Review: Ibex Meru Helmet-liner/Hat

Such perfection! Such beauty! And on sale for only $10! Free shipping!
http://www.ibexwear.com/F06/View_Pro...&CategoryLine=

I have two of these, an espresso which I ordered last week and which arrived yesterday and a black which the Ibex rep gave me at Bike Expo yesterday. The espresso looks better on me. It really is espresso colored, and the Ibex logo on the front is embroidered with an "espresso crema" (y'know, the foamy bit of espresso, before any milk or anything is added) colored thread. Very attractive.

I wore the Meru all afternoon and evening yesterday, and then slept in it cuz it felt so cozy and warm.

This morning I wore it under my helmet during my drenching rainy windy cold downhill commute to work. Did I mention it was *cold*? And windy? And downhill, so it was really chilly?

I kid you not, the only parts of my body that were cozy were the parts covered by Ibex: my head and my upper body (meru hat and collo t-neck with Canari Bio-Swelter jacket). My feet were just slightly cool in soaking wet Smartwool socks and Keen sandals. If I had been smarter so early in the morning, I'd've worn my Ibex el Fito capris instead of my cotton Gramicci capris.

My head did get a little wet and breezy thru the helmet vents, even got some mud on my Meru, but it stayed warm and really comfortable. My ears were happy and toasty. For such a thin hat (only had to adjust by one click on my Bell helmet dial) it sure does pack a wallop! The head part is a single layer of dense thin fabric, and the earband is a double layer.

I'm wearing it right now, just cuz I love it so. (with my Collo t-neck and my Switchback jacket) (It really does look good on me, too.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

I wore the Meru all afternoon and evening yesterday, and then slept in it cuz it felt so cozy and warm.

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What about sizing? Would it fit small heads, large heads, or only medium heads? My head is so small the the Smartwool helmet liner is loose on me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DebW

What about sizing? Would it fit small heads, large heads, or only medium heads? My head is so small the the Smartwool helmet liner is loose on me.

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Hey Deb- I have teeny head too! :o
My smartwool head liner works well but is indeed loose, as is my Ibex helmet liner....loose-ish. I don't have the meru, but it have the one with the stripe down the front- similar i think. Of the two, the smartwool fits better because it sort of hooks over the ears with a bit of elstic around the edges- my Ibex doesn't relly have the elastic edge. Perhaps if we purposely shrink them a bit in the wash....

Ibex Meru looks pretty small. I kinda have a small head, too. (Most baseball hats look pretty silly on me) Laying it as flat as I can (the curved panels make it awkward to try to flatten it, but make it lie smoothly on your head) it measures about 10 inches at the band (so double that for the unstretched hat circumference). My head is about 22 inches along the lines where I wear the hat.

It fits like a glove. But on my head. Without any fingers bobbing around like a rooster's comb. yeah, that's it.... :confused:

When I firsty received mine I thought it was too small and I do not think my head is larger the average. To my amasement the Meru stayed on during my long runs. I really expected it to fly off straightaway. I love it and wish I have the Espresso one (I adore that colour).

Only $10 and freee Free FREEEEE shipping! Order now! Yeah! Go for it!:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Only $10 and freee Free FREEEEE shipping! Order now! Yeah! Go for it!:D

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Oh I would if I could. It *is* less expensive than an oboe or bassoon reed and would last a lot longer.;)

Ibex Meru shrinkage.

Washed my Meru this morning in cold water and Dr. Bronners soap. Just measured it (almost dry) and it's 9 1/2 inches across, so 19 inches around. (as opposed to 10 inches/20 inches) Plopped it on my head, and it fits just fine. Can't tell it shrank at at all.

Those of you with small heads might like the shrinkage, those with big heads probably won't notice.

Remember, fellow WoolWeenies: $10 and free shipping...

(I might need to get 3 or 4 more)

You are killing me. :p I want an espresso coloured Meru. Sometimes being responsible stinks. *sigh*

Fighting the urge to list the reasons why I must buy another Meru. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3

You are killing me. :p I want an espresso coloured Meru. Sometimes being responsible stinks. *sigh*

Fighting the urge to list the reasons why I must buy another Meru. :rolleyes:

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Here's another reason for you: If you don't order the expresso Meru for yourself by tonight, then I'LL just have to get it and send it to you.
How's THAT for a good excuse? :D