Non Merino Base Layers?

homers_double

Isn't bamboo supposed to be a decent option for natural fiber clothing? I must admit I've never tried it apart from a pair of socks.

apreading

homers double wrote:

Isn't bamboo supposed to be a decent option for natural fiber clothing? I must admit I've never tried it apart from a pair of socks.

I have some bamboo running t-shirts from DHB and can tell you categorically it doesnt work on them...

cougie

Chased by Pandas ?

joey54321

IME bamboo is lovely, soft and warm but not good for 'activities', doesn't wick very well and becomes uncomfortable...I use my bamboo sportswear as pyjamas

singleton

joey54321 wrote:

IME bamboo is lovely, soft and warm but not good for 'activities', doesn't wick very well and becomes uncomfortable...I use my bamboo sportswear as pyjamas

Is that the 21st century version of sewing fig leaves together?

photonic69

Thanks guys. Some great suggestions here. I'm not concerned about it smelling as I wash the kit after each long ride. I won't be using it on commutes.

Primary concern is that it keeps me warm and will wick away sweat and will keep me warm when damp with sweat

I tend to feel the cold so layer up lots. I also sweat quite a bit on long climbs then get quite cold on the flats and descents.

This is why I tried merino but sadly didn't work. Might try the HH thing and the Rab C Nesbitt string vest thing!!

joey54321

Singleton wrote:

joey54321 wrote:

IME bamboo is lovely, soft and warm but not good for 'activities', doesn't wick very well and becomes uncomfortable...I use my bamboo sportswear as pyjamas

Is that the 21st century version of sewing fig leaves together?

er...sure...if you want? I have literally no idea what you are talking about but happy to agree with you.

kingdav

I like the decathlon 'techwool' hiking base layers, I think they do have a bit of merino content though.

pinno

+1 for the Helly Hansen Freeze.
It's the best base layer I own.

I have a few:
Endura Baabaa merino: over priced and over rated.
Craft: Not so good if you run cold like me but perfect for milder days. Wicks beautifully.
DHB 200grm Merino: Don't think they do them any more: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-merino-long ... duplicate/ Pity. Love this base layer. I even wear it when not cycling. I don't know what i'll do when it dies.
Isobaa: Bit like the Baabaa merino - over rated and not the most breathable. Coarse fit for the price.

Of course none of the above is good for the OP.

Isn't the option of a very thin layer and merino over the top as said before, for really cold days?
I have some Web tex base ;layers. I think they could go underneath a merino. They are a really tight 'knit' and thin. Cheap too.
I don't use them for cycling. I use them for general winter wear.

Old 'Lifa'? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Helly-Hansen ... 0505.m3226

I dunno, don't have a Lifa. 'Non itch'. Too pricey for an experiment by the OP.

FatTed

for Pinno
https://nz.icebreaker.com/en/mens-basel ... eve%20Tops

pinno

FatTed wrote:

for Pinno
https://nz.icebreaker.com/en/mens-basel ... eve%20Tops

I've heard quite a bit about this brand. Isn't there one with wind stopper material on the arm fronts and chest?

(cheers BTW)

FatTed

Groundeffect do one of those

steveatbath

I’ve been using under armour items I picked up at an outlet, the coldgear stuff is really good but not cycling specific. It’s a bit pricy at rrp but it’s not too hard to pick it up on sale, especially if you don’t mind it being coloured rather than black

cougie

I don't touch under armour kit. They back Trump. Yuk.

ballysmate

cougie wrote:

I don't touch under armour kit. They back Trump. Yuk.

Your virtue signalling is noted and acknowledged.

davebradswmb

PhotoNic69 wrote:

This is why I tried merino but sadly didn't work. Might try the HH thing and the Rab C Nesbitt string vest thing!!

I've got A Castelli string vesty base layer and I wouldn't use it in winter, but it is great for cold mornings in late spring /early autumn when you know temperatures are going to rise. It gives you enough extra insulation to keep you warm at the beginning of the ride when you have plenty of energy to generate a bit of heat, but doesn't seem to make things any hotter once the sun starts to do its work. For winter you need something that is going to keep you warm later in the ride when energy levels are dropping, it mustn't hold moisture or else you will chill quickly, and for that HH Lifa is fine and probably as good as anything out there. For even colder days more serious insulation is required.

pinno

A sensible post.

davebradswmb wrote:

For even colder days more serious insulation is required.

Some examples please. I'm always looking for warmer articles - born in the tropics see and struggle to keep warm in temps less than 5 degrees to the point of hating riding in lower temps.
I'm doing alright bottom half - Endura Roubaix tights and the DHB deep winter are my go to bib tights, coupled with merino socks and over shoes but top half...
My shoulders, chest and forearms suffer the most and then the fingers get cold no matter what gloves.

