GB RACING UNDERLAYER

TESTED BY: Max Silvester TIME: 3 years RRP: from £28.22 WEB: www.gbracing.eu

A good base layer has become an absolute essential for me when riding bikes; predominantly on track, but also for any riding occasion.

I’ve always found it a struggle to find good clothing to wear under riding gear, something that is as practical as it is comfortable, never mind the pure convenience of being able to slide a set of leathers off by yourself.

I will start off with that point though; anyone who has ever been in the situation of riding in leathers – whether that be one-piece or two, with only a short sleeve shirt, or dare I say no shirt at all – may have found themselves jumping up and down trying to yank their arms out of the suit as it has somehow bonded to their skin, before asking a friend for a quick tug… erm, on their leathers that is. Having a long-sleeved base layer to absorb any sweat just so you can slide off your leathers is one of the many benefits. It dramatically improves rider comfort, especially if you get one like GB Racing’s that boasts both a ‘Hot’ and ‘Cool’ option to either keep you warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

Admittedly, the average road rider may not need a base layer like this so much in the summer, though there still is the option, but any winter rider will definitely benefit from the extra heat being kept in by the winter base layer as they are blasted by freezing air.

The main struggle I've had with base layers like these is how the seams for the arms are sewn; it has been common for some to irritate around the armpit and the shoulder, though these base layers have flat locked seams, as well as perfectly placed seams to increase comfort.

It means I no longer have to worry about irritation from so called ‘breathable’ material placed under the armpit that grabs at your hairs. Although you’ll be wearing them under your riding gear, they do come in two colours, black and white. I went for the black layers, only because after a fair period of use the nice pearly white base layer tends to get dirty, and not look so great… at least if I spill some ketchup on the black base layer people won't think I have been shot.

I have used these items of clothing for years, and will continue to use them both on and off-road. I can’t help but highly recommend them to any other rider that doesn’t currently have one.