Is it ever too hot to wear a base layer?

[SpokeyDokey]

Base layer always.

Either a Helly Hansen (short or long sleeve) or one of these (pricey but very effective):

https://saddleback.co.uk/products/sportful-2nd-skin-mesh-sleeveless

 

[UphillSlowly]

Base layer always.

Either a Helly Hansen (short or long sleeve) or one of these (pricey but very effective):

https://saddleback.co.uk/products/sportful-2nd-skin-mesh-sleeveless

Yes, pricey indeed. I have a couple of Craft mesh thingies

 

[vickster]

I have a craft string vest type thing but it’s too hot on a warm day! The semi baselayer wicks well on the bits where I actually seem to perspire most!

 

[UphillSlowly]

I have a craft string vest type thing but it’s too hot on a warm day! The semi baselayer wicks well on the bits where I actually seem to perspire most!

I have some full zip jerseys, so can regulate temperature to some degree by unzipping and letting my belly (wrapped in base layer, like a beef joint) flop out. Then zip up for descents (after breathing in).

Without a base layer that may not be an option for female riders?

Have not been riding long enough to decide what works for me but felt very hot yesterday on a Welsh hill. It was very humid too. But was grateful for my base layer on the descent and when I got caught in a monsoon-like downpour

 

[vickster]

I have some full zip jerseys, so can regulate temperature to some degree by unzipping and letting my belly (wrapped in base layer, like a beef joint) flop out. Then zip up for descents (after breathing in).

Without a base layer that may not be an option for female riders?

Have not been riding long enough to decide what works for me but felt very hot yesterday on a Welsh hill. It was very humid too. But was grateful for my base layer on the descent and when I got caught in a monsoon-like downpour

Never felt the need. I can unzip to top of cleavage. I wouldn’t expose my gut anyhow. As a larger woman get enough crap called at me on a bike already

 

[rogerzilla]

I only wear one in winter. I run very hot, though.

 

[gcogger]

I imagine it's different for different people. For me (I run very hot and sweat profusely!), a base layer simply makes me hotter, and the difference is not subtle. So it's a base layer to keep warm in the winter, otherwise not at all.
I wonder if some of it is to do with the fabric the jersey is made from? Many 'technical' fabrics these days feel kind of shiny and 'plastic-ey' on the inside, which makes them rather uncomfortable without a base layer when sweating. I avoid those if I can help it, and try to find fabrics that feel nicer against the skin.

 

[T4tomo]

It really depends on what base layer.....

I have a craft cool mesh or two for summer use. Its defo more comfortable with the base layer than without, even when its roastingly hot.

There are other base layers I have that wouldn't want to wear in the summer.

 

[figbat]

I always wear a compression base layer - in fact this weekend I was out on a MTB ride for 6 hours with my Wahoo telling the local temperature reached 33°C and I was in a short-sleeved compression top plus a short-sleeved cycling jersey. In the winter the compression layer goes on first, then whatever thermal base layers I want, then the mid and outer layers.

 

[UphillSlowly]

I always wear a compression base layer - in fact this weekend I was out on a MTB ride for 6 hours with my Wahoo telling the local temperature reached 33°C and I was in a short-sleeved compression top plus a short-sleeved cycling jersey. In the winter the compression layer goes on first, then whatever thermal base layers I want, then the mid and outer layers.

I have not heard about compression layers, as a road cyclist should I?

 

[figbat]

I have not heard about compression layers, as a road cyclist should I?

They're really just tight-fitting base layers; mine are made of a very thin elastane-type material.

 

[Alex321]

For me, I only wear a base layer when the temperature is down somewhere around zero Celsius or lower.

But as I have mentioned before, I just don't feel the cold as much as many people do - my wife reckons I don't feel the heat as much either, though I'm not so sure about that myself.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Always wear a base layer

 

[Alex321]

I have some full zip jerseys, so can regulate temperature to some degree by unzipping and letting my belly (wrapped in base layer, like a beef joint) flop out. Then zip up for descents (after breathing in).

Without a base layer that may not be an option for female riders?

I suspect the majority of adult female riders will be wearing a sports bra that gives pretty good coverage of the bits they probably don't want on show. At least the ones who are serious enough to be wearing cycling jerseys.

 

[Jameshow]

I don't wear a base layer unless it's very unlikely to be warm, then I'll wear one under a thermal jersey usually a technical t shirt.

Usually I'll wear a short sleeve cycling jersey for the extra pockets.

I don't sweat much though and when it's really hot the sweat dries instantly.