Well, the answer was the most obvious: its hue, the candy floss pinkness of it. Despite this snag, I bought it at a snip and actually, it doesn't look so bad when worn.
Others must have found a problem with this too, which accounts for its having languished on the rails in TK Maxx for weeks with its price being gradually reduced, until it became the absolute bargain that it was.
Merino has revolutionised my cycling comfort: it's comfortable worn next to the skin, doesn't get damp and clammy and never pongs and I am very happy to have this garment as part of my everyday and cycling wardrobe.
It's certainly polarised opinions amongst my friends and family.
I'm not old enough yet to wear purple, but am proud to wear pink, I think..........