I have been testing a few Findra cycling products. See my review of the new Findra Stroma Technical Cycling jacket.
Here are my reviews of a Findra merino baselayer and Findra padded leggings.
Findra Iona Merino-Lite Zip Neck Top
The Iona Merino-Lite top is made from an Australian Merino blend, “created to offer the best in lightweight fabric, temperature regulation and comfort”.
The top can be worn as a baselayer against the skin or as a layering item under or over other layers.
Features include:
- 150g lightweight technical merino blend fabric
- 87% merino, 13% nylon
- Warmth and breathability
- Fine mesh inserts to further aid ventilation and breathability
- High zip neck collar with zip guard
- Long sleeves with thumbholes
- Dropped back hemline
- Flat lock seams
- Zipped back pocket
- Durability thanks to double layer cuffs
- Reflective circle logo on the back and branded FINDRA tape.
- Machine Washable
- £82.50
- See Findra.
On test: Findra Iona Merino-Lite Zip Neck Top
I have never been able to wear merino wool products against my skin. Even the products with less than 50% Merino content make me feel itchy. That said, I simply wore the Findra baselayer over another baselayer made of polyester products and it worked very well.
In fact, I love this Merino baselayer. The colour, eggplant, is beautiful. The fit is superb; it’s not too tight not too loose. It is a flattering shape and fit.
The attention to detail is great. The longer back hem means that you can tuck the top into tights or shorts to prevent the lower part of your back becoming too cold. The arms have handy thumb loops to keep them in place so you have warmer wrists (rather than a chilly gap between sleeve and glover).
The zipped back pocket is useful if you want to carry a few smaller items rather than a rucksack.
The baselayer is perfectly warming. It’s not too hot and it offers great breathability. Because it is made of Merino wool it doesn’t end up too smelly with sweat and this means it can be worn several times without washing.
The price is similar to other merino wool baselayers and because the wool is long-lasting I am not wincing at the cost.
I would buy another one or two of these zipped baselayers. Perhaps the Loch blue and eggplant colour next time.
Findra padded cycling leggings
I like that the name of the leggings is nothing fancy. They are padded leggings for cycling. Job done!
There are more technical details if you read on.
- Female specific padding for comfort where it is needed most, distributing weight from sensitive areas across the saddle
- Uniquely shaped gusset area for freedom of movement, both on and off the bike.
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Flatlock seams
- Elasticated waistband with adjustable tie
- Water repellent and breathable
- Tonal leg print for subtle FINDRA style
- Machine washable
- £65
- See Findra.
On test: Findra padded leggings
I can’t remember the last time I wear a cotton type of cycling shorts or leggings, compared to the more shiny Lycra nylon look. It was actually quite refreshing.
The leggings are a good fit except around my calves. I have slim calves so I do usually expect products to be a little loose and this is the case with the Findra padded leggings.
The padding is a bit thicker than I would normally choose to wear but I was surprised by how comfortable is was when I was out on my bike. It felt thicker and comfier but not too bulky.
Freedom of movement is excellent in the leggings and although I usually prefer to wear bib tights, the waist band did not irritate me.
The water repellency is much better than I thought it would be. I will need to re-proof the leggings after a few washes but that is easy to do in the washing machine.
If I am honest, I was prepared not to like these leggings at all but I found I totally forgot I was wearing something new and different – and I ended up really liking them.
If you prefer not to be dressed in shiny Lycra and you are looking for a more casual look with a comfy padded insert, the Findra padded leggings could well be a good choice.
To find out more about these products see Findra cycle clothing.