GROUP TEST
Baselayers, £40 £140
To enjoy riding through the Great British winter, you need to stay warm – and keeping dry is a big part of this, because having moisture (i.e. sweat) held next to your skin when you stop is what makes you cold, with your body wasting extra energy to counter its continued cooling effect. This is why we always emphasise the importance of a good-quality baselayer that will wick the perspiration away from your skin to your outer layers, from where it can evaporate more easily, without cooling you down.
In order to do this most efficiently, the baselayer should sit against your skin. To offset this close fit and ensure freedom of movement isn’t hindered, the material needs a lot of stretch. Generous length is important too, so that the rear hem doesn’t ride up to expose your lower back.
Thinner baselayers work well paired with an insulating midlayer, but it’s also possible to find warmth and wicking ability in one top, so that a midlayer is only needed in the very coldest weather. These styles tend to have a slightly less body-hugging fit and often work well off the bike too. Either way, you’ll need a jacket on top to stay warm and keep wind and rain at bay.
In terms of fabric, merino wool has a cosy, warm feel and is naturally antibacterial, so even after multiple wears it doesn’t smell too bad. It takes longer to dry than synthetic fibres though, and can feel damp next to your skin if it gets sweaty, despite staying warm when wet. Wool baselayers also tend to have a looser, more casual fit. Synthetics are faster drying and the best are incredibly efficient at wicking – so much so that they can feel cold when you stop riding. They come with a reputation for ponging at the first drop of sweat, although most now come with antibacterial treatments. Combining wool with synthetics can deliver the advantages of both – natural warmth and antibacterial performance, with faster drying and a closer fit.
Before you plunge into the choices available think about the riding you do. Fast and furious? Opt for a high-performance synthetic. Social rides with lots of stops and starts? Go for a merino or blend. One top for all? Consider a casual merino style.