Base Layers

Flasheart

While I was away oop norf in Scotland this weekend I bought a couple of compression baseleayer sleeveless tops for under my jerseys over the approaching colder months.
One Canterbury and one Nike (both on special). Neither of these are cycling specific but I'm hoping that they will wick the sweat away and keep me dry and warmer.
The packaging promises all sorts of stuff about increased performance, but I just wanted to have another layer against the cold air. :roll:
I've not seen these these before in the sports shops. Is this a new thing?

hopper1

No, not new mate.
Designed for improving recovery/ performance of athletes.
Plenty of debate around the claims...

Here's some light reading from the Training section:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12617016

Anonymous

I've got one of the Nike ones (compression t-shirt) and it's absolutely ace!

I wear it when it's hot or cold, it seems to really help with temp regulation and was 11 quid. I need to get more!

Dunno about the compression thang but anything that holds all the fat bits in has got to be good in my book...

Baytt

got a tresspass long sleave base layer, cant really tell the difference in cold weather when compared to the rapha LS one that i have,

Flasheart

NapD yeah I can relate mate

CiB

Slightly OT but I can vouch for a plain cotton T-shirt being wholly unsuitable. It retains all the sweat and is cold as anything even under the outer layers.

GyatsoLa

There are lots of different types of base layers out there. The latest thing seems to be the compression ones - these claim all sorts of physical benefits, but I'm not sure if they all stand up to scrutiny. But as a general rule, tightly fitting baselayers work better than loose ones at wicking away sweat, so they tend to be better for temperature regulation. Personally I find it more cost effective to buy lightweight ones, and just layer them up as it gets colder.

IMO, the very finest baselayers are made from merino wool. They work very well in all but hot weather (rather unlikely in Scotland in winter). The big advantage they have over synthetics is that they repel odours very well. The best ones can be worn day after day without washing. Icebreaker make the most expensive and best made ones, but there are more cost effective ones from companies like Endura (can be bought from Chainreactioncycles.com) or from online NZ companies like NZO or Groundeffect.

Wiggles own brand DHB do some good value synthetic ones. All the brands claim they have some sort of super wicking quality, but I think you'll find they are all pretty much the same material - some are just better tailored than others.

Anonymous

Or get a few Nike ones for 11 quid each...

Flasheart

I'm wondering if some of the ones from "rock climbing" shops are any good.
My Mrs just mentoned the fact that the eldest boy (rockclimber & parasite uni student) has some similar to what I bought. Anything with "cycling" involved in the term usually costs more

Not Another Hill

I've got both the Nike compression base layer tops and the dri-fit ones (look identical). Of the two I prefer the dri-fit as it's not as tight as the compression. The dri-fit wicks sweat well and helps regulate temperature. The compression does same but I don't like the tightness of the fit plus it's a bit of a battle getting it off at end of a ride :!:

I don't notice any 'benefits' other than wicking sweat and regulating temperature on the compression top. I've just got some compression shorts from Aldi (£10) and am giving them ago as post exercise recovery.

jeannot18

NapoleonD wrote:

I've got one of the Nike ones (compression t-shirt) and it's absolutely ace!

I wear it when it's hot or cold, it seems to really help with temp regulation and was 11 quid. I need to get more!

Dunno about the compression thang but anything that holds all the fat bits in has got to be good in my book...

Bought 2 a little while ago, Argos had them at half price, £12 for 2. I use them for running and they are great

hodsgod

Try these Heat tech from Japan, it really works amazingly well, cheap and available at Uni Qlo. They actually generate heat!!!!

http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/heattech

http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/heattech

oldwelshman

NapoleonD wrote:

Or get a few Nike ones for 11 quid each...

Me to, I got a few of these and the white ones from jjb or sports and soccer. The best ones I have were £9.
They are great for use under skin suit on the track also.
I rode on the track the other day having forgotten them and I froze as skin suit got wet with sweat then was against skin betwwen rides, yuk!!

hopper1

I have some Nike L/S ones... Very good, use them when snowboarding, too.
I prefer the Craft sleeveless ones for cycling, though...

daviesee

djbarren wrote:

Under Armour is another good make I have a long sleeve one and it is fantastic, no matter how cold it is I always come back soacking wet in sweat. I would also +1 the Canterbury gear I have two and like NapoleonD I wear it in all conditions, keeps all tucked in.

Oooohhhh!

That doesn't sound like a recommendation to me.

Temperature control is where it is at. Not too hot, not too cold, just right.
Like a bear's porridge

Penn

I have 2 base layers.

One is the nike dri-fit which has already been spoken about and I do highly recommend that, specially good for when I turn up for work and uni with only 5 minutes to get ready and don't have time to shower

I also use the Endura Frontline Base Layer. This is again really good, but I use it in winter for the colder times (often with the nike one as my 2nd base layer for when its awesomly cold!

Pross

Do the compression tops hold your gut in? I saw a girl I haven't seen for years the other day while in my cycling kit and she commented she never thought she's see me with a belly!!!

Will be getting some base layers soon.

Garry H

Flasheart wrote:

I'm wondering if some of the ones from "rock climbing" shops are any good.
My Mrs just mentoned the fact that the eldest boy (rockclimber & parasite uni student) has some similar to what I bought. Anything with "cycling" involved in the term usually costs more

Also have some baselayers from Berghaus, Lowe Alpine, Patagonia etc. No difference at all. If they fit properly, they'll work. Just remember that these companies have been making baselayers for years.

jgsi

Do any of them have at least a 1/2 zip?

I find the that fresh air is best for controlling temp...and therefore perspiration
zip up when cold zip down to get cooling breeze

All of mine are for general fitness and as such great for about 5 miles then too hot

guilliano

Got to say I like my Endura merino base layer. Works to keep warm, doesn't smell after a sweaty ride (unlike the Helly Hansen stripe base layer) and I can wear it under a jersey when it's wet and not cold enough for a jacket. May get wet but stay warm.