Base Layers

[bpsmith]

Got a Jacket, a couple of Jerseys, Bib Tights and Bib Shorts, but unsure of how Base Layers fit into the mix?

Do you guys wear them all year round or only during the Winter?

 

[TissoT]

All year round ..... Track/road

 

[DCLane]

All year round:

Skins A400 in the summer
Canterbury cold / BaaBaa in the winter

 

[HLaB]

All year round for me too but I have summer and winter ones.

 

[derrick]

Only when it's cold.

 

[Turbo Rider]

I haven't a base layer to my name...and today's the first day I regretted it...may invest....

 

[andyfraser]

I have a base layer but it was still too warm today. I did have my thinsulate bike gloves on today though. It's nearly cold enough for them.

 

[Easytigers]

Only in winter but worth their weight in gold :-)

 

[bpsmith]

Interesting. So what advantages are there in the Summer?

I did wear an old Nike vest under my Castelli Jacket on the weekend. Didn't feel right wearing a Jacket over Bib Tights. I have a LS Winter Jersey that I have worn with Bib Tights, but it felt sweaty. Would a base layer resolve this by creating a layer between my skin and the fleece?

 

[HLaB]

Pinched from wiggle
Fit, Design and Season
Base layers aren’t just for the colder months; a base layer should be the basis of any layering system, which can be utilised in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Yes a base layer can provide added warmth, but it can also provide a cooling effect and prevent uncomfortable moisture build up in warm conditions. Summer specific and winter specific base layers have distinct differences in fit, design and appearance.

Summer Base Layers – Summer base layers focus primarily on wicking away sweat, to prevent an uncomfortable build up of perspiration on the skin or on your jersey and shorts. These base layers are normally short sleeved or sleeveless and made of a thin material or even mesh. Wearing a base layer underneath your bib shorts even in the summer can stop uncomfortable chafing from your bibs and stops your jersey and shorts becoming damp with sweat.





Autumn/Spring Base Layers – These base layers are for the transition seasons and therefore resemble a compromise between the wicking sweat management of summer base layers, and warmth of thermal winter base layers. They are a thicker material than summer mesh layers and normally short sleeved.





Winter Base Layers – The primary function of these is to keep you warm. They focus on keeping your core temperature at a comfortable level by trapping a layer of warm air between your body and your outer clothing. They are almost always long sleeved, have a high cut collar and can have added features such as thumb loops to help protect your extremities.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I only wear them when its cold, my cycle shirts do just fine at getting rid of the sweat in summer on their own, dont really see the need for a base layer on warmer summer rides personally.

 

[bpsmith]

Close to what I thought then @HLaB. Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[bahamas]

Living in the Bahamas no. But when I ride where it is cold I swear by Castelli Flanders

 

[steveindenmark]

Arm and legwarmers are great.

 

[slowmotion]

I have a couple of Howie merino vests that I was given. They cost silly money, about £40 a pop. They are very warm but I find they itch like crazy if I get sweaty. I have a Helly Hansen vest that is virtually rated for the South Pole. It has a synthetic fabric next to the skin and a bit of merino on the outside. It doesn't itch. I wore all three vests on a night ride at the beginning of November. That worked pretty well.