like a cute chimney hat like that.
Y'know, I was just at REI today, looking at buffs, and wishing that there were a buff made of wool. It looks like the Ibex neck gaiter would work similarly... although it isn't as long as a buff. Hmmm....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ibex does have an extra long neck gaiter on sale for the next couple of days...it's a greyish clay color. I have it and it's great too:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens

[Triskeliongirl]

Lisa, I am starting over since all my items were out of stock.........

SO tell me more about the long neck gaitor. I didn't order it cuz the color is described as foliage green, but if it looks more gray I am tempted.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's more grey than green, like that modeling clay. At first glance you think it's grey.

I like the Ibex "regular" neck gaiter too, very useful as a folded headband particularly, or just for some warmth and color at the neck. That red is lovely, and it's on sale too!
Sale ends in the next day or two i think.

Neck gaiters can double as headbands, but can also be worn around the neck and even pulled up over the chin. I wear them a LOT.

[elk]

If there was an item you wanted on the Ibex site and they were out...its worth checking again. I wanted a black bella vest in XL...they were out the first 2 times I looked...and then bingo...they had it again. I guess people return things!!

Triske...
I can see how the sw headband might not be enough in the NE...but in here in the NW it was plenty for me.

A wool buff would be great...when it is really cold here, I wear my buff and my headband.

The Ibex gaitor would be versatile...

[Triskeliongirl]

OK, so here is the scoop on this weeks packages:

1) Ibex 17.5 micron polo shirt. I love it. It reminds me a lot of the Kate but in short sleeves. I wore it today. The blue goes nice with black or gray pants. I liked it so much that today I ordered another one in red since they sold out on the red razzel in my size. Sizing similar to my kate and shak.

2) Ibex glove liners. Another winner. *Very lightweight* but that is what I was looking for, layers perfectly, sizing as expected (I am a womens L mens M in most gloves and the M fit pefectly).

3) Solid norgie crew in blue. I LOVE IT!!! I don't know why I hesitated. While it is a little sporty due to the flat lock seams, being all one color it still looks fine with my suits (unlike the two tone ones that looked even sportier), and it is the prettiest shade of blue. Nice texture, nice weight, between the weight of my kate and ribbie, very smooth and soft texture, fit is also similar to kate and shak.

4) Zepher hat. At first I thought it didn't cover my ears, but I realized you really have to pay attention to how you put it on. If you put it on with the ibex logo facing forard, its a perfect fit. While it doesn't go way below my ears, it does cover them, and I think with a helmet to hold it in place there will be no problem (I have a lot of curly hair), although I would say if you have a medium to large head the suggestions to get the smart wool one may be better. But, I love the ibex logo, the way it matches my other ibex pieces, etc, and I think the ear coverage will be adequate. It also works alone too, so its not just for cycling. So, today I ordered a matching neck gator. I ordered the normal blue one, just cuz it matches the other things I own the best. I wanted solid black to match all my other stuff but that was sold out.

This isn't the first time I've noticed how some ibex pieces have to be positioned just right. The knee warmers are like that too, very front/back and left/right specific, but when positioned correctly are amazing. Here my problem is being warm when I have to be and then not overheating, and I am finding these ibex wool pieces are just perfect. I hope the short sleeve tops aren't a mistake. I don't know how hot it can be for wearing wool, but the polo shirts are very lightweight so I am hopeful they'll at least work for fall and spring, if not summer.

[Triskeliongirl]

One more package waiting for me at home from stp (ibex order shipped to work), my wool socks are here. Smartwool cabin fevers. They are hiking socks, but I ordered them cuz I hoped they would be just the right height to hook up with my ibex knee warmers, turning them into leg warmers (and they were closeouts not seconds at a great price). I tried them on, hoping, wishing, the height will be right and it was. So, I checked the temp. for tomorrow to lay out my clothes, and alas its gonna be in the 70s, so laid out shorts and a short sleeve shirt, no wool arm warmers, leg warmers, socks, gloves, or caps. DARN! Just when I am finally completely outfitted in wool am I gonna have to wait until next year to wear it all???:(:(:(

[Dianyla]

Ibex does have an extra long neck gaiter on sale for the next couple of days...it's a greyish clay color. I have it and it's great too:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens
Consider me sufficiently enabled!!

Oh, and also? I decided to order that Thistle Heather Full-zip Shak after all. I love it, and especially the smaller snugger Medium size! I'm going to return the Sea Mist light blue Large to backcountry.com. I just don't like the color contrast of the dark zipper on the light blue garment, while the zipper goes very nicely with the Thistle Heather color.

Oh, and also also? I'm in love with my new Chili Red Shak Hoody. It is pure love! <3

[Crankin]

I am having to use all of my will power not to buy the Kate or the loose tights.
HELP!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am having to use all of my will power not to buy the Kate or the loose tights.
HELP!!!

You'll get no help here. :cool:

[elk]

why wouldn't you buy them??? you really want us to help you break through your own will power, don't you....:p:cool:

[DebW]

I'm going to be in the Berkshires again on Monday eve/Tue morn. I may stop by the Acadia Shop again to look at/touch/try on more Ibex. But I'm trying not to spend any more money.

[Crankin]

I have to stop the crazy spending. I mean I don't NEED these things, I just want them.
OK, I am going to get ready for snow shoeing with my son who just flew in from sunny San Diego, into a snow storm.
Have fun at the Arcadian, Deb. We told our friends about it (the ones who we go to the Berkshires with every year) and we all wondered why we had never stopped there before???
Lisa, I also told them that we had a new bike route for our trip this summer; one that would take us to NY for a lovely lunch!

[Quillfred]

Has anyone bought an Ibex beanie and washed it? Did it still fit?

I've lost a couple ski caps even though I washed in cold and air dried.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Looking forward to it Robyn. :)
Deb- you could go there and pile on a whole load of ibex and just sit in the fitting room and meditate for a half hour, absorbing the merino goodness..... :D

[KnottedYet]

Has anyone bought an Ibex beanie and washed it? Did it still fit?

I've lost a couple ski caps even though I washed in cold and air dried.

I've washed my Meru, and it still fit peachy!

[mimitabby]

I've washed my Meru, and it still fit peachy!

we think ours shrunk.

[Triskeliongirl]

Mimi, do you have the meru or zepher? Just curious as the zepher fit me better than I was expecting based on your review, so I wonder if you were confused between the meru and zepher?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Anyone else having troouble making the Ibex homepage work right? I can't seem to navigate to the women's sections- the menu links keep disappearing before I can click on them. :eek:

[Triskeliongirl]

It seems OK now, but earlier in the day they were updating it with their spring collection, so perhaps that was the problem.

Lisa, thanks for the heads up that the free shipping and sale was ending. I did notice that a lot of sale items ended up in outlet, but not all of them, so I am glad I got my last order in on friday, per Lisa's sage advice......

I am sitting here in my office, freezing cuz I AM NOT WEARING ANY WOOL. Now, where I live winter is over, the outside temperature is currently 57, but after our high of 84 yesterday they had no clue how to thermoregulate the building, so I am sitting here FREEZING in my heavy ribbed cotton sweater as they pump my office full of overly air conditioned air..... I am gonna go back to wearing at least a wool base layer until its spring for real, and maybe keep a shak in my office just in case!

[elk]

what? updates?! new Ibex!?!?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yep, their Spring collection is coming.....dust off your credit cards! :eek:


(not that they've been exactly gathering dust, mind you) :cool:

[elk]

yikes! FZ Shaks! In Black! and cool new LS shirts....

BUT BUT BUT. I just spent my $$ at Rivendell...I bought those new Tioga spider pedals.....

Next month!!

[sandra]

Elk, do you not like your powergrip pedals?

[Dianyla]

Yep, their Spring collection is coming.....dust off your credit cards! :eek:
Uhoh.

[elk]

Elk, do you not like your powergrip pedals?

Not yet. I might in future...but I realized I wasn't having as much fun as I could...I am always worrying about dumping myself over!!! Sudden stops and all. Once I pulled my foot out and fell over on the OTHER side...:eek:

[Triskeliongirl]

I can't believe that I am saying this, but I am GLAD a cold front returned to south texas. While the highs hit 84 on sunday, this morning it was 37! So, I got to wear my new Solid Blue Norgie Crew (hmmmmmm, so cozy feeling), my black shak and my new smartwool socks. I also wore my new winter coat, with my new cycling ibex zepher cap and glove liners. Even though they are very light, the hat and gloves are perfect for south texas, and I like that they fold up small to fit in my pocket if its warmer later when I go home. Our car doesn't have a heater, so little things like that make a difference, and I wasn't sure if I would have to stand out in the cold when I went to vote this morning.

[DebW]

I'm going to be in the Berkshires again on Monday eve/Tue morn. I may stop by the Acadia Shop again to look at/touch/try on more Ibex. But I'm trying not to spend any more money.

Another successful shopping trip to the Arcadian. Ibex is still 30% off, and they had a few Smartwool items at 50% off. So I bought a Woolies crew shirt in green for $42 and a pair of Smartwool lightweight long underwear pants for $32.50. Was hoping that the Ibex Balance underwear and bras would be there, but not yet.

[KnottedYet]

I'm gonna have to write a review of my Ibex Balance runners.... but I'm not sure how. Cuz, umm, I'm not sure I like them. They creep. Up. and In. Ehem. Was gonna try running in them, but walking in them is irritating enough that I'm frankly a little afraid of trying to run. (there is no graceful way to yank them out of places they were never meant to go, while running down the street.)

They did ok on the bike, and are generally ok for wearing as undies as long as you pull them down and out occaisionally.

On the other hand, I'm loving my Shak pullover! Great shirt for the weather we're having here. And I just keep admiring how nice and clean the stitching is.

[DebW]

I'm gonna have to write a review of my Ibex Balance runners.... but I'm not sure how. Cuz, umm, I'm not sure I like them. They creep. Up. and In. Ehem. Was gonna try running in them, but walking in them is irritating enough that I'm frankly a little afraid of trying to run. (there is no graceful way to yank them out of places they were never meant to go, while running down the street.)


I've got the same problem with the Smartwool boxers and a few others I've tried. Sometimes I think it's because they have a seam down the center of the back and the seam doesn't stretch like the rest of the fabric. But I have some seamless ExOfficios that do the same. I tried on Ibex Roaster Boxers at the Arcadian yesterday, and they felt comfortable, but with other underwear underneath them they couldn't have crept in anway. The Roaster Boxers seem quite thick and too warm for many situations. But I may end up getting a pair eventually to wear under my wool hiking pants when it's too warm for long underwear.

[KnottedYet]

The Ibex Balance has no seam, which is nice. They'd probably fit someone with skinnier or shorter legs better than they fit me. (Smartwools boxers creep MUCH worse on me than the Ibex Balance)

My 3 pair of Ibex Roasters are still my all-time favorites. They don't creep on me at all.

[elk]

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/clothing?page=4#product=22-689

Remember we were talking about a wool buff???

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's funny....Rivendell site is selling Ibex arm warmers?? Oh, the irony.... :rolleyes:

[SandyLS]

I just got a beautiful new wool full-zip bike jersey from the Ibex outlet page, the La Luna for $69.00. The color is aqua with grey trim, very pretty and it also comes in a green. Most of my jerseys are hi-viz green/yellow for road riding. I thought this would be a nice option for when hubby and I ride rail-trails. I really like the way it fits. No elastic in the arms. The info says it has elastic in the hem, but if it does it is very relaxed and does not seem to bunch up at all like some if my jerseys. Now I just need warmer weather to get here so I can get out and ride.
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=897&Outlet=1&VID=10051&Product=La-Luna-Full-Zip-Jersey

[KnottedYet]

That's funny....Rivendell site is selling Ibex arm warmers?? Oh, the irony.... :rolleyes:

Help me, I just spent the entire day hearing about neck problems and stuff (seminar) so my brain is full and somewhat non-functioning. Why is it ironic that Riv is selling Ibex? One of their mottos is "wool, steel, and leather," and we saw a few folks wearing Ibex when we went to Riv last year. And they have said several times they'd like to get more stuff in made in the USA.

