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The best riding base layers provide the foundation for riding comfort. Although often overlooked, the base layer plays a vital role in regulating temperature and ensuring optimal performance. If the rider is too hot or too cold, their power and performance may suffer. When worn under a cycling jersey or winter cycling jacket, the base layer helps wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer comfortable in all temperatures.
For maximum comfort, the base layer should fit snugly against the skin. They trap a layer of air and wick away sweat to keep the wearer dry. In warm weather or indoor skiing, a light base layer with short sleeves or sleeveless will help keep you cool. For colder weather, a heavier, long-sleeve base layer keeps you warm and wicks moisture away.
This guide focuses on men’s cycling base layers, but we also have a separate guide for women’s cycling base layers. If you are not sure what you need, you can refer to the purchase advice at the bottom of the page. We are loyal cyclists at Cyclingnews with years of experience. We tested these base layers in a variety of conditions, temperatures and riding intensities to do the hard work for you and make sure the base layers included in our guide are up to par.
The base layer of the Endura Translite II is made from an ultra-soft, thin polyester mesh that is partially recyclable. It is available both sleeveless and short sleeve. There is also a Windstopper version. Although I tested the short sleeve version.
Translite, one of the most comfortable base layers in the entire range, is very soft and comfortable, has flat seams and a slightly looser fit than some of the other tighter racing cut base layers. It adds a bit of versatility and you can even wear it as a base layer for walking or running.
It keeps me comfortable and sweaty on smart sneakers and outdoor walks, and for the price, it’s a pretty solid base layer option.
It is available in white only, with a silver Endura logo on the chest and a soft label sewn on the back of the neck.
The Nalini AIS base layer comes in both sleeveless and short sleeves, I tested the sleeveless version. The bottom layer is made of polypropylene mesh for a snug fit.
I usually wear a small size base layer, but Nalini’s “Italian size” means it’s a little smaller, so we recommend ordering a size up from your usual size. I wear a medium size and it fits me like a small one.
Nalini has been in the cycling gear business for a long time, and AIS does exactly what it promises. It’s slightly tighter than the Endura Translite and tucks neatly into the bottom of the shorts with no restrictions. The tongues don’t get in the way or chafe in any way, which I think is important for summer base layers when you can sweat a little more or work hard while playing or sports.
The AIS also features flat stitching and a stylish silver Nalini logo at the bottom front.
The Echelon is Galibier’s lightweight basic jacket for the spring/summer season, and like the Nalini AIS, it’s available in sleeveless, short or even long sleeve versions. The model is made in white with a stylish Black Galibier logo on the chest.
It’s made primarily from Airmesh, a perforated polyester mesh fabric that’s unsurprisingly lighter than the heavy-duty Galibier barrier base layer I reviewed this winter.
The small sample I used was a great fit, and the sleeves were long enough to wear under all but the tightest tights or gaming jerseys, making it a versatile option.
It keeps me cozy and warm during my early spring rides and also works well for sweaty zwift workouts in the garage.
The Rapha Pro Team base layer sits alongside eight other Rapha products. Pro Team Thermal Base Layers can be found in the Winter Base Layers section of this guide. This time I tested the sleeveless Pro Team base layer in warm weather.
The Pro Team jersey is available in three different colors and features Paris-Roubaix fashion on the front. Mesh front and back panels with two durable stretch side panels.
It is tight-fitting and does not restrict movement, it hides perfectly under any T-shirt or equipment. The mesh isn’t as soft as some of the other base layers we’ve tested, and certainly not as soft as Endura’s offerings, but that doesn’t affect comfort at all, and the Pro team did a great job of sweating it out. its back indoors or as a starter for an initial layer of outdoor spring outings.
The base layer of the Pearl Izumi Transfer won the most eye-catching design award for its “Fuego Coslope” color scheme, which is both fun and eye-catching, although it’s also available in white. But behind the pizza slices and the fish, there are very spectacular technical details.
Like some of the bottom layers in our test, the transfer material is mostly made from polyester mesh, but much of it is recycled. Pearl Izumi is committed to sustainable development and has set itself the goal of producing 98% of its products from sustainable materials by 2024.
The Transfer uses GoFresh odor protection technology to help keep it smelling fresh, so it’s perfect for long commutes or bike rides. In testing, it had more floppy tails than other base layers, simply providing more lower back protection and sweat wicking.
The transfer label is also on the outside of the garment, which surprised me at first. I think this is to minimize potential chafing or chafing, but even if it’s not noticeable to many, you may still feel the need to cut it off. Despite its playful profile, it fits snugly around the arm or neck with no tight spots and is comfortable to wear.
Simply named Pas Normal, a sleeveless base layer is a sleek and minimalist base layer made primarily from polyester mesh.
It’s very light, airy, and Pas Normal is rated for use in temperatures from 15/30C to 59/86F, so it should wick moisture well and regulate body temperature on really warm days.
Available in seven colors, it features the Pas Normal logo on the front and a large vertical “Road to None” lettering on the back. Feels very unobtrusive, almost like a second skin.
GTO NS Dermasensor is Assos’ top summer base coat and the most expensive base coat tested.
Fine mesh is used front and back, with the exception of a solid Assos line on the front of the chest. Dermasensor is very soft and form fitting. Apart from the minimal number of seams on the shoulders, there are no seams or tabs, which ensures a very comfortable fit and makes layering easier. The mesh itself is larger here than most other base layers and really opens up when stretched to help keep you cool.
