recommendation for base layers?

[baderlfc]

Any recommendation as to brand for base layers?

Looking for something all weather, top half only so a long sleeved shirt type base layer?

Seen proskins seem to get good reviews?

[t121anf]

EDZ merino were the ones I always wanted, ended up with Karrimor merino as they were on sale and I had a credit note to waste.

[NJD]

Pop into your local Aldi first thing tomorrow and see if there's any base layers left over from their bike gear special today, ten ponds for top and bottoms as a set IIRC (too lazy to look on website).

Since buying a mine at £15 for the top and then another £15 for the bottoms (and that's just one set) I question why I did since base layers are sold near enough everywhere fairly cheap. B&M, Sports direct etc.

Unless there's a genuine difference between regular base layers and the ones sold under bike brand names or advertised as for bikers that I'm unaware off?

[Commuter_Tim]

I ride every day of the year and have 8 pairs of these.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Seasons-Superman-Thermal-Layer/dp/B005JXH9SY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458506640&sr=8-1&keywords=superman+thermal

It is odd that you ask just as the damned cold weather has dissipated though.
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The above post is most likely nonsensical.

I ride a Bandit 600... badly.

[Val]

[stinkwheel]

I simply will not look past merino wool for base layers now. Warm when wet, comfortable against the skin, quick drying, highly effective at wicking and doesn't stink.

If I were to recommend a brand. It would be icebreaker. Not cheap though. I only buy it when it's on sale.

Lidl periodically do merino base layers and they are ok. Not as good as the icebreaker stuff but amazingly good for the price.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[chickenstrip]

Another for merino wool, but it has it's drawbacks. Cheaper ones can be a bit itchy when new, but this soon goes after a wash or two. Comparatively expensive. Tears easily. But you won't find a more comfortable base layer material. I've got a Rab cocono top which I like for a biking base layer, but you'll baulk at the price. However, keeps me warm in winter, cool when the sun comes out, and is very thin and so great for layering. As stinkwheel says, good wicking properties and dries very quickly in the slightest of breezes.

Currently when it's cold out, I use the Rab top (long sleeve) and a down jacket underneath my bike textile jacket, and I'm warm as toast. Down and Primaloft jackets with Pertex (windproof) are also great for wearing under a bike jacket because the jacket slips on easily over them, no struggle. I occasionally use a Montane windproof top (layered over merino), again Pertex. Thin as a fag paper, so again, great for layering, packs down to nothing if you want to take it off as the day warms up, light as a feather. Keeping the wind out effectively is half the battle. Pertex is also highly breathable.
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[iooi]

[talkToTheHat]

I have a handful of coolmax items left over from my days as a cyclist. It's very good at keeping me dry on a hot day, but it's some kind of stink magnet, so not advised for keeping on all day if you commute. A merino wool undershirt you can wear all week. Reasonable value as you can wear less of them.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[baderlfc]

The aldi set I looked at yesterday, tops only available short sleeve leaving rather chilly arms or a jumper needed over the top defeating object in my opinion.

I got chatting to a biker out last week and said how I found i was either cold or warm and never seemingly just right.. he took one look at me and said ditch the layers (t-shirt and hoody I think at time) and get a decent base layer for under my jacket.. When I researched what he said I can see the supposed benefits so looking to give it a go.

I'll do a bit more research on the options suggested, I am looking for something to wear year round, as mentioned already base layers aren't just for the cold!

Another quick question.. Finding my legs are getting colder than anything other part of me, I wear kevlar jeans with thermal longjohns underneath generally.. thinking of changing to textile or leather trousers? Is this best option or better bottom half base layer??

[AdamEf]

+1 for Merino. +1 for Icebreaker too.. very silky soft and stays in shape when washed. Doesn't need washing as often as synthetics either as it has natural antibacterial qualities. I've bought cheaper merino and found it a bit itchy and loses shape / shrinks (Often lengthways so tops go short!) easily.

I go for the lightweight layers, about 160g? Double up in the winter rather than having one thick layer. Also good as a single layer in warmer weather to keep other materials away from your skin and has a cooling feel if it's good quality.

[chickenstrip]

[AdamEf]

[quote="chickenstrip"]

[chickenstrip]

[hellkat]

Possum and merino.
https://www.thepossumstore.com/shop/mens-possum-merino-clothing.html
An excuse to be fluffy and warm at the same time.
And it doesn't itch.
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[c-m]

You are supposed to stretch merino (like all wool) after washing. It is usually sold much thinner than cotton, but is much much stronger.

Of course there are different grades/quality of merino and it's never mentioned on the pack (only the thickness), so it's better to go for a trusted brand like Rab, Patagonia etc..

[ScaredyCat]

Becka Coolwear
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[TCFA]

looks like a few people are fans of merino - seconded

I got a fairly good deal on some helly hansen on amazon i think. i find artificial fabrics make you stink and if you buy those skin hugging things (online anyway)they are uncomfortable and are not exactly flattering when the jacket comes off

I also subscribe to one of those email "daily deal" things called sports pursuits. lots of deals on winter clothes all the time.
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[Alpineandy]

[chickenstrip]

[Ste]

Helly Hansen Stripe Crew

@chickenstrip, cycle shops (Wiggle, Evans, or even a traditional local bike shop) sell windproof kit but it's not cheap.

[chickenstrip]

[Ste]

I was more meaning cycling orientated kit that'll be described as tights rather than base layers.

[Alpineandy]

[chickenstrip]