I'm a little slow right now... help me!:confused:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Help me, I just spent the entire day hearing about neck problems and stuff (seminar) so my brain is full and somewhat non-functioning. Why is it ironic that Riv is selling Ibex? One of their mottos is "wool, steel, and leather," and we saw a few folks wearing Ibex when we went to Riv last year. And they have said several times they'd like to get more stuff in made in the USA.

I'm a little slow right now... help me!:confused:

And well they SHOULD sell more stuff made in the US....or at least made in places where human and animals rights are concerns.
I thought it was ironic because Riv had been selling wool and merino apparel that I (and not just me) felt was ill-fitting, unattractive, and most importantly, made in China.
Now they are selling Ibex arm warmers. I think it's amusing (or should I say "a-MUSA-ing"?) :rolleyes: But it's certainly an improvement as a step in the right direction.

[elk]

there is a new wool company in PDX

http://wabiwoolens.com/

[KnottedYet]

Wow! Wabi warns of 3 inches of shrinkage! Methinks they should be shrinking the fabric before sewing it.

[Trek420]

Wow! Wabi warns of 3 inches of shrinkage! Methinks they should be shrinking the fabric before sewing it.

Or we shrink after buying it? :rolleyes:

[elk]

oooooTrek...I LIKE that idea!!!

[trickytiger]

Picked up an Ibex Pingo to replace a ~9 year old Cirque Jacket. Still LOVE the Cirque for the softness/noncrunchiness/warmth factor, but the Pingo has some distinct benefits. First- I can't believe someone actually made a jacket that fits my body ie short torso, LONNNNNGGG arms (yes, I'm a monkey, my reach is 2.5 inches taller than my height). The Pingo is a little stiffer/crunchier, but better water and wind repellency than the Cirque. Looks fantastic- very simple, sleek, well-cut. Even wore it out to a fancy dinner to meet the S.O's parents!

Ahhhhhhh.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tricky- what color Pingo did you get? :)

[KathiCville]

Howdy.......After buying loads of wool this winter, I find I've got more than I can really make use of. (I know, a shocking thought :D). I thought I'd offer one piece here, in case anyone is interested, before posting it on the For Sale/Wanted thread. It's the Ibex Loppet Jersey, beige, with black accents. (Tiny photo below. Couldn't find a bigger image.) Nice weight, not heavy---good midweight piece. Shapely, but not at all tight. Has a little bit of a retro style. Size Small. Paid @$75. Worn twice, I think. Happy to send it off to a good home for $35, plus shipping. PayPal only. No returns. Feel free to ask questions here or by PM..........Thanks!:)

[sandra]

I wore my brown Pingo on a walk this past weekend and I love it. I like it so much more than the Cirque jacket because it is a little bit shorter and just a better fit all around.

It does a great job of blocking the wind, yet it is warm with overheating. It's my favorite piece next to the Shak now. It is so nice and dressy. I wore it to work as a jacket one day too.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hi Kathi- I am interested. Send me a PM w payment info. I can do paypal. -e


Howdy.......After buying loads of wool this winter, I find I've got more than I can really make use of. (I know, a shocking thought :D). I thought I'd offer one piece here, in case anyone is interested, before posting it on the For Sale/Wanted thread. It's the Ibex Loppet Jersey, beige, with black accents. (Tiny photo below. Couldn't find a bigger image.) Nice weight, not heavy---good midweight piece. Shapely, but not at all tight. Has a little bit of a retro style. Size Small. Paid @$75. Worn twice, I think. Happy to send it off to a good home for $35, plus shipping. PayPal only. No returns. Feel free to ask questions here or by PM..........Thanks!:)

[Natasha]

I'm thinking about getting a hooded shak. I wear a medium in FZ shak. Is the sizing pretty comparable or should I order a size up to layer underneath?
How do those of you with a hooded shak use it and like it?
Thanks.

[Grog]

How do those of you with a hooded shak use it and like it?


Can't tell you about sizing comparison because I haven't tried the full-zip, but I know it runs smaller than older Ibex designs (like the Carrie hoodie, which is too big for me even in a S). I layer with only one thin athletic layer, there wouldn't be that much room under it, but your experience will vary according to your size of course.

I wear it all the time, way too much in fact. I got mine in black and it's really versatile. Some days I wished it didn't have a hood, but I really like the thumbholes.

[KathiCville]

Howdy....Re: the F/S Ibex Loppet jersey that I posted earlier today, TriskelionGirl nabbed it......Thanks, E!....

[Dianyla]

How do those of you with a hooded shak use it and like it?
I recently bought a hooded Shak. It's a little shorter in the torso and just slightly more form-fitting (snug) than the same size of halfzip Shak.

I absolutely love it, in the Chili Red color.

[sandra]

How does the half zip Shak compare to the full zip?

[crazycanuck]

If i wanted to get meself some ibex stuff while in Western Canuckland or in the Seattle area, is poiiisible?

Suggestions kids?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How does the half zip Shak compare to the full zip?

Aside from the obvious- (the half zip feels more like a pullover and the full zip has more of a cardigan feel)...

The full zip has the useful little zip pocket in front to keep key or $20 in. I find it very handy for my locker key, a chap stick, and a couple of dollars when I'm roller skating at the rink. Also sometimes if it's below freezing outside I will slip my cell phone in it to keep it from freezing during my long walks. It's just big enough for a cell phone and some folded $, etc.
The material is the same, neck is the same, sleeve length, seams, same.

[Eden]

If i wanted to get meself some ibex stuff while in Western Canuckland or in the Seattle area, is poiiisible?

Suggestions kids?

I don't know exactly what items they have, but REI does carry some Ibex items. I've seen base layers and glove liners at the store. You can always check it out online before you come too - you can even order online and have it delivered for free to the store to be picked up. Maybe MEC up in Canada has some Ibex too? though with the weak dollar these days it might be better to do your buying down here :p

[Triskeliongirl]

Today I finally got to ride covered in tons of Ibex! It was 42 for the commute in, but supposed to be in the 70s for the ride home, so my usual '40 degree outfit' (i.e. tights, long sleeve jersey and gavia jacket) weren't gonna cut it for the commute home. So, I donned shorts, a short sleeved jersey, and short fingered gloves for the ride home, but layered up with my Ibex knee warmers and smartwool socks (mid calf length that cover bottom of knee warmers) that gave complete coverage on the bottom, my ibex shak and PI vagabound II on top (never rode in my shak........), and my ibex glove liners and an earband for the ride in. It was perfect. I did start to get a little hot towards the end of the ride in and zipped the sleeves off the jacket, so maybe next time I can start out that way (or maybe it just warmed up quickly and it was the best way to do it?). If I had it to do over, I would just replace my long sleeve jersey/gavia jacket with the short sleeve jersey/shak/vagabound II combo, very versatile (in other words, ditch the long sleeve jerseys and tights, so while I will wear what I own until it wears out, they are not getting replaced....). I was toasty warm at the beginning, but could also feel the shak ventilating as it warmed up (and I did do some zipper adjustments as I rode).

I did get some great customer service from TE today as well. The stitching that holds the sleeve zipper onto the sleeve of my PI vagabound II jacket started to tear. At first I wasn't gonna do anything, cuz I love the jacket so much I didn't want to be without it for even a day, and then have to pay shipping costs etc. on a return, so I planned to just stitch it up myself. But I never got around to it and saw it was worse today when I took it off after getting to work. I checked to see that TE still had them in stock, so thought I'd phone to see if they would do an advance exchange. They were great!!! Apparently this is their routine policy if they still have the item. They shipped me out a brand new one today, which will contain a prepaid shipping label for the return. So, I never have to be without the jacket and I don't have to pay any shipping or even advance any $. MAKES ME REALLY GLAD I BOUGHT THE JACKET FROM TE!!!! Even my LBS would have given me a hard time about it, and probably made me deal with PI directly.

The PI vagabound II is an amazing jacket, so anyone that doesn’t own one yet, consider getting one from TE! I did have to size up though, the M jacket layers beautifully over my S full zip shak, but they have a reputation for running snug, especially for those of us that are ‘busty.’ I think the outfit I rode in with today will make the perfect touring outfit, minimum pieces to adjust to the widest range of temp variations, and the shak even looks good off the bike!

[Grog]

If i wanted to get meself some ibex stuff while in Western Canuckland or in the Seattle area, is poiiisible?

Suggestions kids?

To my knowledge, in Vancouver there are only two places likely to carry Ibex:

Hillsound on W. Broadway (near MEC) (but NOT Mec)

and

some Kayak store on Granville Island but I don't remember the name and can't seem to find it. It's on one of the docks near Duranleau.

Hillsound had only a few different pieces last season. Haven't been this season yet.

In Seattle, I have seen a couple of pieces at REI (namely: the Carrie Hoodie and one Shak) but nothing else. There might be a store somewhere though, you should check the Ibex web site.

Might be easier to order and get delivered to your hotel in Seattle! Don't order from Canada, your package will most likely be stuck at the border and they'll charge you 18% import duty if the sweater is made anywhere but in the USA.

[divingbiker]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm (almost) not looking forward to the warmer spring and summer weather because I won't be able to wear my half zip Shak any more. I've worn it every single day this winter commuting, and I haven't washed it yet, and it doesn't stink. Hard to believe.

[Triskeliongirl]

Oooh, I know what you mean, but that is where the very light weight 17.5 merino wool comes in. I am finding even on warm days my kates are fine (cuz there is still air conditioning inside) and I also picked up some of those nice polos that are still on sale in the ibex outlet section. But I know what you mean, there is something about having to take my shak off when it warms up that is, shall we say, *disturbing*.

I am also finding that I am using my ibex cycling cap and glove liners in unexpected ways. With our strange temps here, cold in am and warm in pm, I do put them on when I drive to work in the cold (our car heater is dead), and then stuff them in a pocket for the ride home. Less bulky to store than my regular winter hat and gloves, but a welcome extra layer for a chilly car ride. Also nice to have stuffed in the pocket of my rain shell, just in case.......

I am curious how long I can keep wearing wool, but the polo shirts are so light weight, I don't see why I can't wear them even into summer. What folks don't get that never saw this fabric is that to me it is like a silk/cotton blend in texture, and so breathable that it really should work even in summer. We'll see.........

[Triskeliongirl]

I would just order from the ibex website (outlet section still has good values) or from TE, and arrange to have the items shipped to your hotel in seattle. If you aren't leaving for awhile, email them if they can hold the shipment until its closer to your trip (I am sure if you pre-pay for the items they will be agreeable).


If i wanted to get meself some ibex stuff while in Western Canuckland or in the Seattle area, is poiiisible?

Suggestions kids?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The more I wear my merino wool items, the more varied and useful ways I find of combining them. :)

[KnottedYet]

Ride lots!

Raise lots!!

Win IBEX!!! :eek:

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=268251

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ride lots!

Raise lots!!

Win IBEX!!! :eek:


Ok, now do 5 pushups.

:D

[GLC1968]

Hello Woolweenies! I've missed you guys as I've been essentially without internet over the past two weeks as we drove across the country. Now my wool stuff is keeping me warm in the Pacific Northwest!

I bought a Pingo jacket before I left (REI sale) and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. It fits me nicely. I have worn it biking, walking the dogs, to work, you name it!

Because I love it so much, I've STILL not worn the breakaway jacket I bought last fall. I'm offering it up to the TE ladies before I put it on ebay. It's the light blue-ish color (sort of a blue-gray) and it's a L. I bought the L because they didn't have mediums in the color I wanted, and it's just too big for me. I kept it hoping I'd still wear it, but now that the Pingo has stepped in...I know that I won't. It still has all tags as it's never been worn (just tried on).

