Base layers.

baccaman21

I'm in the market for a new base layer top.

I'm looking for something that wicks and is good for all year round riding.

It must have a scooped back/tail that covers your lower back when bent in riding position - this is where my current top fails.

and have a raised collar with a half zip.

I've got my eye on some helly hensen ones... but before I got the missus to get me one (for xmas) I wondered if I could pick the forums brains as to what they'd suggest.

Cheers

Anonymous

Just in case you haven't seen our guide: http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/articl ... ers--11411

baccaman21

ta... I know all that jazz already... just after something more product specific.

thanks

Anonymous

Helly Hansen - can't go wrong

baccaman21

hmmm... the only thing that concerns me is that from I've seen of the HH ones they mainly do generic outdoor pursuits type base layers... do they do bike specific gear with drop tail backs?

WTF

M.Cole wrote:

Helly Hansen - can't go wrong

Seconded.

Andy B

Howies NBL base layer

http://www.howies.co.uk/content.php?xId=15&xPg=1

Very good bit of kit, Merino wool is the best material for a base layer (IMHO). It is so comfy you almost forget you're wearing it &! it wicks well too so you won't chill down when you stop to take a breather (to admire the scenery of course )

ddraver

Helly hanson thirded

baccaman21

ok... so that's 3 counts for helly hansen tops... but do they have decent length to them? I've tried others before where my waist and lower back ends up exposed and that's not nice when wooshing down a flooded piece of ST.

ta

artillerydave

The Helly Hansen Lifa range is about the best basic base layer you can get, they last for ever and are plenty long enough in my opinion, you are right about them being genric, however that is a good thing as runners, climbers, soldiers etc all sweat in the same fashion as the going gets tough. I have a squaddie green one that has lasted for 8 years including two operational tours where it was worn virtually every day!! :shock:

easyg

MBUK (Nov. or Dec. 07) recently did a whole article on winter warmers and base layers featured. It was good because it showed a whole variety and then at the end gave their opinion on the best price no issue, and then the best on a budget.

If I recall HH didn't come top in their eyes either on price no issue or on a budget.

baccaman21

S'all well and good but I don't do MBUK... dare I say it... I'm an MBR man... :O

I find the MBUK editorial a bit 'yoof' for my sensibilities... but that's by the by...

The only thing puts me off the HH range is their genericness... I know they do good gear though it's just whenever I've tried them on they still don't feel long enough... and that's my biggest concern.

Mind you I've just found this on the HH website - It's MTB specific

(note the drop tail back...)

And... here's the typical style HH Top...


Now, if they did the second one with a drop tail I'd buy in instantly... but they only have the one MTB specific base layer garment and it's a short sleeve T... :S

go figure...! Maybe they'll roll out more bike related goodies in the new year?

But I'm not holding my breath... so...any other brands I could consider?

dave_hill

I used to have an HH but I wore it out. So I bought a Millets own-brand one (like ya do) at a fraction of the price and it's just as good. And it's lasted longer.

That said, I'm goign to splash out on an Under Armour Cold Gear top after Xmas - I got a Heat Gear for summer which is absolutely amazing (keeps you dry AND cool!!!), so if the winter ones are as good they should be excellent.

jbford

Howies Base layers are the best I've used.

Andy B

jbford wrote:

Howies Base layers are the best I've used.

Indeed they are