Life In The Saddle

Not all summer cycling base layers were created equal. Some are simply far cooler than the rest. The new Aeron LAB Polartec Sleeveless Base Layer utilises a unique cooling technology found in Polartec Delta™ fabric—to keep you comfortable when things hot up. Most summer base layers use a wicking fabric—designed to quickly move moisture away from your body and keep you dry. Polartec Delta™ is a wicking fabric with a difference though; it uses hydrophilic fibres that hold onto moisture a little longer, allowing the perspiration to also have a cooling effect on the torso. The superlight 'slow wicking' open-mesh weave maintains exceptional airflow through the base layer as well—further aiding the cooling effect; while the low neckline and low bulk make this the perfect layer to wear underneath race suits and jerseys. Out on the road, the dhb Aeron LAB Polartec® Base Layer does perform exceptionally well; feeling cooler, lighter, and less noticeable than most other summer base layer...

Cyclists can underestimate the power of a good base layer — it is the foundation of a layering system, and wicks sweat away from your body to leave you cool and dry. The Chapeau base layer is a great example of summer cycling base layer. A base layer is not a complicated piece of clothing: it is a single layer of fabric, which needs to fit like a second skin in order for it to perform its wicking function effectively. The key for any base layer is the fabric, which must be both moisture absorbing and super-fast drying, in order for it to transport sweat away from the skin's surface to the outside atmosphere. UK brand Chapeau Cycling is new to the base layer market, but their summer cycling base layers are a great first venture. The lightweight fabric fulfils the required attributes, and the short-sleeved layers fit well, even in the cycling position. It might not be summer as I write this review, but summer weight base layers are also ideal if you are into indoor training o...

Last week I reviewed the new adidas Supernova Winter Bib Tights and Supernova Winter Jersey (Link) ; this week I'm looking at two of their other cold weather specials - the Warm Wind Walter Turtleneck base layer and Cocona neck tube. adidas Warm Wind Walter Turtleneck Base layers play a vital part in keeping you comfortable in the winter months, wicking away uncomfortable perspiration and leaving you warm and dry. With fabric development, we're seeing new designs that have the ability to keep you warmer by also providing a wind-shielding layer. The new Cocona fabric from adidas does exactly that, and it's what makes the Warm Wind Walter Turtleneck a technical and particularly effective base layer option in cold conditions. The 'Warm Wind' element of this garment's design relates to the Cocona fabric panel that is used on the front of the torso. This fabric, combined with the high cut mock turtleneck, means that your core benefits from an additional wi...

The benefits of compression clothing are now widely recognised, and the science behind it well proven. Compression aids the flow of blood between your muscles and your heart, increasing performance during exercise and significantly aiding recovery post-exercise. CEP Compression is one of the leaders in compression clothing, and a brand that I've always been keen to try out - this is compression clothing at its best. The first thing to note, before even considering the design of the clothing itself, is sizing and fit. CEP use a very detailed size chart that works on the muscles that the clothing is going to be compressing. So for example, rather than socks being sized on your foot size, these are sized on your calf muscle circumference. This approach means that this kit really does compress your muscles as much as it is meant to, and tall cyclists with skinny calves and long feet can reap the benefits. The second thing worth noting, is how well this kit is presented. I don...

A good quality base layer can transform the way your cycling clothing feels and performs. A high quality jersey with a low quality base layer is in some respects a lost benefit. The Iero 2 Mesh Base Layer from Primal is one of the best base layers I have tested though; and its technical make-up, styling and fit are second to none. Some may query why I am posting a review of a high wicking, extremely breathable base layer in the middle of December. Surely I should be talking thermal base layers? My reasoning is this; if you have an extremely insulated winter jacket such as the Primal Paradigm (reviewed here) , then you will likely find that in more mild temperatures (5-10 degrees Celsius) you only want a base layer underneath, and that a highly wicking base layer is actually ideal as the thermal insulation of the jacket is sufficient. The Iero 2 is up there at the top of the technical base layer range; it uses a mix of synthetic fabrics to transfer moisture away from your skin to...