I'll post a pic of it this weekend once we get internet access at home again. Until then, this is the jacket from STP (where I bought it):

http://s7images.sierratradingpost.com/is/image/SierraTradingPost/38370_73?

The one I'm selling is all one color (the blue-gray color) and the part where the white is in the photo is plain wool (without the waterproofing). Basically, it's got the climawool on the front and the tops of the sleeves, but the bottom of the arms and the back is plain wool (presumably to breathe better). There is a rear zip pocket.

$65 shipped (US - if overseas, let me know and we can negotiate shipping) :)

If you use this link you can see the blue color photo:
http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_750369_womens_ibex_breakaway_jacket_women_reviews

[crazycanuck]

Glc..i'll pm you

I have a few questions though about IBEX stuff..is it itchy? Is it too hot for 10C days?

Hmmm...

C

[Dianyla]

I have a few questions though about IBEX stuff..is it itchy? Is it too hot for 10C days?
Nope. I've worn the lighter layers in 40C temps and been quite comfortable. Feels as soft as cotton, without the clamminess. :cool:

[crazycanuck]

Do ibex items fit snugly? I'm a bit paranoid of tight fitting items.

I've had a peek @ the sizing info and it might just fit ok. hmmm...tempting..

[Triskeliongirl]

To me, the ibex items look and feel more like a cotton/silk blend than wool, but then they both insulate and ventilate much better. THEY DO NOT ITCH, and I am one of those people that USED to think I was allergic to wool. In fact, I am, if I wear anything other than merino wool...........I wear their lighter layers even in the 70s, to stay warm in overly air conditioned interiors. I wear diff. combinations of them as it gets colder, a kate (lightweight base) under a shak in the 40s-50s, a ribbie (or other midweight base) under a shak for the 20s-30s, stuff like that. In terms of sizing, I would say my items marked as semi-fit are just that, trim looking but not snug. The items marked fit are also just that, trim and snug, but not tight. I also like that their smalls don't run too short like some brands. I am a solid small in Ibex, but in other brands sometimes I have to size up to medium for the length. I also find their sizing more consistent than other brands, I have some shebeest jerseys that fit best in S (retro long sleeve) and others in M (wahini), but all my Ibex is S and fits great.

[Natasha]

Dianyla and anyone else with a hooded shak,
did you size up on the hooded shak or go with your regular shak size?

[Crankin]

I have a hooded half zip Shak and a full zip Shak. Both are x smalls, my regular size. They both fit me appropriately. The hooded half zip is a bit looser, but that's just the style.
I think Ibex runs true to size.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Personally, I think if you intend to wear the hooded shak OVER another shak and maybe also a base layer, then get one size larger. If you wear the hooded shak just INSTEAD of another shak, then get the usual size.

[GLC1968]

Hey CC -

I got your PM. I'll try on the jacket again tonight and give my thoughts on sizing. I haven't put it on in months, so I don't remember how it runs. I'm pretty much a perfect M in Ibex stuff. This size gives me room to move a bit as I've got fairly big arms and broad shoulders. I do have a couple of things in small, but they tend to be a little tight in the upper arms. I'm not busty though, so I can't comment on that part of the fit. As far as biking clothing goes, I think it's generous compared to most other brands out there (and it doesn't shrink). In comparison to regular street clothing, I think the Ibex stuff is pretty true to size. Oh, except for arm length...they run a bit long. Great for those with longer arms, a bit annoying (but obviously liveable) for those of us with short appendages. ;)

I'm sorry I didn't get a photo posted yet, but we do have internet at home now, so I'll do it tonight. :)

[Dianyla]

Personally, I think if you intend to wear the hooded shak OVER another shak and maybe also a base layer, then get one size larger. If you wear the hooded shak just INSTEAD of another shak, then get the usual size.
Agreed! I'm often between M and L and I went with size M for the hooded shak. I really like the more sleek/snug fit of it. The Medium hooded shak is just slightly snugger than the Medium halfzip shak. The Medium full-zip shak is definitely bigger than both of those.

[Triskeliongirl]

It just arrived and its lovely, thanks Kathi, but alas, MUCH TOO WARM to wear here now, we went from winter to summer overnight. But it is exactly what i was looking for. The fit is good, (a bit looser than my other ibex items, but its fine, and the arms are a bit long but they cuff up nicely with the contrasting fabric). THANKS AGAIN KATHI!

Now, I need to go buy some cedar blocks.........


Howdy....Re: the F/S Ibex Loppet jersey that I posted earlier today, TriskelionGirl nabbed it......Thanks, E!....

[KathiCville]

You're welcome, Triskeliongirl! Glad the Loppet fills the bill....:)

[Natasha]

Does anyone have an Ibex Razzel? Free shipping at Ibex.

[Crankin]

Just wanted everyone to know that I wore my brown full zip Shak to my grad school interview today. It was perfect. I wanted to be professional, but I knew that my real professional clothes would have been too much for this setting and I was right. I wore it with a black LS crew neck underneath, a black wool skirt, and tights, along with a cashmere scarf. It was supposed to be 50 out, but it never got above 42 and it was windy and cloudy. Walking from the train to the office wasn't too bad even though I didn't wear a coat over my Shak.

It was a group interview. The other people there were ages ranging from the same as my older son to 2 of them younger than my younger son... I don't think I have ever felt so old. I think I was older than the professor, too, although she looked great.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And they were probably all thinking: "Gee, she sure is STYLIN' for an old babe!"
:D
:D
:D

They wish they had your style.

[Crankin]

Well, I don't know if they were thinking that.
One of the woman was dressed ah, a bit trendy. She had on a short kilt, stockings with no feet, ankle socks, with heels. There was a rip in her stocking. She was very tall and striking, but I guess I am so old fashioned, at least in that regard. I mean, I had a short cord. skirt on that I changed, because I thought it was inappropriate.
It is so cold here now that I will be wearing wool for awhile. Today I have off from work and I THOUGHT I could ride outside, but there are winds with gusts up to 40 mph predicted.

[GLC1968]

I *finally* have photos of the jacket I'm selling. CC has expressed interest, but if she ends up not wanting it, it'll still be offered here for ahwile (before I try ebay).


It's the Ibex Breakaway jacket. Size L. (sorry they are sideways!)

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/1-003.JPG

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/1-004.JPG

I took these without a flash to try and show the true color and they look pretty close on my monitor. Sorry that they are a tad blurry. The strip above the pocket on the back is reflective.

[crazycanuck]

This could be a go-er..GLC..check yer pm's..

[Trek420]

I have that jacket...in green. It is very nice. Quickly became a favorite jacket for any walk or ride. I love the little front left side pocket. It's so handy whether for ID, train or bus transfer ....

Get the jacket CC.

[KnottedYet]

OOOOOOH! I've worn Trek's jacket, it is quite nice.

[crazycanuck]

Weeeel..When i get GLC's details.. the jacket will be sent to ma mama's house in Canuckland.. one less item i need to purchase while up yonder!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Great to have friends who are also getting into merino wool. This morning I traded an orange Ibex zephyr turtleneck I was bored with for another Ibex sand colored Ribby. I particularly like wearing my ribbies to sleep in, because the micro-ribs are sort of massage-like. (hey no 'ribbed' jokes now, girls!)

When the economy collapses and money is worthless, we can use our wool as the new currency! :D

[crazycanuck]

Thanks GLC! Check your paypal acct..:D

[GLC1968]

Thanks, CC. Got it! I'll try to get it out tomorrow, but if I can't, it'll definitely go on Friday (I'm off that day). I hope you'll love it!!

[KnottedYet]

Someone talk me out of this: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=853&Outlet=1&VID=9696&Product=Pingo-Jacket

Tell me it won't solve my "I must ride in the rain but sweat too much to wear a rain jacket but get wet in just a wool shirt or sweater" problem.

Tell me that even on sale it's still too expensive.

Tell me I will be too confused trying to decide if I want L or XL.

Tell me it won't look as fabulous on me as TrickyTiger's does on her.

Tell me I'll wish I'd got the Dash/Breakaway instead.

[sgtiger]

Oooooh...TT's jacket was nice, wasn't it. It's on sale!:eek:<sigh> Why, oh, why do I keep clicking on these links. I really aught to know better by now.:o Aaagh! Must run away! Must not lust after this too! M-m-m-m-must re-s-s-sist. Aaagh! No!

(too late)

[KnottedYet]

I got all the way to the checkout page, and then saw that with shipping AND tax, the jacket was gonna be nearly $130.

Sanity stepped in and stopped me.

Then I started to think I should just go for it. I mean, what is $18 in the long run, anyway?

Girded my loins, kissed my credit card pay-down plan bye-bye, and went back for the Pingo.

But Ibex's website had crashed.

Someone is watching out for me.... :rolleyes:

Edit: Ooh, but now the website is up again! Maybe I should just go to bed, and think about it.

[sandra]

For what it's worth, I have that brown Pingo and love it.

[sgtiger]

For what it's worth, I have that brown Pingo and love it.

That's the one I'm eye-balling!

[KnottedYet]

I went comparison-shopping for other softshells, thinking that if I found a cheaper one I'd consider that instead. (I really do think a softshell will solve my sweat problem)

Didn't find any for much cheaper.

I think the Ibex is singing its siren-song for me....

Don't forget TrickyTiger said it runs a bit small, she was wearing a Medium but usually wears a Small. I'm looking at XL, so it will fit over my other L Ibex stuff.

My resistance is breaking down. I'm talking myself into it.
(maybe I'll go to the LBS first, and see if I can be tempted by anything else. I do want to get a new pump.)

Edit: Trek420 talked me out of it. But I still want it. But I don't need it. Sigh, wool-lust is a terrible thing...

[KnottedYet]

AAAAAAH!!!!!

Look at this! http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30562

AAAAAH!

I go to TE shopping to look at a PI Whisper jacket or the Sugoi that is similar, and look what temptation comes my way! There is no escape!

[KnottedYet]

Oh, fine.... just fine...

then there's THIS! http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30586

Ooh, man, I'm in trouble now!

[emily_in_nc]

AAAAAAH!!!!!
Look at this! http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30562
AAAAAH!


I love the fish t, but I could never spend $75 on a t-shirt, even in Merino. Mebbe if it goes on sale for half price! :D End of season sale??? :D Of course, will I remember to check back? :confused: Not unless you enabling wooly gals remind me! :p

Emily

[KnottedYet]

I am naughty.

I am very very naughty.

(don't tell Trek420)

[Crankin]

I've looked at the fish T for awhile.
Thankfully they don't have any x smalls. I did see this somewhere (STP?) for a lot less money.
I just spent 83.00 at STP, using the coupon someone here recommended. I bought a pair of longish board style shorts that come with a cycling liner. I know I will wear those all the time, without the liner. I also got 3 pairs of merino cycling socks and 2 wicking t shirts for hiking/paddling or short commutes into town.
Can't go more than 2 weeks without buying something.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've been pretty good the past couple of months, my wool buying has really slowed down. I have a big merino stash at this point though, so it's not like I'm 'suffering' or anything. :rolleyes:

[sandra]

Hey, how do you woolweenies store your wool in the summer? I want to protect mine.

Our Shaks were perfect for the weather we had while traveling for the wedding. After we got home, dear hubby couldn't find his. Somehow it got over in the dirty clothes bag. He was almost in a panic!

[KnottedYet]

I have told myself quite firmly that I am not allowed to buy ANY more jackets.

The jacket purchasing must stop!

(but that's all I'm limiting at this time...;))

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have told myself quite firmly that I am not allowed to buy ANY more jackets.

The jacket purchasing must stop!

(but that's all I'm limiting at this time...;))

Oh yeah, sure....easy to say -probably right after you've bought yet ANOTHER jacket!
Kinda like vowing to give up alcohol when you're still loaded from the night before... :cool: :D


Hey, how do you woolweenies store your wool in the summer? I want to protect mine.

