Altura Merino £39.99

Although billed as a merino top, the Altura baselayer is in fact 50 per cent wool and 50 per cent polyester – a mix designed to combine the performance and comfort benefits of both fibres. With a close-fitting cut, it fits comfortably under a jersey or can be worn alone under a jacket. It does have the advantage of the instantly warm feel of merino as soon as you pull it on, and once riding, the fabric doesn’t get as sweat-soaked as some pure wool baselayers. The seams are flatlocked for extra comfort and, although this is what might be considered a ‘basic’ garment, the fabric, fit and specification make it anything but. We have one tiny quibble, which is that the back-ofneck label is way too long and we’d prefer a heat-transfer print, but at this price we’ll shut up and focus on the outstanding value. www.altura.co.uk