Best Thermal Base Layer for Cycling

A good base layer is essential for cycling. A thermal base layer should wick away sweat so that you can have a dry layer next to the skin. Note: if you wear a heavy goretex jacket it might be difficult to wick away the sweat as some waterproof’s keep the moisture in.

A good thermal base layer should also be close fitting, but not excessively tight.

One of the warmest thermal base layers is the Helly Hensen Freeze at £40.99. It combines modern fittings with a warm Merino wool combination. This is one of the best materials for offering warmth and wicking qualities. I really enjoy wearing this as it helps keep dry and is really quite warm. Merino wool is a lovely product to have next to skin. (has an added advantage of somehow not smelling too much)

Helly Hansen offer a good range of other base layers including this

Made out of Lifa, it is lightweight at 140grams and has some of the following features:

* Eyelet construction
* Longer back
* Close to the body fit
* Excellent moisture transportation
* Lightweight
* high-elasticity fabric allows unrestricted freedom of movement
* Odour resistant
* Rapid drying time

Craft Pro Zero Xtreme

I’ve tested this product and really like them. They are soft, comfortable and snug fit. Very light product. They are very well ergonomically designed and fit very ‘lightly’ on the body. They have excellent wicking properties which is essential for keeping skin dry and warm. You can use these from any time when the temperature drops. Even on a cold summer day, they help regulate body temperature quite well. Little bit more pricey than cheapest base layers, but here you get good quality and won’t regret the investment. Craft Pro Zero review | Craft base layers at Wiggle

 

Ladies Thermal Base Layers

Endura, based in Scotland claim to be specialists in providing warm thermal underdress.

This endura ladies support offers good value at £22.49. It is made out of Polytex Lycra with Mesh Lycra inner. Craft ladies Prowarm crewneck also recommended.

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5 comments ↓

#1 Custom Cycling Clothes | Cycling UK on 07.28.10 at 12:29 am

[...] Thermal Base Layers for cycling [...]

#2 Riding Through Winter | Cycling UK on 10.14.10 at 12:02 pm

[...] tried many combinations of clothes and generally find the best combination, is light wicking layers on the bottom and fleece style winter training jackets. Goretex layers tend to be uncomfortably [...]

#3 Tough Cycle Rides | Cycling UK on 12.06.10 at 2:40 am

[...] was a better day, bright sun and air temperatures above freezing. I wore a proper thermal wicking layer, and it made a big difference. I went up to Chipping Norton, but, found away from Oxford the [...]

#4 Best Winter Cycling Gear | Cycling UK on 09.12.11 at 2:14 am

[...] layers than 1 or two big heavy layers. This makes it easier to take off a layer if you are too hot. Base layers I like very much these micro roubaix dhb base layers only £16.99 but comfortable and tight [...]

#5 John Gallagher on 01.26.12 at 7:42 am

Try Aldi. I bought merino wool long-johns and a merino wool T-shirt for a tenner apiece. They are well made and about a quarter of the price of other shops. These were being marketed to skiers but this cyclist benefited just as much.

Other than that, wear several thin layers of clothes which wick-away sweat.

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