'Storing'??....hmmm. Here in the northeast we'll likely only have about 6-8 weeks where most of my wool will be actually too hot. Probably not worth the trouble of 'storing' it elsewhere. I'll mostly just be digging within the motherlode for the shorter/lighter stuff for the summer.

[Grog]

Hey, how do you woolweenies store your wool in the summer? I want to protect mine.


I live in the PNW, so I wear my wool in the summer too.... :rolleyes:

But next time I go to a variety store or to Ikea I will buy bits of cedar that go in the drawers. I don't want the mites chewing holes in my lovely Ibex!

[emily_in_nc]

I've looked at the fish T for awhile.
Thankfully they don't have any x smalls.

Oh good -- I can't be tempted, then - I need XS too. Whew! :D

Emily

[KnottedYet]

Oh yeah, sure....easy to say -probably right after you've bought yet ANOTHER jacket!

<whisper> yeah, that's exactly what happened. don't tell Trek... </whisper>

[crazycanuck]

I told my mom that a package will be arriving @ her abode for me & should she wish to try the jacket on, she can :) If it doesn't fit me then at least it will have a home..

[GLC1968]

I have the Pingo too...and I LOVE it. It's another of those multi-purpose jackets. Great on the bike, great walking the dog, great wearing to work...etc.

DH and I got sucked in at the Icebreaker store on Saturday. We both walked around drooling over things before looking at price tags. Of course the new spring stuff was super pricey...so that cooled us off a bit. Then the super helpful sales dude just HAD to point out that all winter was 50% off! ;) We spent almost $200! I ended up with a great T, a camisole, a pair of longjohn bottoms and an adorable striped hat that I've worn daily since then! (Seriously...when is spring supposed to come??) DH got gloves, a hat and socks.

I'm now lusting after the zip boucle on sale at Ibex. I wear my carrie hoodies almost daily, and that boucle top looks to be the same material but without the hood (and in a different color). Someone stop me! :rolleyes:

[mimitabby]

S & C has a beautiful warm wool jacket. I am doing all i can to resist!!!!!

[sgtiger]

Mmm.... those look cozy, Mimi.

[Zen]

I bought a pair of longish board style shorts that come with a cycling liner. I know I will wear those all the time, without the liner.

What brand were they?
I bought a pair of Harlot shorts with their "beaver comfort zone" liner.
Ward,the Beaver was not in it's comfort zone. I think I will be removing the liner and wearing my favorite Performance shorts underneath.

[sgtiger]

What brand were they?
I bought a pair of Harlot shorts with their "beaver comfort zone" liner.
Ward,the Beaver was not in it's comfort zone. I think I will be removing the liner and wearing my favorite Performance shorts underneath.

ROTFLMAO! I'm curious - is the "beaver comfort zone":eek::D their technical term?

[Blueberry]

ROTFLMAO! I'm curious - is the "beaver comfort zone":eek::D their technical term?

It appears so: http://harlotwear.com/products%20page.htm

CA

[Crankin]

Zen, I've bought 2 things from Sheila Moon and both of them fit poorly or just were different from the way they looked in the catalogue.
So, it doesn't surprise me that the shorts (or whatever they are called :eek:) don't do what they are advertised to do.


Lisa,
Yes, my buying lust for wool has gone down immensely because I keep wanting it to actually BE spring like. But, my buying needs do not just include wool, unfortunately. The stuff I bought from STP is summer stuff for tooling around on my commuter bike or walking. I don't need any new jerseys or shorts and I am usually good about buying just one new jersey a year and recycling old ones.

[KnottedYet]

Ooooh, on sale, right here on TE!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=28432

(I still haven't mailed out the Incredible Shrinking Switchback. Baaaaad Knot!)

[Crankin]

The board shorts were Shebeest.

[Grog]

Ooooh, on sale, right here on TE!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=28432

Only in XL...

:(

[Dianyla]

What brand were they?
I bought a pair of Harlot shorts with their "beaver comfort zone" liner.
Ward,the Beaver was not in it's comfort zone. I think I will be removing the liner and wearing my favorite Performance shorts underneath.
Ward?!?! :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

http://www.projo.com/seasonal/mothersday/momtattoos/images/tattoomom_330.jpg
Ward is obviously very happy in this photo.

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, its that time of year where I had to stop buying wool :(.......... Never thought I would be so sad to see spring come. But today I bought a present for the wool collection I accumulated this winter: cedar blocks! They are quite inexpensive at Lowes, 8 blocks for only $3.88. I also bought some that are attached to hangers for my wool suits. So, I carefully packed all my ibex away in a drawer with 16 cedar blocks, and hung my wool suits and pants on the cedar lined hangers. My closet smells soooo niiice now....... Good nite wool.

[KnottedYet]

Free Echo T shirt every Friday.
https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Win_An_Echo.php

[KnottedYet]

Oh, sadness.

Oh, wooly despair.

My first (and oldest) pair of Ibex Roaster Boxers has developed a hole. Right, um, in the gusset, as it were.

Not on a seam (Ibex has some of the best neatest cleanest seams I've ever seen). Smack in the middle and center of the gusset. I'm guessing that's where the friction from biking and jeans hits the worst. (these are over 2 years old, and been washed and worn many many many times)

Now, how do I sew this up (about 1/2 inch) without causing myself an intimate chafing problem?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Now, how do I sew this up (about 1/2 inch) without causing myself an intimate chafing problem?

I would make a stretchy wool patch the size and shape of the whole gusset. Then add a little circle or two of small stitches right around the hole to secure it to the patch.

[KnottedYet]

Hmmm, I don't have any stretchy wool fabric to patch with.

I'm guessing my regular thread would be too strong (tensile-wise) to sew up the hole. It seems like it'd just cut the wool fabric under stress.

Is there such a thing as a thin soft thread?

[NbyNW]

You might be able to take thread from another part of the garment . . . depending on how it's made, and how fine the fibers are--whether they're of a size you can work with. Whenever I take a sweater in to the Alterations and Reweaving Center, the lady looks for ends of thread that have been tucked into the seams, because that's what she'll use to fix a small hole or mend a tear. If it's very fine thread, it might be challenging. This lady effectively puts the garment under a microscope so she can see what she's doing!

[Tokie]

You might be able to find a sacrificial stretchy wool garment at a thrift store to make the patch ... or better yet, maybe Ibex would mail you a little scrap! A gusset in a contrasting color would be cute! Thanks to input from TE'ers, I now patch damaged lycra bike shorts and bibs using a patch from a pair of sacrificial shorts. It has worked fabulously (I apply the patch to the outside for maximum comfort). Buena suerte! Tokie

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Knot, look up stuff on Google about "weaving + darning" or darning socks.
You don't want to pull the hole into hard rolled ridges when you sew it shut. You want to weave your thread back a forth in a criss cross manner while gently pulling the hole into a closed position. That way it will stay flat. Regular thread would work. Look up darning.

[GLC1968]

Ditto the 'darning' idea from Lisa.

I would also second the idea of contacting Ibex. Maybe they have a small scrap of the same (or almost the same) fabric they can send you to patch it?

[Crankin]

You guys are amazing. I can barely, and I mean barely thread a needle and sew a button on.

[KnottedYet]

I GOT MY IBEX PINGO JACKET!!!!

Whoa, it's perfect!

Though, it is incredibly dirty. Most of the dust, white cat hair, and gold glitter came off the outside with a damp washcloth. Not sure how to get the cat hair off the inside. Maybe I won't worry about it. I'm assuming it was a Christmas present (gold glitter) that sat folded on a shelf (dust) in a home with a white cat (white cat hair) for a couple months before the giftee finally remembered to send it back to Ibex.

She must've tried it on at least once to get the cat hair inside the jacket.

Anywhoo... the fit is great. The XL Pingo fits beautifully over my L Norgie crew and L zipfront Switchback. The arms and torso are perfect length, and on the bike the slightly dropped back keeps my low back covered. The sleeves are long enough that my wrists are covered even when I'm in the drops.

Kinda hoping for some rain tomorrow so I can test it on a nice sweaty-n-rainy ride. And that might get the last of the dust, glitter, and cat hair off it, too! :p

[sandra]

could have told ya. :D It's a great jacket. One of my favorites after the Shak, but it's totally different than the Shak too.

[KnottedYet]

Oh, yeah! This puppy is wind and rain resistant, but not cloying. Just wore it out walking the dog in the cold windy rain. Niiiiiice!

And it looks so sleek and sexy!

Great styling, nicely placed pockets.

(buy one... they're on sale... you know you all want to... join us...)
:D

[KnottedYet]

Hey! Just looked at my email (i look about once every 2 weeks) and saw a nice online coupon from TE for $15 off on orders over $100!

How convenient! I just filled my TE cart with more than $100 worth of stuff last night.

Now temptation sets in!

(I think I need to try the Ibex wool bra that Mimi reviewed. Or maybe a pair of the Ibex wool regular undies. In red!)

[Crankin]

It's so raw here that I wore my Shak yesterday when we went down the Cape for an overnight visit to our neighbors. Today I wore my Icebreaker half zip over my Craft base layer to go on our ride...
I keep thinking "this will be the last time I wear wool."

[mimitabby]

I GOT MY IBEX PINGO JACKET!!!!



Kinda hoping for some rain tomorrow so I can test it on a nice sweaty-n-rainy ride. And that might get the last of the dust, glitter, and cat hair off it, too! :p

how did you get a used Ibex Pingo jacket?

[KnottedYet]

how did you get a used Ibex Pingo jacket?

got it from Ibex. Must've been a return, that they didn't check very carefully before they re-sold.

I love this jacket, will be writing a review soon.

[GLC1968]

DH and I took a trip down to a local bike shop that carries a ton of Ibex stuff. I resisted buying anything (Ibex...I did buy a basket for my commuter!), but I got a chance to check out all the new spring styles. A couple of notes:

The new burnt red color is FANTASTIC. It's a gorgeous dark red color - rich and beautiful. MUCH nicer than it looks on my monitor.

The Rossa Hoody is super cute. Would be very flattering to cover a belly if you have one.

The cross-over t is also super cute. I didn't try it on, but if the contrasting stripes don't hit in the right place, it might look weird. It did look great on the hanger though!

I liked both the striped polo (in the green stripes) and the echo-T, but the Qu-t is absolutely adorable. I'm definitely going to have to splurge on one of those!

The new Outback is much nicer than I thought it would be. I was afraid that the chest seam would look odd, but it doesn't. It's a tad dressier looking than the older Outback, but perhaps not as quite 'dressy' as the Kate.

The bras and underwear are very, very nice feeling. I was suprized how much finer the bra was than I'd expected. You really cannot tell that it is wool at all. Very cool!

Oh and you know how I was insisting that my full zip shak was heavier than my half zip one? Well, I discovered 2 things yesterday. First of all, my older persimon shak IS heavier than the 2007 one. They had a few on sale and I compared. It's a slight difference...the newer one is a slightly finer and softer fabric. BUT, the other thing I discovered is that the shirt I thought was a half-zip shak was in fact the zip Zepher! It was my first Ibex piece (a gift) and I'd asked for the shak, so I thought I'd gotten the shak. Nope, it's a Zepher and it is thinner even than the current shak. Duh!! No wonder I was so confused!!

Anyway, if you are ever in PDX, I highly recommend the shop. Tons of Ibex, tons of Basil bags and baskets, lots of really fun accessories...it's a very utility cycling focus. Clever Cycles - http://www.clevercycles.com

[KnottedYet]

Ibex isn't loving me right now...
(I'm lovin' Ibex, sitting here in a Q-T, Balance Runners, and Shak)

I posted two reviews this weekend. I'm a "verified reviewer" which means they think I'm probably not a spam artist.

Well... my last two reviews had some negative things to say. (my very dirty "new" Pingo, my creep-up-your-legs-til-you-scream Balance Runners) And it's been a while, and they haven't shown up on the website.

Hope I get over the rejection soon, cuz I wanna order some more stuff from Ibex PDQ.

