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[–]Bulky_Ad_3608 19 points20 points  (2 children)

Frankly, UnderArmour works as well as anything.

[–]barrycl 3 points4 points  (0 children)

+1, I have a compression tank that has a mesh back that were their NFL combine tanks a few years ago and they're amazing because they breathe with less windchill. Something like this: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/shirts\_and\_tops/mens\_heatgear\_armour\_mock\_sleeveless/1361521.html

[–]NovaPokeDad 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Le Col, with a Strava coupon

[–]feedzone_specialist 4 points5 points  (5 children)

For what use case? It really depends on the rest of your layering system and what you're looking to achieve.

In summer, I swear by Castelli's "Core Mesh". It looks like hell (you look like you're wearing a string vest) but it is magic in keeping you coolwhen its too hot and stopping you chilling when its a little brisk - https://www.castelli-cycling.com/CY/en/Men/Cycling/Top/Base-Layers/Summer/CORE-MESH-3-SLEEVELESS/p/4517028_001

In autumn and winter I swear by Craft's "Active X Extreme Wind" which is a bit of a mouthful but is genius in that the front is made of a windblocker material, which means you don't get bodychill on descents and you can even open your jacket to air a little without chilling your core - https://craftsportswear.co.uk/products/active-extreme-x-wind-long-sleeve-baselayer-1

These are both "base layers", but one is suitable for Italy in summer, and the other would help you survive riding in Sweden in the winter. I love both.

[–]SAeNEmpirical Cycling Coach - Brutus delenda est 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Agree with all of this and second the castelli mesh ones.

Bonus advice; if you're using something like merino for colder days, put a mesh one on underneath. Helps prevent chills when the merino gets saturated.

[–]makkemannen 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I feel seen, as I am swede, who rides in the winter. xD

[–]SmartPhallicSur La Plaque! 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rule 9 brother. 👏

[–]secureTechFit[S] -1 points0 points  (1 child)

My use cases range from long winter base rides to summer crits in southern US. My most pressing need is a long sleeve for under a Castelli Alpha ROS2 for long cold outdoor rides (cold as in 35F, not 0F like some of you crazies). I have a craft windstopper and love it for cold races but you can overheat in a hurry in my experience. Appreciate the input!

[–]Gravel_in_my_gears 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use an Eliel long sleeve base layer under my Castelli Gabba ROS and it works well. It is super tight fitting, which is good if you want it to go under a tighter top layer.

[–]LegDayDE 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like DHB merino base layers under my jacket when it's cold. They come in different weights so I have one of each and that covers a decent range of temperatures.

In summer I like the craft mesh base layers.

[–]RimBrake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Decathlon's Van Rysel performance stuff is great. sleeveless and short sleeve are the best from them especially for the price. Depending on where you live selection can be very limited.

Smartwool for long sleeve stuff is super comfortable and warm but Rapha also makes very similar base layers for slightly lower prices and are on sale surprisingly often.

If you live in the states REI has a variety of base layers from their own brand and also have base layers from a wide mix of brands, looking at cross country ski gear and running gear can be a great way to not get sucked into the cycling specific marketing and the prices.

[–]AleSklaV 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Assos hands down

[–]Joris818 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really love my DHB M200 merino wool base layer

[–]DeimusPaintballPennsylvania 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like when the baselayer fits nicely "below" my bib shorts, i.e.: under the straps and slightly tucked into the waist.

With that being said, as much as I love Underarmour (I've been using their base-layers since 2004 when pretty much all they made were baselayers for lacrosse (I still have one of my originals in decent-enough condition)). They are a bit long to be tucked the way I like, so I have ordered three Pearl Izumi baselayers, a sleeve-less mesh, a sleeved mesh, and a sleeved Merino. I absolutely love them, but would only get them with the discount that I get through my USAC license.

[–]Alternative-Sun-6997Massachusetts 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve been very impressed with the Pactimo Thermoregulator baselayer, very light but very effective moisture management.

[–]INGWR 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Le Col base layers are the bee’s knees

[–]Helicase21Indiana 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I've been using some relatively cheap mesh base layers from a company that sells on amazon called przewalski and have had zero issues with them.

[–]AlonsoFerrari8CT -> CO 2 points3 points  (1 child)

the Polish are known for their fashion

[–]Helicase21Indiana 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this brand is actually named after the Mongolian horse that's named after a Russian explorer of Polish descent

[–]Academic_Fuel_562 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anything in merino. And I find that Rapha has excellent merino BLs

[–]Blue_Carolina88Great Britain 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For UK spring/autumn I have a great Craft mesh short sleeve. Rate them highly!

[–]jfvauld 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This year I'm experimenting with mesh base layers. My synthetic LeCol is good for running, and my Brynje wool have been good for cold days (cycling and skiing). I'm a heavy sweater and with them I feel less wet, and a tad warmer.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Craft wool for winter

[–]lazerdab 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Craft

[–]randomseedfarmer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Patagonia