74Degrees was set up to create high quality cycling kit that would inspire cyclists “to ride, to celebrate the heritage of our sport, and to honour the legends, landscapes, theatre and passion of the sport” In this review I take a look at their Long Sleeve Merino Wool base layer. A top designed to keep your core warm and comfortable in the worst conditions. Not all merino wool is equal. This base layer uses a 19.5 micron wool blend, in a 215 gsm knit. Translating those numbers into something most of us can understand, it means this is around 40% thicker than many other merino base layers on the market; meaning it is warmer, softer and puts up better with abuse than other merino tops. Slipping the long sleeved base layer on you can instantly recognise that it is thicker than many of its counterparts. It feels as thick as a long sleeved t-shirt, rather than a thin base layer. That thickness translates into great warmth and comfort out on the bike. Even when damp, merino woo...

Regular readers of the blog will know that I'm a big fan of merino wool base layers. They keep you cool and dry in the summer, and they keep you warm and dry in the winter. Merino wool has outstanding capabilities at regulating body temperature across a wide range of weather conditions; absorbing moisture, it leaves your skin feeling dry and warm even when the base layer itself may be soaked.  Embers Merino is a small British firm based in Derbyshire, they produce a wide range of merino clothing from base layers to socks, hats and even underwear. Their range uses luxurious quality merino wool from New Zealand rams and is designed to ensure maximum comfort with natural materials for all outdoor pursuits. A short sleeved base layer can be the only one you need all year; wear it under a short sleeved jersey in the summer, and pair it with arm warmers under a long sleeved jersey in the winter. With that in mind, it is worth making sure you have a good quality and comfortable...

Torm Cycling is a small Kent based company that produces some very high quality garments using SmartWool technology. Their products adopt a classic look and style, much like (dare I say it) Rapha; yet Torm Cycling has retained the much needed focus on making their products affordable, as well as comfortable and high-performing. As a result their range stands out as a great value, British-made offering, with some stunning pieces of apparel for all seasons. With Spring upon us, a good base layer and a set of arm-warmers are two vital pieces of kit to add to your arsenal. They will provide you with comfort, warmth and adaptability to the changing seasons and temperatures. Over the last month I have been testing out the B1 Base Layer and Arm Warmers from Torm Cycling, and have been incredibly pleased with the products. The B1 Base Layer The B1 Base Layer uses Torm's signature SmartWool technology; a 60:40 mix of merino wool and polyester. The material is designed to offer warmth...

Solo is a New Zealand based brand, available in the UK direct from Solocc.com  or from select retailers. Their range of high quality jerseys, shorts, jackets and accessories is beautifully designed and made; over the last month I've been testing out a few of their products in the UK "Spring" weather, and have been very taken with the designs and quality. The Solo Retro-Tech Winter Jersey The Winter Jersey from Solo is designed to be a versatile, warm and luxurious top. It certainly fits those criteria well; made of a close fitting, fleece backed thermal fabric it is beautifully warm, and has been my top of choice on many occasions this spring. The jersey's 'Retro' label alludes to the subtle classy touches on the jersey; the striped track-top style collar and cuffs, and the red zip baffle. The close fitting silhouette is perfectly tailored to a cyclist's physique, and the stretchy fabric means it is comfortable even when pushing it hard. ...

I've developed a love affair with merino wool; it's incredibly breathable, it stays warm even when it gets damp, and it doesn't smell! What more could you want from a material; certainly I haven't found a synthetic fibre that comes close to it. Road Rags is a London based brand that produces a small but beautifully designed and thought-out range of merino products for male and female cyclists. The products are made to be versatile cycling tops, that will provide incredible comfort both in the saddle and sat at the café at the end of a long ride. Winter may be coming to an end, but there is still a definite nip in the air, and the beauty of merino wool is its versatility in so many climates; it will keep you warm in the cold air, but when it starts to heat up the breathability will come into its own. The Smithfield is Road Rag's perfect springtime cycling top; over the last few weeks I've been enjoying its quality and comfort on my spring rides, and though...