[Grog]

Well... my last two reviews had some negative things to say. (my very dirty "new" Pingo, my creep-up-your-legs-til-you-scream Balance Runners) And it's been a while, and they haven't shown up on the website.


I'm not surprised that companies wouldn't post not-fully-positive reviews on their web site, especially if it's a manufacturer (Ibex, as opposed to, say, REI).

I'd suggest sending them a note by email, though, if you haven't already... I find the Pingo situation a bit embarrassing for them, and they should make that right.

[Dianyla]

My personal preference would be to handle the issue of the dirty Pingo separately via email, as it is most likely an isolated incident. Then do a real review discussing the pros/cons of the jacket in the online review.

I certainly hope they don't censor your review about the Balance short. Like you, I love the way the roasters fit and based on your experience of loving the roasters and hating the way the balance shorts fit, this is very pertinent relevant info! :)

[KnottedYet]

The Pingo review handled the review of the jacket seperately from the state of the jacket.

It would be pretty easy to edit out the part about the state of the jacket.

I am a bit bummed the Balance Runner review isn't up. It is important that folks who love Roasters be able to compare them to the Runner. The Runner is a nice idea, but I'm not sure I want to risk trying their regular briefs knowing how much the Balance creeps around.

[Triskeliongirl]

I did not anticipate my need for wool in spring. Even when its in the 80s outside my office is so cold I need wool. So, I ordered this sweater in 'sandstone' for spring:

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1018&Outlet=1&VID=11853&Product=Boucle-Full-Zip

I'll post a report when it comes. Actually I ordered it in both S and M. While all my other ibex is S, if I want to layer it over blouses and even a S shak, I thought the M might be better, but just in case it runs too big I wanted to also be able to try on the S and I'll return one.

[GLC1968]

Ha! I just ordered the same sweater on Monday, Trisk!

I ordered that one since I wear my Carrie hoodies so much. I debated between the sandstone and the currant, but I figured the sandstone was a good spring neutral. I also ordered a Rossa Hoody and a Cadence T. I'll be sure to report back how much I love them all once they arrive. ;)

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Catherine, we are so much alike its scary, isn't it!? Same bikes, same hair, same clothes......... Someday we'll have to meet......

[Natasha]

I'm looking forward to your reviews on the sweater. I've been eyeing it for a while now. It looks like the same cut as a full zip shak but without the pocket.

[crazycanuck]

Hey GLC, my mom loves the jacket! She did mention it's a bit itchy but if it doesn't fit me she'll wear it.

Any IBEX items that don't have the scratchy feeling to them?

[KnottedYet]

Hey GLC, my mom loves the jacket! She did mention it's a bit itchy but if it doesn't fit me she'll wear it.

Any IBEX items that don't have the scratchy feeling to them?

I haven't had itchiness with any of my 15 or 20 pieces of Ibex. (even the Ibex underwear!)

[Triskeliongirl]

None of my ibex items are scratchy, but the silkiest smoothest ones are my kates and polo Ts. Shaks are soft, so are the norgie crews. The only piece that comes close to being scratchy is my ribbie, and that's cuz the ribs are rough feeling, but not really scratchy.

[Natasha]

Ibex has a new full zip on their website called the 405. It is made of "milled wool". Does anyone know what this is? Would it be itchy?

[GLC1968]

Hey GLC, my mom loves the jacket! She did mention it's a bit itchy but if it doesn't fit me she'll wear it.

Any IBEX items that don't have the scratchy feeling to them?

Some items are softer than others. I was a bit surprised that my boucle items felt a bit 'scratchy' at first, but after one wearing, I stopped noticing it. I've foung that the softest Ibex stuff to be the 17.5 items (Kates, t's, underlayers...etc).

I only tried on the jacket once, and I never wore it, so I can't really offer any opinions of it. My guess is that after a wearing or two, she won't notice it at all. Did she find it itchy when worn over another layer...or did it just feel a little itchy on her hands?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

None of my ibex items are scratchy, but the silkiest smoothest ones are my kates and polo Ts. Shaks are soft, so are the norgie crews. The only piece that comes close to being scratchy is my ribbie, and that's cuz the ribs are rough feeling, but not really scratchy.

I second all of this.
I love the very slight rough feeling of my ribbies....on the other hand, a girlfriend of mine did not like hers for that reason, so we traded Ibex pieces and I got her ribbie. :p

[GLC1968]

Ibex has a new full zip on their website called the 405. It is made of "milled wool". Does anyone know what this is? Would it be itchy?

Why to they always seem to announce sales a couple of days AFTER I place my orders?? I might just have to buy one of these anyway...I am loving that bright red! :)

And no, I don't know what milled wool is... The garment looks heavier weight in the pictures than what they are describing, so I'm really curious as to what this fabrication feels like.

[KnottedYet]

I just placed a big ol' order, too.

On top of the one I placed a couple weeks ago.

(meanwhile, my kid goes nekkid cuz I don't buy him *any* clothes!) ;)

[Natasha]

After reading the description of the 405 full zip more closely, it sounds like it is felted wool. After the reports of the felted Ibex Switchbacks being unstable and shrinking I am kind of leery of this. I do agree about the crimson red color.

[Triskeliongirl]

SO, my ibex full zip boucles arrived today: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1018&Outlet=1&VID=11853&Product=Boucle-Full-Zip

As I said before, I ordered it in sandstone in both S and M. It is a very nice piece. The cut is the same as the full zip shak (minus the pocket), but the fabric is different. I would say the outside is more textured than the shak, but not rough like the carrie hoodie. The inside is identical. It is soft on bare skin.

All my other ibex is small, and indeed the small in this piece fits the best. I also ordered the medium since I thought it might layer better, but it just looked frumpy on me, compared to the sleek fit of the small (and sleeves were too long and kind of bunched up under my arms). The small layered fine over the pieces I wanted to layer it over (a long sleeve blouse would be the heaviest). I will warn you that the color is a little darker than the way the Ibex pic looks on my computer screen, I would call it more of a beige or taupe than sand color, but it is a very nice neutral light color for spring. It has an elegant look, almost of a textured linen, so it would work with casual or professional clothes.

So, I can either ship the M back to Ibex for a full refund, but I thought I'd offer it up here first since I noticed they are sold out of the sandstone M, and maybe save myself some return postage. All I ask is that you pay me what I payed plus shipping costs to you, which I just priced at the USPS website at $11.00 for priority shipping w insurance to any US address in a flat rate box. I payed $95, so I am just looking to recover $106 via paypal. It is brand new with tags. ALL SALES ARE FINAL, NO REFUNDS. PM me if you are interested. If I don't hear from anyone by monday I'll send it back to Ibex then.

The only thing that would keep me from sending back/selling the medium is if someone tells me that they bought this piece and it shrunk. But I am assuming it will not shrink like my other ibex (which I do wash by hand in cold water).

[GLC1968]

A-HA! I found the first downside to moving out west....Ibex stuff takes longer to arrive now! :p


I haven't seen my order yet, but I'm kind of glad to hear it's a little darker in color than it appears on the web. It'll camoflauge my dog's hair better! ;)

I'm ordering the 405 today. I can't resist. :o

[SandyLS]

Natasha
I purchased this jersy fron the Ibex outlet website this spring and really like it. Not itchy at all.
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=897&Outlet=1&VID=10051&Product=La-Luna-Full-Zip-Jersey

[VeloVT]

I think this is probably the first time I've posted to this thread (wool makes me itchy, if I'm lucky I can sometimes stand cashmere against my skin but not merino anymore except for socks). And I have to confess that I have not bothered to read all 111 pages of it. But another thread inspired me to post.

You wool-fans should visit the Rapha site (they sell some of this stuff at Competitive Cyclist too): www.rapha.cc.

I absolutely love their cycling clothes and think they are totally gorgeous and classy and sleek and hot and I would love to wear them and it might even make me try wool. Maybe. It's gorgeous. Really. Check it out.

[sgtiger]

Argh! Like I need more wool to drool over.:rolleyes: Those wool Ralpha pieces are nice. Some of the pieces are very elegant. I can see me in some in the not to distant future.;)

[GLC1968]

I saw Ibex on TV!

I got home last night and DH was watching a show about an Alaskan challenge of some sort. I think it was a few groups of people spending 3 months in Alaska, but I missed the major premise.

Anyway, there was one couple where the woman was an adventure racer. In the scene, she was comforting her husband who was having a hard time with whatever was going on. They showed a shot of them from the back and clear as day was a big ole Ibex logo on the back of her jacket! Even DH noticed it right away. I tried to ID what type of jacket it was, with no luck. It struck me as appropriate that the woman who had backwoods experience appeared to be dressed appropriately for the conditions and this included Ibex and the man, who was covered with sweat and clearly struggling and uncomfortable, was wearing what looked like a cotton shirt and cargo pants. Pretty cool!

(I know, I'm a dork :o)

[KnottedYet]

i just got the Ibex ribbed tank top. ($35) I'm too excited to write a review.

Ooooh, baby!

(and a lavender Ibex bobble hat $15. Excellent!)

[Grog]

I am waiting for a boucle jacket and a currant-coloured polo shirt. Do they ever send a tracking number? This is nerve-wracking!

[Natasha]

Grog,
You will find a tracking # for your order on the Ibex website under "my account" and the specific order.

I just got my crimson red 405 full zip. The color is beautiful and the fabric is very soft. Softer than the shak material. It seems very warm and cuddly.

[Grog]

Grog,
You will find a tracking # for your order on the Ibex website under "my account" and the specific order.

It seems that Canadians don't get that... I didn't get one for my past two purchases and there is none posted as of yet (for a purchase I did last Monday...) :(

[GLC1968]

It seems that Canadians don't get that... I didn't get one for my past two purchases and there is none posted as of yet (for a purchase I did last Monday...) :(

I don't think it's a Canadian thing. I also ordered last Monday and never got a tracking number either (none was posted on my account).

My order came 2 days ago, but I haven't been able to pick it up due to my work schedule! FRUSTRATION!! :mad:

[GLC1968]

Ok, I finally got my Ibex stuff today!

I only got to look at the items at lunch today (I'll try them on tonight) but at first glance, I'm super happy. The Rossa Hoody is VERY cute in person. I can't wait to try it on. The plan is to wear it to work tomorrow if it fits!

The cadence T is also extremely cute. I have a sneaking suspicion that it'll be worn to death this summer!

And the boucle jacket is exactly what I'd hoped. It's identical to my Carrie Hoody but without the hood. Trisk, whatever Carrie hoody you originally tried must have had issues - this boucle is the same as my carrie hoody boucle and it's definitely not scratchy. Overall, it's flattering and cozy. And like Trisk mentioned, it's a tad darker than it looks in the photo which is perfect for me as it'll better camoflauge the dog fur from my two tan dogs! :)

[Triskeliongirl]

That is so interesting, and explains why I hated the carrie hoodie and vest that I tried on. Also the sizing was off on the ones I tried on, since those fit me better in M when every other piece of Ibex I have fits best in S! In fact, that is why I didn't order the bella vest, makes me want to reconsider..... Are you SURE the fabric is the same boucle as your other pieces?? Does it catch easily, that's all I worry about. If not, maybe I need to order a bella vest to layer over my shaks next winter........ Does anyone know how the sizing runs (i.e. do I need an M to layer over a small shak?).

I am still wearing my ibex. Its so overly air conditioned where I work, I wear my ibex polo Ts with a shak or boucle on top now every day, even when its 80 outside!


Ok, I finally got my Ibex stuff today!

I only got to look at the items at lunch today (I'll try them on tonight) but at first glance, I'm super happy. The Rossa Hoody is VERY cute in person. I can't wait to try it on. The plan is to wear it to work tomorrow if it fits!

The cadence T is also extremely cute. I have a sneaking suspicion that it'll be worn to death this summer!

