We’re deep into autumn now and Kitsbow’s Laurel Mountain Merino Tee is definitively my fall ride shirt of choice. The well-crafted, wool-blend tee is an ideal option as the temperatures continue to drift down, but may not be the best option for those scorching temperatures many of us saw this summer.
Price: $89
Rating: ★★★★☆
Specs: 75% Merino wool, 25% Polyester
What I like: Soft, durable fabric with robust construction that has held up to a fair bit of abuse over the summer and still looks brand new.
What I’d change: A slightly lighter-weight fabric for hotter temperatures.
My call: A great top for cooler summer mornings and high alpine days.
Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Merino Tee: Getting the Basics Right
There are quite a few companies making high-end, premium cycling apparel, but sometimes it’s hard to understand what’s driving that premium price. With this North Carolina-based brand, there’s a clear line between the price of Kitsbow’s products to both the high quality of the product itself and the construction of that product—U.S. manufacturing by an employee-owned company. Our sister site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride, had Kitsbow’s CEO on its podcast if you want to hear more about what the company is doing.
The Laurel Mountain Merino Tee is exactly what it sounds like—a Merino wool, raglan cut, short-sleeve jersey with flatlock seams. Kitsbow created this tee primarily for mountain biking, but with multi-day adventures of any activity type in mind. The Merino wool will reduce multi-day adventure stank while the polyester provides enough stretch for the tee to keep its shape over several days.
Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Merino Tee: The Details
The fit is true to size and the cut has a comfortable drape that is both flattering and functional, allowing for unrestricted movement. The top has held up against the abrasive surfaces of my backpack and hip pack, as well as a couple of crashes, and is no worse for the wear. No pilling, no tears, and I’ve yet to find a loose thread.
Due to the high merino percentage, the Laurel Mountain Merino Tee does require a little extra laundry care than your run-of-the-mill tech tee. Namely, nix the dryer. I line dry my chamois, so it wasn’t any extra effort for me to pull this tee out of the wash with my bib shorts to hang dry. Just make sure you don’t forget or you could end up with a very high-quality tee shirt for your favorite kiddo.
Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Merino Tee: The Ride
I’ve had this tee for a full season now, beginning in early spring when there was still snow on the ground at my house. I’ve worn the Laurel Tee in Moab, throughout the summer on local trails around Colorado Springs, and in the high country. I would say its sweet spot for riding temperatures is in the 60s to low 70 degrees. Pair it with a vest or light jacket and I was able to comfortably wear it in the mid-50s. As we’re back into shoulder season, I find myself reaching for the Laurel tee more and more often for my rides.
I did wear the tee up into the 80s a few times during the summer. The wool-blend fabric is just heavy enough that in addition to being durable, it quickly becomes visibly damp from sweat, which isn’t my favorite thing. On the plus side, it still provides wool’s magical thermoregulation, so damp doesn’t mean cold.
Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Merino Tee: Final Word
While the Laurel Mountain Tee may not be my go-to when riding in the desert in July, I found myself reaching for it pretty consistently early in autumn and peak leaf-peeping season. It’s simple, comfortable, well-made, and should last a long time, which makes the Kitsbow price more palatable. It may not be in everyone’s budget, but if it’s in yours, it is worth the spend.