Base layer

[lanternerouge]

Hi folks

Looking for some advice on what kind of base layer to get. On Sunday's ride in the Peaks I was either too hot going up hills with my jacket on or too cold coming down them without it! Kind of the wrong way round I know... Anyway, it was a pain having to stop and take my jacket off, fold it up etc.

A number of riders had base layers on. I remember reading somewhere that they can keep you cool as well as warm. I know they wick the moisture away from your skin etc.

So I guess my question is, can anyone recommend a good baselayer for those wet/cold/sunny/rainy August days?

Many thanks

LR

 

[ttcycle]

Helly Hansen ones are great - can get smelly though.

I also love my orca Merino ones (thin merino)

They don't reek and are just like a standard t-shirt - very comfy

 

[lanternerouge]

Do they keep you cool as well TT?

 

[byegad]

Almost all 'technical base layers' will do the job. I have a few which I paid anything from £5 to £20 and frankly there's little difference except the cheaper ones aren't tailored as well as the expensive ones.

Perhaps you should try a Gilet for temperature control? Unzipped for climbing it offers little insulation and zipped right up for descents it offers a windproof barrier to keep the heat in. I wash and proof mine with a wash in water proofer so it offers some protection in a shower too.

 

[BSRU]

I would recommend Ice Breakers, 100% merino wool.

 

[ttcycle]

Yes they do - I also have some cheap ones from Decathlon but they can get really smelly.

The Orca ones are my favourite.

I'd also agree with the above re gilet.

 

[lanternerouge]

That's great advice, thank you!

I might just stick with my Helly Hansen LS base layer that is lurking in the back of my wardrobe, and then look for a good gilet.

Clothing is a bit of a nightmare isn't it - so many options....

 

[zexel]

I picked up one of these at half price from a local sports shop that was closing down.

Canterbury Baselayer

Okay it's a rugby baselayer. I took a punt and bought it for winter cycling, but have been using it for all 'summer' so far apart from the hottest of days. I tend to go out quite early so is a bit nippy to start but has warmed up by the time I get back (4hrs). I'm not one for believing marketing hype but it really does regulate your body temperature. Just the base layer and a normal cycling top and I'm happy for the whole ride.

Edit: Did you do the Wiggle 'Flat out in the fens'?

 

[lejogger]

I use the under armour short sleeve base layer - heat gear version. They are designed to keep you cool but as it's an extra layer i find they work pretty well when the temperature drops too. Look on ebay for the best prices.

 

[lejogger]

I use the under armour short sleeve base layer - heat gear version. They are designed to keep you cool but as it's an extra layer i find they work pretty well when the temperature drops too. Look on ebay for the best prices.

 

[VamP]

Merino all the way!


The stuff is miraculous. Planet X usually have good deals on merino stuff, their 4 pack for £70ish will set you up for all conditions.

Alternatively Howies do fantastic merino stuff, stylish too. A bit more pricey though.


I am a recent convert to merino, I used to think all technical base layers did the job, but merino does it better

 

[Nebulous]

All my cycling kit is odds and ends, picked up cheaply, but probably my favourite piece of clothing is my lidl base layer. It's sleeveless, tight-fitting - the first time I put it on I thought it was going to restrict my breathing- but after a couple of minutes it just feels right. It also holds my heart rate monitor in place. All-in-all I rarely go out on the bike without it, and recently bought another one.

 

[BrumJim]

Bamboo. Try BAM.

Although they only do long-sleeved stuff, so good for colder weather.

Bamboo is even nicer than merino.

 

[VamP]

Bamboo. Try BAM.

Although they only do long-sleeved stuff, so good for colder weather.

Bamboo is even nicer than merino.

Oh crap. I just loaded up on merino. Now you got my credit card twitching in my pocket for bamboo.

 

[lanternerouge]

I picked up one of these at half price from a local sports shop that was closing down.

Canterbury Baselayer

Okay it's a rugby baselayer. I took a punt and bought it for winter cycling, but have been using it for all 'summer' so far apart from the hottest of days. I tend to go out quite early so is a bit nippy to start but has warmed up by the time I get back (4hrs). I'm not one for believing marketing hype but it really does regulate your body temperature. Just the base layer and a normal cycling top and I'm happy for the whole ride.

Edit: Did you do the Wiggle 'Flat out in the fens'?

Nope but it's on the list! Next up is the Perthshire Highland Challenge