And the boucle jacket is exactly what I'd hoped. It's identical to my Carrie Hoody but without the hood. Trisk, whatever Carrie hoody you originally tried must have had issues - this boucle is the same as my carrie hoody boucle and it's definitely not scratchy. Overall, it's flattering and cozy. And like Trisk mentioned, it's a tad darker than it looks in the photo which is perfect for me as it'll better camoflauge the dog fur from my two tan dogs! :)

[GLC1968]

even when its 80 outside!

What I wouldn't give for just 1 day at 80 degrees! :p We haven't topped 50 degrees in over a week!!

I'll take another look at it when I get home and I'll also compare the fits. I've never tried on the bella vest, so I don't know how the sizing runs on that (though my guess is that it's the same as the carrie hoody). Stay tuned...

Trisk -

I compared the boucle full zip to the Carrie Hoody. Exact same fabric and fit is pretty darn close. The sleeves on my Carrie Hoody are a tad longer feeling because they don't have the little band thing at the wrist. Of course, on a vest, that won't matter anyway. The only difference is that my Carrie Hoody feels a tad heavier, but I think that's because it's got pockets (with lining) that the boucle zip does not (unfortunately). If your boucle fits you in a S, I'm sure a Carrie Hoody will too. Again, I can't speak for the vest though.

Other reviews:

The Rossa hoody is awesome! It's a little low cut in front for work but it would be a super sexy 'going out' type top. To work, I'll wear a camisole under it. It's a bit more fitted that I would have expected, but the medium is still the right size for me (as almost all my Ibex stuff is M), so I'd say it's true to size but slim fitting. Very flattering with the band falling right below the bust and the flair in the bottom hitting my hips nicely. It's actually more flattering on me than I thought it would be! I think it'll be really cute with a blazer over it, too.

The Cadence T is really nice on. It's defintely fitted, but cute. It's a bit more 'updated' than a regular T with the contrast stiching and the almost cap sleeves. I love it and I foresee wearing it an awful lot this summer. :D

[Tokie]

GLC - could you post a picture of yourself in the Rossa hoody? It sounds cute. I'm disappointed that the clothes aren't shown on models on the Ibex website anymore. Would this top be too warm if it was 75F and sunny? (Or, more commonly here, 68 and foggy) Thanks! Tokie( who can't wear her Shak 'til she gets her club (cast) off of her left hand)

[Trek420]

Icebreaker BodyFit 260 Polo LS on steep n' cheep. $30.00

[Skierchickie]

Whoo-hoo! I just scored one (I think). Just happend to get on the computer at the right time. Thank goodness I took a vacation day (okay, a planned mental health day) today! My fear is that it isn't going to happen, because by the time I had checked out, they were showing a knife of some kind. I did get a confirmation number - anybody know if that means I made it? Seems like DH ran into something like this a couple of months ago, and had missed it - I don't remember if he got a confirmation.

I was looking for a wool turtleneck long underwear top this winter, for those really cold days. My Smartwools are both crew neck. Smartwool's high-neck ones were kinda ugly (at least the ones I saw), and the neck was too bulky. This thing looks just like the Olympia zip-neck I got recently, which I love. Perfect - I could pull the neck right up over my chin if I want.

Hoping hoping hoping.

[Triskeliongirl]

Its wool day on steap and cheap, right now the Alyx jacket w pit zips for $85............. (but none my size:()

[GLC1968]

GLC - could you post a picture of yourself in the Rossa hoody? It sounds cute. I'm disappointed that the clothes aren't shown on models on the Ibex website anymore. Would this top be too warm if it was 75F and sunny? (Or, more commonly here, 68 and foggy) Thanks! Tokie( who can't wear her Shak 'til she gets her club (cast) off of her left hand)

Personally, I think it would be too much at 75 and sunny, but I overheat easily. 68 and foggy? Definitely.

I'll try to get a picture of me wearing it some time in the the next few days. :)

[GLC1968]

Ibex Kara Sweater on SAC - $50 right now!

(yes, I bought one :o)

[Triskeliongirl]

Oh Catherine, you got me going again........ I had resisted, but I was on the Ibex site, and noticed two outlet items that had been sold out in S were now available, the red razel and the blue zepher. They'll look so nice with my professional clothes (grey and black suits), so I had to buy them. Probably returns since only one of each available, lets hope they're not dirty like Knot's or they are going back!

While I was there, I'd been coveting the bella vest (thistle to layer over thistle shak) and pingo jacket (blue to match my bike), so after learning that I do like Boucle after all, into my shopping cart they went. I ended up ordering everything in small, although then I remembered Catherine recommended I size up to M in the pingo. But, with spring riding season here (I did my first long ride last sunday, a 72 mile 'metric' century) my weight has started to fall again (and my boobies have started to shrink, so I am now already less 'busty'...). So, I decided I am not willing to buy anything larger than a Small, so if anything is too tight I'll just send it back. Even if I lose another 10 lb, I can't imagine ever needing an X-small so I think I'll be OK with buying more smalls now. I also think the smaller jacket will be better for layering under my M PI screaming yellow vest for commuting. Also, every item of ibex I own in Small, and anything I have ever ordered in M I sent back.

I also like the pingo as an everyday winter jacket for san antonio, and for my trip to japan this summer since its so water resistant. While I didn't really need another cycling jacket, I've been wearing my daughter's hand me down columbia jacket from middle school (only small in the house) for rain/mild days, so decided I do deserve a pretty new jacket for those middle of the temp days (not new england cold, or texas summer heat, but those times in between). I was especially impressed that Knot noted its exceptional combo. of water resistance and breathablity, always an issue here.

The 17.5 polos I bought a while back at the outlet site are great for spring here. Not hot at all, quite the opposite. I still need to layer them under a shak indoors, since things are overly airconditioned here (imagine, its 88 outside and I am still wearing my shaks, and now my new boucle.......). They still have some left, at much better prices than the new Ts, and they look more professional too. So, wool really is a year round fabric, even in the south texas heat!

[Grog]

I have just received my Boucle Full Zip and the polo I ordered from the outlet. I already regret just getting one polo - silly me - as it WILL be a wonderfully versatile year-round piece.

The Boucle Full Zip is great and fits fine in Small - although I would like it to be a tiny bit more close to my waist - and there will be some room for layering with a black tshirt under. I chose it in Currant Heather and I like the dark shade of "purpled fushia". It will be an awesome piece of clothing for travel. I bought it because I am going to Istanbul in July. It will most likely be way too hot to wear it there but I need something on the plane that I can take off easily (unlike my Shak hoodie, alas), and that I can wear during my stopovers in Montreal and Europe along the way, that won't need to be washed for the two weeks I'm traveling, and that looks good enough. This wil totally be it. I would have loved a Shak full-zip in black instead, because I find the fabric a bit softer on the outside, and I like the versatility of black, but they are no longer available.

The polo shirt, as expected, is great. My husband had one already and I was envious so I got a lagoon one for myself. $39 is not enough for this, I almost feel like sending them more money back in the mail! (Although I'm glad I did not pay the full retail for this, as $89 is a bit steep.) It is a bit wrinkled right now but will look fantastic after it's washed. I wish I had gotten a currant one, too. Oh well, next time!

Now I need a light black wool t-shirt but I'm almost sure I can find that locally.

[Natasha]

Grog,
Backcountry.com has full-zip Shaks in black in stock in S,M and L. They have a 20% off coupon right now too.

I have not really been a big Icebreaker fan as most of their stuff seems to be made in China, and does not have flat-lock seams. But I wanted a merino hoody, so I got the Icebreaker conquest hoody. It seems very well made and is full-zip with mostly flat-sewn seams. It is very soft and warm. I had tried the Ibex shak hoody but found it too scratchy and didn't fit right. Guess I'll have to try more Icebreaker.

[DrBadger]

Other reviews:

The Rossa hoody is awesome! It's a little low cut in front for work but it would be a super sexy 'going out' type top. To work, I'll wear a camisole under it. It's a bit more fitted that I would have expected, but the medium is still the right size for me (as almost all my Ibex stuff is M), so I'd say it's true to size but slim fitting. Very flattering with the band falling right below the bust and the flair in the bottom hitting my hips nicely. It's actually more flattering on me than I thought it would be! I think it'll be really cute with a blazer over it, too.


You are a bad, bad, bad influence :p went to look at teh Rossa hoody and ordered it. Not really what I need as we are heading into the summer in Houston, but it is a cut that I can not refuse. I have a bunch of t-shirts in a very similar cut and they are my favorite shirts right now.

On the plus side I did find a 15% of coupon for ibex, so that helps justify it a bit more (at least that is what I am telling myself :rolleyes: )

OK, back to paper editing.

[Grog]

Just seen: Sugoi makes a wool t-shirt, black or red. Has SUGOI written on one of the sleeves but it's not that bad.

$80 CDN.

[Natasha]

Ibex norgie crew on SAC for $38.11.

[KnottedYet]

Ibex norgie crew on SAC for $38.11.

AAAAAAGH! The temptation is HUGE! I love my norgie, and there's a great plum colored one in my size on SAC!

Must. control. self.

[Natasha]

I love the norgies too. The plum color is beautiful. In the pictures they look like a solid color without the contrasting panels. I ordered a plum and a tonic, so I'll just have to wait and see.

[Dianyla]

Mmhmm... I just pounced on one of those Plum Norgies last night! Eee! :D

I also just returned the Alyx jacket I bought on Ibex's winter sale. I kept trying to love it but the fact is it's built for a narrow-shouldered wide-hipped woman. Too snug on the boobage, and then all this extra fabric flaring out on the bottom. Damn. :(

[GLC1968]

Grog,
Backcountry.com has full-zip Shaks in black in stock in S,M and L. They have a 20% off coupon right now too.

I have not really been a big Icebreaker fan as most of their stuff seems to be made in China, and does not have flat-lock seams. But I wanted a merino hoody, so I got the Icebreaker conquest hoody. It seems very well made and is full-zip with mostly flat-sewn seams. It is very soft and warm. I had tried the Ibex shak hoody but found it too scratchy and didn't fit right. Guess I'll have to try more Icebreaker.

20% off coupon? Where, pray tell??!! :) I actually *need* a black full zip shak...really, I do! ---- Nevermind - I found it!

Trisk - I think a S Pingo will probably be ok. Mine's a medium and except for those two Kate's you sent me, all the rest of my Ibex stuff is M and the Pingo fits fine.

And I have an old Outback in that plum color - it's beautiful! I'm actually kinda glad I missed the Norgie on SAC, this is getting out of hand. ;)

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Catherine, I'll find out soon won't I? I'll only keep the pingo if I love it. BTW, I did order a plum norgie crew on SC......... The thing of it is, that it is April in Texas, and I am sitting in my office, in my green Kate and black Shak........... So, I use this stuff year round. I probably wear my black shak more than any other piece. Catherine, you know you want one (and it looks amazing with a green kate underneath...............).

[GLC1968]

Ahem...I ordered the black shak. :o Gotta do my part to stimulate the economy, right? $115 is a good deal for something I'll likely wear almost daily!

Funny thing is, about 10 minutes after I submitted my order, I got an email from backcountry.com saying that they knew I was a repeat customer, so they moved my order to the top of the queue and it's shipping this afternoon. How cool is that? :D

[Triskeliongirl]

Gosh Catherine, some day we have to ride together in our matching bikes and pingo jackets...... Sure would look cute!

[7rider]

Hey all you Ibex fans...
http://www.steepandcheap.com/
Right now (Wednesday, noon, eastern)....
Ibex bike jerseys....57% off...

[Triskeliongirl]

Both my Ibex and SAC packages came today. Here's the review:

1. Razzel: a beautiful piece. I was only surprised cuz I thought from the pic the red would be all red and it has some brown in it, but it looks really nice, even with black gray pants, so the brown is quite subtle. Its very soft and a good solid weight. A very dressy piece (which is what I was looking for, you know, from bike to boardroom, that sort of piece). The small fit the same as all my other small ibex.