Aesthetically, the inside of the base layer is light grey, while the mesh outer has black fabric overlays with gold Assos details and a printed logo at the back of the neck.
Needless to say, we found the Dermasensor to be very comfortable and soft to wear, and it performed well on all of our test rides. If you’re looking to spend some money on one, this won’t disappoint.
The Galibier Barrier Base Layer is an excellent cost effective base layer for winter with superior performance. The barrier costs £29.
The polyester base layer consists of two layers welded together. You can actually see the second contrast layer inside the base layer. The multi-mesh air blend is also treated with Polygiene, which Galibier claims makes it more odor resistant. If you’re like me, you’ve never heard of Polygenie before, a Swedish company that offers a range of freshness and protection technologies for clothing.
The barrier has a high collar, not as high as the Rapha or Spatz models, but still provides protection and comfort to the skin. The Galibier doesn’t have stretchy elastane like some of the other bottom layers in the guide, but it does fit snugly without being tight. However, this may mean that you only need to check your size if you are in between sizes. In addition to the male version that I tested, there is also a female version.
It kept me cozy and warm during several cold winter rides with a comfortable fit. I even did a few solo runs on gloomy days when the bright orange made me stand out. I can’t find fault with anything and can’t find anything to note. This is a great base layer.
The Rapha Pro Team base layer is a heavier winter base layer designed to withstand all winter riding conditions. It is also one of two garments in this guide that use Polartec Power Grid fleece.
Ideal for hard workouts in cold conditions where comfortable temperatures are in the single digits. It has a sleek look in the black version I own and also has another teal colorway. The obverse is engraved with homage to the infamous Arenberg forest, alluding to the horseman’s hard work during the winter months.
It’s made from polyester and elastane, and the inside uses Polartec Power Grid fleece, which is designed to trap air and shared fabric with the MAAP base layer in our testing. The cuffs at the ends of the sleeves are folded in half for a snug fit around the wrist.
The base layer’s long neckline is a prominent design feature, allowing it to be used as a nose warmer on cold mornings. Once it’s hot, you can roll it up or fold it up and you’ve got a built-in neck warmer. This pretty much eliminates the need for buffs and is a nice feature. Some of the base layers in the guide have longer necks like the Galibier or Spatz, but none of them are the same length as the Pro Team.
The bottom layer is soft and comfortable, yet very light. It keeps me warm and cozy on the coldest days. While it’s more expensive, it can be worth the money in the long run if you drive a lot in the winter.
BaaBaa has been a part of the range of the Scottish brand Endura for many years. The BaaBaa Blend base layer is made from a merino wool/synthetic blend and has a looser fit than the other base layers featured in this guide. The merino/synthetic blend isn’t the most breathable, but it’s very soft to the touch and keeps you comfortable for long periods of low to medium intensity riding.
I recently wore it on a road trip with the Castelli Perfetto 2 Jacket, which I recently added to my annual gear list. I noticed that the looser cut was very comfortable compared to the other thin base layers, but it wasn’t so bulky that I tucked the hem into my suspenders.
If you participate in more than one event, this can be a great addition to your wardrobe. It’s easy to wear under a road jacket, on its own with baggy shorts for mountain biking or even hiking and off the bike. it lasts longer for a fresh scent for days on end. Available in five different colors, BaaBaa is a versatile option that can be used for many other purposes.
Le Col’s Pro Mesh base layer is a versatile long-sleeve base layer. It is woven in one piece and is very stretchy. When held up, it looks too small and noticeably smaller than any of the other underlays here. But don’t worry, it fits true to size and will stretch to fit you.
Much of the back and front of the base layer has large mesh panels from the chest down to help keep you cool and wick moisture away effectively. The Pro Mesh doesn’t provide the same warmth as some of the heavier base layers in this guide, but it’s a great choice for hard riding, sweaty cold, hard training in the middle of winter. But there is no need for bulkier, thicker and heavier clothing. . Or spring and fall when temperatures start to drop and you’re just starting to wear long-sleeved base layers again.
Its snug fit and small size also make it a good choice for racing like cross country racing, local winter leagues or early season racing when temperatures are cooler.
The debut Castelli Miracolo was worn by Tao Geohegan Hart in the Stelvio race at the 2020 Giro d’Italia. The mysterious bottom has caught the attention of social media, and for good reason. It’s a long sleeve merino wool blend mesh base layer with temperatures ranging from 4C/39F to 15C/59F. It’s simple and lightweight, with a snug fit and open mesh design.
In the fall, before temperatures plummeted, I found myself wearing them a lot and reaching for them a lot, especially on my local networks, knowing that I would soon break a sweat. It absorbs moisture very well and keeps me comfortable during hard work.
Its open mesh can be a bit flimsy; I took it off after the ride and tore the back of my neck more than anything, but it’s probably worth being careful when taking off the Miracolo.
Spatz Basez 2 Winter Basecoat Designed by former professional cyclist Tom Barras as the winter basecoat he always wanted but never had, the Spatz Basez 2 is unlike any other winter basecoat I’ve come across.
The Basez 2 is a thicker winter base layer with a high collar, thumb loops and a very interesting design that includes ribbed ribbing on multiple sections of the garment designed to create air pockets to keep warmth close to the skin. The chest and arms have also become thicker, and the design of the entire product has undergone many changes. I tested the white version, but there is also a black version.
Post time: Jul-12-2023