2. Zepher zip T-neck: another nice piece, soft, a little more casual/sporty looking due to the flat locked seaming, but still fine for my line of work. Again, a nice mid-weight. Again, small fit great, just like all my other small ibex.

3. Pingo Jacket: So many of you gals love this piece but its not cut for my body type. Tight across the chest, but loose at the waist, short in the body and long in the arms. Even a M wouldn't have helped except to make the chest looser and perhaps bodice longer, so back she went tonite. In fact, the fit reminded me of the showers pass jacket that some many of you love that I also had to return, same unflattering (to me) boxy cut. SO maybe if the showers pass jacket fits you well, the pingo would too.

4. Bella Vest: Another disappointment. Again, tight across chest even though I tried the boucle full zip in both S and M and had to send back the M (although to be fair I was trying to layer it over a shak, maybe to do this you need to size up). This one would have probably fit a lot better in M, but I just didn't love it so back it went. This is the only ibex piece yet that didn't fit me best in the S.

5. SAC Plum Norgie Crew: DEFINITELY a keeper, but I already had a solid norgie crew in blue so I knew what I was getting. I have to say the plum color is even prettier than I imagined though from the pix. Very soft, nice mid-weight. Again sportier than some pieces due to flat lock seam, but fine for me for work or play.

So tonite I dropped the Ibex return off at the post-office, and stopped by our outdoor store to check out the winter gear sales. Scored a patagonia down vest for only $59 (original price $149) so now I have something for when 2 layers of Ibex isn't enough......... BUT NO MORE BUYING WINTER CLOTHES. THERE ISN'T A THING MORE I COULD POSSIBLY NEED. Now, I just need winter to come back so I can wear all this great stuff.

[mariposa]

hurry...

[sandra]

hurry...
that was my first time ever to order from SAC. I almost did it without thinking. After I paid, it was already over! Now tell me about what I just bought!

[Natasha]

Icebreaker sport320 rock zip on SAC.

[GLC1968]

Ibex Pingo jacket on SAC - $78!!

[DebW]

I was in the Berkshires this weekend and stopped at the Arcadian Shop twice. My main purpose was to check the sizing of their Ibex bike jerseys and leg warmers. They had the women's Spin Jersey and the men's Beezer and Fausto. I found the women's Spin too snug in medium (when they say form fit, they mean it) but fine in large. The men's Beezer in small was also a good fit, the Fausto in medium a little big (no smalls in the Fausto). I wouldn't buy a Spin jersey because the hidden zipper is too small and hard to operate. I wouldn't buy the Beezer because it's a full zip. A Fausto in small would have tempted me, but I don't really want to spend $125 on a jersey. In leg warmers, both the medium and small fit me. I'd probably buy the mediums if I were buying. In arm warmers, medium was too large and small just right. Now I can look for sales since I know what fits me.

No more Ibex winter garments on display in the store. Now it's T-shirts (Echo, Cadence, Qu Tee, Fish, Cross-Over). There was a 50% off rack that contained Smartwool salesman's samples and Ex Officio and Royal Robbins. I ended up buying two Smartwool jerseys and one Smartwool polo top for $20 each. Couldn't pass up those deals. The Smartwool jerseys are thin summer-weight merino with 2 rear pockets and sheep down the side. I'll have to post a picture of the sheep. I'll feel like a rolling billboard for Smartwool.

[trickytiger]

I met some of the Ibex folks today at work! Very nice people, and all dressed up in Shaks. :) One of the women's designers was there, and she has the same body type I do (tall, short torso, long limbs), which might explain why I like the Pingo so much. I get to test out the Balance Runner shorts, so we'll see if I have better luck than Knotted with them.:D

[DebW]

Here are the Smartwool jerseys I got for $20 each. That's the back/left side. There are more sheep on the right sleeve.

Baah! Baah! Smartwool sheep. Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir. Two jerseys full.

Wonder what the IQ of Smartwool sheep is?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wonder what the IQ of Smartwool sheep is?

If they were really smart they wouldn't be sheep. :cool:

[DebW]

If they were really smart they wouldn't be sheep. :cool:

Is that why two of them are standing upside down on the jerseys? They are smart enough to give wool instead of lamb chops. Maybe they did their own selective breeding:

"Hey, you there with the warm, silky, itch-free coat. If we had babies together, I bet our kids would have even finer, softer wool. And then they wouldn't become lamb chops. And if we can convince more humans to wear our wool and our kid's wool, we'll get to live in the best pastures and have better health care. All we need is good marketing. Let's call our wool MERINO."

"No, that will never sell. Let's call ourselves SMARTSHEEP who give SMARTWOOL."

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Is that why two of them are standing upside down on the jerseys? They are smart enough to give wool instead of lamb chops. Maybe they did their own selective breeding:

"Hey, you there with the warm, silky, itch-free coat. If we had babies together, I bet our kids would have even finer, softer wool. And then they wouldn't become lamb chops. And if we can convince more humans to wear our wool and our kid's wool, we'll get to live in the best pastures and have better health care. All we need is good marketing. Let's call our wool MERINO."

"No, that will never sell. Let's call ourselves SMARTSHEEP who give SMARTWOOL."


They'll still wind up as mutton. :D

That jersey looks as though it's a series of pix of a sheep rolling over.

[Crankin]

Deb, I am jealous. I don't think I'll be out there until our vacation in July (although one never knows, once school is out). I hope that by the end of July, some of the ss tops will be on sale.
My husband's computer never stops "ringing" with all of the specials from SnC. I keep looking for a black full zip Shak, but none of the places have my size. If anyone sees an x small anywhere, tell me!

[Natasha]

Does anyone have an Ibex Qu T? How do you like it? How is the durability and sizing?
Thanks.

[KnottedYet]

I have one, and it's about 2 or 3 years old. Going strong, very durable. Still holding its shape just fine. No wayward threads or pulled seams or anything.

Sizing is just as true for me as all other Ibex stuff. (except the Pingo, which I got one size larger than usual thanks to TrickyTiger. Perfect!)

[Grog]

My Ibex Ultimate Guide sweater has a hole at the elbow.

Is the art of repairing sweaters gone or will I find any alterations person to just patch it at the elbows??

[Blueberry]

My Ibex Ultimate Guide sweater has a hole at the elbow.

Is the art of repairing sweaters gone or will I find any alterations person to just patch it at the elbows??

Find a knitter. Most would love the challenge:)

CA

[GLC1968]

This morning I wore a cotton button front shirt under a cotton sweater with my khakis. I biked to work (short commute) and was a little bit warm when I got here. 5 minutes later I was freezing and I shivered the rest of the morning. Seriously, my fingernails were blue!

I rode home for lunch. After eating, I put my Ibex ribbies tank on under my shirt (it's not visible). I rode back to work for the afternoon and again was slightly warm when I got here. The difference is that now, 2 hours later, I am 100% comfortable. No more blue fingernails!!

Can I just say that cotton sucks. :p

[KnottedYet]

I'm so naive....

I've been smugly prancing around in my Ibex, assuming it's made in the USA and keeping manufacturing jobs which we so desperately need here, not wasting petroleum shipping stuff overseas, etc etc.

Got a glimpse of a tag on one piece I was wearing last night: made in Turkey.

Ok, fine, I can deal with that. Maybe. (I don't like that piece much, so my heart wasn't broken)

But then I looked at the tag on the other piece I was wearing at the time: made in China. Grabbed the nearest thing to hand (my helmet liner): no origin tag. (?) My beloved Pingo jacket: also made in China.

Sigh.

[elk]

I'm so naive....

I've been smugly prancing around in my Ibex, assuming it's made in the USA and keeping manufacturing jobs which we so desperately need here, not wasting petroleum shipping stuff overseas, etc etc.

But then I looked at the tag on the other piece I was wearing at the time: made in China. Grabbed the nearest thing to hand (my helmet liner): no origin tag. (?) My beloved Pingo jacket: also made in China.

Sigh.

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: and :( and :mad:

[Grog]

But then I looked at the tag on the other piece I was wearing at the time: made in China. Grabbed the nearest thing to hand (my helmet liner): no origin tag. (?) My beloved Pingo jacket: also made in China.


You can look at the product details on their web site. Many of their items are in fact made in the USA, such as the Boucle and the Polo (which I got recently). I know the bra isn't. I think the Ultimate Guide Sweater I have was made in Hong Kong.

Such is life...

[elk]

Such is life...

or stinky economic policy....

[Grog]

or stinky economic policy....

People want to buy more stuff, and for a cheaper price. Although I would agree that American economic policy stinks, I would not just blame economic and political leaders, but rather would distribute the blame within the whole population...

What REALLY gets me going though is when a company that used to do stuff locally outsources internationally to cut labour costs and keeps selling its items at the very same price. Arc'teryx jackets among others used to be all made in Canada. I was about to buy a wool jacket for my sweetheart from them last Christmas and had (as usual) a sticker shock when I saw it was around $250. But I was thinking, "mm, yeah, but it's made in the area" because they always used to. BEEEEEEEEEP: WRONG!! "Made in China." I was really mad and, needless to say, did not buy the jacket.

On the other hand, we just bought a big piece of furniture made in Canada. It was a lot more expensive than the similar piece made in China, and we could only afford the bed, instead of bed + nightstands etc. But we decided to go ahead with the made-in-Canada one. I don't always make that decision. But I'm happy I did it this time...

[Blueberry]

What REALLY gets me going though is when a company that used to do stuff locally outsources internationally to cut labour costs and keeps selling its items at the very same price. Arc'teryx jackets among others used to be all made in Canada. I was about to buy a wool jacket for my sweetheart from them last Christmas and had (as usual) a sticker shock when I saw it was around $250. But I was thinking, "mm, yeah, but it's made in the area" because they always used to. BEEEEEEEEEP: WRONG!! "Made in China." I was really mad and, needless to say, did not buy the jacket.


Chaco is in the process of doing this. They're moving manufacturing of their Z/1 and Z/2 sandals to china this summer. Dansko just moved their stapled clogs from Eurpoe to China. And Dansko seems to have *raised* their prices.
:mad::mad:
CA

[elk]

People want to buy more stuff, and for a cheaper price. Although I would agree that American economic policy stinks, I would not just blame economic and political leaders, but rather would distribute the blame within the whole population...

What REALLY gets me going though is when a company that used to do stuff locally outsources internationally to cut labour costs and keeps selling its items at the very same price. Arc'teryx jackets among others used to be all made in Canada. I was about to buy a wool jacket for my sweetheart from them last Christmas and had (as usual) a sticker shock when I saw it was around $250. But I was thinking, "mm, yeah, but it's made in the area" because they always used to. BEEEEEEEEEP: WRONG!! "Made in China." I was really mad and, needless to say, did not buy the jacket.

On the other hand, we just bought a big piece of furniture made in Canada. It was a lot more expensive than the similar piece made in China, and we could only afford the bed, instead of bed + nightstands etc. But we decided to go ahead with the made-in-Canada one. I don't always make that decision. But I'm happy I did it this time...

I hear ya.... I'm buying less stuff so I can afford more made in (the) america(s) stuff!

[KnottedYet]

Chaco is in the process of doing this. They're moving manufacturing of their Z/1 and Z/2 sandals to china this summer. Dansko just moved their stapled clogs from Eurpoe to China. And Dansko seems to have *raised* their prices.
:mad::mad:
CA

Yeah, Chaco really sold out. They're using the profits from the cheaper labor to branch off into shoes and belts and clothes.

Prices are still very high regardless.

What melts my brain is that they still use pictures of their happy Paonia CO workforce posed outside the Chaco building in their promo literature.

Those folks have already lost their jobs.

Money and success change everything. I honestly would've felt much better about spending $90 on a pair of sandals if Chaco still made only sandals and made them in Paonia.

(meanwhile I have 3 pair of Chacos made in the USA which I intend to keep for a very long time. My oldest pair is about 10 years old and still going strong, though they do need to be resoled soon. I think that's still done in Paonia CO, but I haven't had the nerve to check.)

I recommend Chacos to a lot of my foot patients. They have always been very well made and well designed and resolable. I'm hoping that won't change now that they are made in China.

ETA: elk, I'm right there with you. Less stuff, more expensive, but better for our economy and environment in the long run.

[Trek420]

Ibex Lightweight Spin Jersey - Women's on SAC

[KnottedYet]

Update on the Ibex Runner shorts.

Now that they've been washed a few times, they don't creep like they used to.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Update on the Ibex Runner shorts.

Now that they've been washed a few times, they don't creep like they used to.

Is it possible that you have lost a few pounds? That might actually make a difference.

[KnottedYet]

I wish.... but no. I'm down to one pair of jeans that I can sit down in without pain. Fat, fat, fat.

But my Ibex Runners don't creep up on me anymore, and at this point I would even consider buying another pair for hot summer-day wear.

[Crankin]

I actually wore my Icebreaker quarter zip when I commuted to work Wednesday. It was 42 out at 5:30 AM. It might have been a bit too warm with a LS Craft base layer and a wind jacket, but my regular jerseys are too cool for that temperature and my other 2 wool cycling specific jerseys are way too warm for that temperature.
I keep thinking "this is the last time I will be wearing my Shak for a few months," and then we have another raw, cool day where it is the perfect thing to wear. But I am trying to stay away from any purchases of wool for a few months. Of course, if anyone sees a black full zip Shak in an x small, tell me!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yep, wore my full zip shak AND woolie base layer this morning to walk to breakfast at 7:30. It was about 55 degreesF and lovely out. :D

[Bad JuJu]

Ibex Pingo Jacket on sale NOW at SAC.

[trickytiger]

My two cents on the Ibex running shorts- THEY RULE!

And I have never previously worn tight shorts to run in, so for me to love these really says a lot!

No creep issues what-so-ever- these babies stay put. The fit is good- I am usually between small and medium, and I think the medium was a good choice. Comfy without being constrictive. I don't know how they will be in warm weather, but for the shoulder-seasons they are very temperature-moderating.

One washing in Woolite took care of any scratchy issues. I roll down the waistband once to make them a little lower-rise. So far, I've run in them, slept in them, worn them under my rock-climbing pants, and tried yoga in them.

Me likey. :D

[NoNo]

Ibex Spin jersey on SAC now. Just snagged one, my first foray into the wool world! Can't wait to try it out!

[DebW]

Ibex Spin jersey on SAC now. Just snagged one, my first foray into the wool world! Can't wait to try it out!

Size up on this jersey unless you like your jerseys VERY form fit. I'm generally a medium, and the Spin jersey in medium fit me, but left nothing to the imagination. The large fit more like a normal jersey - sleek enough but somewhat loose, though not baggy. Also, the zipper on these is very small gage, of the hidden type, and didn't operate smoothly on the samples I tried.

[NoNo]

I wasn't sure, but I went with M since that's what all my other jerseys are. I have two Descente jerseys and a Precaryous jersey all in M and they fit fine, I suppose I could have gone with a small, but I don't like things too snug. Hopefully this jersey will fit okay, too. I suppose we'll know in a few days!:D

[Dianyla]

Ibex Lightweight Spin Jersey - Women's on SAC
And it's back again, right now! :D

[evangundy]

from Road Bike Rider Review:
"---New in RBR Product Tests this week: We welcome Lynne Fitzsimmons to RBR's Review Crew. Lynne, a randonneur in the Pacific Northwest, is specializing in women-specific products, putting them through the tough challenge of centuries and brevets. She starts with the Ibex Balance wool sports bra. See her evaluation and rating at http://www.roadbikerider.com/producttests.htm "

I already own two and love them :)
Edna

[RTW]

OK, I blame all of you for tempting me to take advantage of the Ibex sale and free shipping, which caused a shirt (the Kate in black) and a pair of tights (the Loose Tights) to show up at my doorstep this weekend.

The problem: I forgot that because I'm short (5'3"), the wool tights would be too long on me. I usually either buy things in petite or get them taken up professionally, but I don't know how that would work with the wool tights, which are knit and have some panels at the bottom that would hit below the point where the hem would be best on me. Does anyone have thoughts/advice? Or should I just roll them up twice, even if it doesn't look as good?

Thanks in advance!

[KnottedYet]

Ooh, just spent way too much time on EWR's website. Wool p0rn: https://www.ewnr.com/site/index.asp

RTW - would a smaller size fit you better? I'd ask Ibex if they'd hem the tights for you if you like the size you have but they are just too long.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ooh, just spent way too much time on EWR's website. Wool p0rn: https://www.ewnr.com/site/index.asp

All they have are cartoony drawings of their clothes? :confused: I could never order anything based on that!

[RTW]

Thanks for the advice! Well, this size does fit me (as always with things that aren't cut for petites, it's a matter of the length being about three inches too long). Would Ibex really re-hem something? Has anyone had Ibex fix items this way? It might still be cheaper and quicker to get a tailor to do it locally; I'm just not sure it's possible with a knit that has these kinds of panels at the bottom.

[KnottedYet]

It can't hurt to contact Ibex and ask. Ibex has always been good to me. They monitor TE and know we are the hot-patootie-babes of the wool weenie world. It is in their best interest to tell us what can and can't be done.

[NoNo]

My spin jersey came and it fits perfectly. Nice and soft. My cousin got to take the maiden voyage on our training ride this weekend since she doesn't have any jerseys of her own. She said it was comfy, I can't wait to see for myself.:D

[Dianyla]

A whole passel of Swobo longsleeve jerseys are on SteepAndCheap right now. Are they any good? I haven't tried any Swobo stuff yet. :)

[Natasha]

Ibex boucle full zip is on SAC now.

[jennrod12]

I have one of the Ibex spin jerseys and I wish it were a brighter color. I'd love to dye it bright orange! Do you think that would work with RIT dye? They have a color remover I could use first, to remove the blue color that's in the jersey now. My husband and I dyed a couple of windbreakers this way, and they turned out great. The only think is that you're supposed to use it in hot water, and I've never put my precious Ibex jersey in hot water.

I'm not comfortable wearing a medium blue jersey out on the road, it's too "road colored", now that it's warm enough to ride without a jacket. Maybe I should just wait until they come out with orange jerseys for women, and not risk it with this jersey. But... I'm not very patient! I can't imagine any jersey more comfortable in hot hot weather than my Ibex!

Jenn

[redrhodie]

I just got an Ibex Fausto light weight, short sleeve jersey today. How hot is too hot to wear this? It's going to be near 80º tomorrow. Will I roast, or will it really keep me cool?

[Dianyla]

SAC Alert: Ibex Organic Puzzle Sweater, in Amethyst and Brown, various sizes.

[Natasha]

I have not been able to see the Ibex warm green color offered on the shaks in person. Can anyone who has seen it give me their comments?
Thanks.

[jennrod12]

Swobo women's long sleeved merino wool jersey is on www.chainlove.com now (it's a spinoff from steepandcheap.com).

Jenn

[madscot13]

When I handwash my wool, I use the hottest water that my hands can handle (and when I shower the bathroom is a sauna when I'm done). My wool has not shrank. I do rinses in water that is progressively colder, though. I'm not sure if that will make a difference in dyeing. Maybe if it does no work the first time you can retry it, but I'm not sure. take all of this with a grain of salt- I've never dyed clothes before.




I have one of the Ibex spin jerseys and I wish it were a brighter color. I'd love to dye it bright orange! Do you think that would work with RIT dye? They have a color remover I could use first, to remove the blue color that's in the jersey now. My husband and I dyed a couple of windbreakers this way, and they turned out great. The only think is that you're supposed to use it in hot water, and I've never put my precious Ibex jersey in hot water.

I'm not comfortable wearing a medium blue jersey out on the road, it's too "road colored", now that it's warm enough to ride without a jacket. Maybe I should just wait until they come out with orange jerseys for women, and not risk it with this jersey. But... I'm not very patient! I can't imagine any jersey more comfortable in hot hot weather than my Ibex!

Jenn

[jennrod12]

Thanks for the advice! I've kind of chickened out for now, but I'll keep thinking about it.

Jenn

[Susan Otcenas]

Team Estrogen is having a parking lot sale this weekend. You can find details in the Northwest subforum.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24045

Why would a wool weenie care?

Because, we just took delivery of 1,800 pairs of smartwool socks on closeout, all of which will be available very inexpensively at the sale. Sooooo, if you find yourself in Hillsboro this weekend, please stop by and satisfy your woolie cravings with some Smartwool socks.

Whatever is left will find its way onto the website a week or so after the event.

Susan

[Flur]

I'm curious and scared of this at the same time. Is it really comfortable, or not so much?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm curious and scared of this at the same time. Is it really comfortable, or not so much?

Try sleeping in a soft thin merino Smartwool or Ibex shirt. That'll give you an idea of how the underwear would feel.

Even in June now, it's in the low 70's at night with a breeze and I love sleeping in light cotton knickers and an Ibex thin merino base layer top- either long sleeve or tank top depending on the temp.
Another thing- our kitties come cuddle with us in the morning when we're having our coffee in bed, and they clearly prefer to snuggle up on my merino shirt as opposed to DH's cotton t-shirt. Kitties know quality. :p :p

[sgtiger]

Can't sleep! Can't sleep!

Hark! What's this? A little birdie(RSS feed) is telling me that Ibex Pingo Jackets are on SAC for $78.47! Available in Burnt Orange, Dark Brown(Espresso), and Space Blue.

ETA: I've had my eye on the brown Pingo for awhile, so.....:rolleyes::D;)

[KnottedYet]

Wow, great price! (which one did you get?)

[sgtiger]

I picked up the dark brown one that I've been lusting after for months now. :D

[martinkap]

Hi, based on this thread (because I am still a newbie) I picked up on CL (btw, I need a 12 step program for CL addiction - it is your fault though! - I learned about it here on the forum) Ibex Lightweight Spin Jersey for even $50.

Here is a pic (this IS the color I love):
http://akamai.backcountrystore.com.edgesuite.net/images/items/medium/IBX/IBX0166/GRA.jpg

My question to you all wool-pros is: What temps is this jersey most comfortable for? I know that it can go to quite extreme, but what is the ideal weather in which you would pick this jersey for a ride?

Thanks!

[Blueberry]

DH has ridden the Men's version of that jersey from 65 on up to 95 and 95% humidity. He LOVES it. Best part - it doesn't get clammy when you either 1) go into AC or 2) get rained on:rolleyes:

CA

[Dianyla]

Can't sleep! Can't sleep!

Hark! What's this? A little birdie(RSS feed) is telling me that Ibex Pingo Jackets are on SAC for $78.47! Available in Burnt Orange, Dark Brown(Espresso), and Space Blue.
Eeeeee! I saw this last night too. OMG whoops Space Blue in my shopping basket clickety-click oopsie. :D

[martinkap]

CL has long sleeve swobo jersey which I would really like. Based on the swobo website, I am between sizes L (38in chest) and XL (40in chest). They give no info on waist size, only the length or sleeve and length of front. I am usually 39in in chest (36D) and otherwise I am reasonably normal size (not fat). Any suggestion which size to get? I hate when the XL sizing is sometimes wide in armpits...

THANKS!

[elk]

I just got a beeeeyootiful dark red SWOBO LS jersey on Chainlove...I got XL...and it fits well...I have a 44" chest...the sleeves are long.

The back pockets have a lot of elastic on top that pull it --slightly--onto a fitted waist....which I think is smashing.....assuming martin is a girl..... :eek:

Like the Ibex you got.

[martinkap]

assuming martin is a girl..... :eek:

Hehe - look at the pic in my profile ! Definitely girl. I am Czech and Martinka is an endearment of Martina in my language. Something similar as Martinita would be in Spanish. 'P' is initial of my last name :)

Thanks - I think I will go with L then if I am 5 in less than you...

M.