Soz, a bit off topic

jgsi

The aim there is to keep that core warm.
imo , fingers get cold because the extremities tend to get shut off from warm blood to keep the core safe.
Tight gloves are an absolute no no for me - sub zero temps can be crucifying for my hands - I've had this since my motorbike days in the 70s. Cheap fluffy oversized skiing mits have done the trick to a certain extent at cycling speeds.
Last winter I resorted to hand warmers in the gloves.

jermas

I find the HH merino terrible as a cycling base layer, it just gets overwhelmed with sweat and gets (and stays) very damp. It's fantastic for walking though and lasts years. Most stretchy synthetic base layers work as polyester naturally wicks well- even some really cheap ones.
The chunky string types (Brynje) are very effective (feeling dry and very warm) but only when coupled with a windproof (or even waterproof) top. They rely on warm air getting trapped next to the skin, so opening the zip on a windproof dumps heat really quickly which can be handy if you get too hot. If you do get wet, being mesh they hold the damp clothing away from the skin but still insulate (air being a fantastic insulator) .

photonic69

Lots of great answers and debate here. Very useful for me (OP).

Looks like I might now go for a HH Lifa base with a cheap merino over the top for the really cold days.

Got be be on a strict budget now as I just blew £299 on a new 105 Groupset from Wiggle

joey54321

https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/ ... trick-6903

webboo

I find that base layers for mountaineering or hill walking work better than the Cycling ones I have tried. Lowe alpine,Rab, Northface are all pretty good. I also have a cheap one from Lidle but as it has reinforced bits on the shoulders, chest and elbows, it makes me look like an out of shape superhero.

davebradswmb

Pinno wrote:

A sensible post.

davebradswmb wrote:

For even colder days more serious insulation is required.

Some examples please. I'm always looking for warmer articles - born in the tropics see and struggle to keep warm in temps less than 5 degrees to the point of hating riding in lower temps.
I'm doing alright bottom half - Endura Roubaix tights and the DHB deep winter are my go to bib tights, coupled with merino socks and over shoes but top half...
My shoulders, chest and forearms suffer the most and then the fingers get cold no matter what gloves.

Soz, a bit off topic

I have a couple of base layers which I bought for kayaking which are super warm yet still wick very well, they are made from Polartec Power Stretch fabric. I have searched for a cycling base layer made from this material without success but you could try a kayaking top instead, the better ones have a dropped back to allow for good coverage in a seated position. You could try this: https://www.canoeandkayakstore.co.uk/4508332/products/sandiline_polartec_thermal_shirt.aspx

TBH my solution for winter cycling is a thin long sleeve base layer, long sleeve cycling jersey topped with a good quality winter jacket, my best is a Gore Windstopper jacket which I bought about 4 years ago which I find can handle temperatures into minus figures even when combined with a stiff breeze.

edward.s

Have a look at the Spatzwear Basez. I've had one since they were released and it seems to work well, long arms, high soft neck, long arse bit and plenty warm. Its only been as low as 3°c here so far this year and in that I had bibs, the Spatz thing and a winter Stolen Goat top and was boiling - and I am someone who does feel the cold.

Downside is they are £75.

super_davo

If you want really warm then there is:

https://www.subsports.co.uk/cold-mens-l ... ssion-top/

Which is basically just a super roubaix baselayer. I had to go to Canada during the Polar vortex a few years back in -17 and wore this and the matching longs and didn't feel cold. Pointless for UK cycling conditions for me because I would cook, but if you run really cold and you needed a nuclear option then you might have a use case. And you can pick up for £15-20; which is a lot more palatable for a "use a couple of times a year" item than £75.

FWIW I don't think you can beat Craft or Helly - the nordic countries know how to make a good baselayer....

davebradswmb

super_davo wrote:

If you want really warm then there is:

https://www.subsports.co.uk/cold-mens-l ... ssion-top/

Which is basically just a super roubaix baselayer...

Looks good to be fair.

I know a couple of cycling kayakers who swear by super roubaix bib tights for kayaking, so perhaps technology can transfer in both directions.

pinno

I had a good look at the sub sports COLD MENS L/S COMPRESSION TOP (copy/paste innit) and i'm not entirely sure about the compression fit. Particularly the loop over the thumb but I can honestly say that i've never worn any compression fit cycle clothing. Id it tight but still remaining comfortable?

It is available at Amazon in Navy for £16.99

super_davo

The compression effect basically means its a high stretch material sized small, so if you size up it can mean skin tight. Which is what you want from a baselayer anyway. At the end of the day it's Roubaix, which we're all very used to from bib tights; you see some tights marketed as 'compression fit' and some not.

apreading

super_davo wrote:

The compression effect basically means its a high stretch material sized small, so if you size up it can mean skin tight. Which is what you want from a baselayer anyway. At the end of the day it's Roubaix, which we're all very used to from bib tights; you see some tights marketed as 'compression fit' and some not.

Yeah, I have a DHB seamless base layer that looks like a child should wear it on the hanger but its sooo stretchy (more than anything else I own) that it fits a 6' 2" man who weighs 16 stone. And it doesnt feel tight on, just perfectly fitted.

craigus89

Anything that fits closely to your body is going to do a pretty good job of 'wicking' to be honest, simply because it is touching your skin. I've got a £5 planet x baselayer that is just as good as a £40 premium brand that I tried.

As with a lot of cycling things, most of it is marketing bollocks. If you have the money to blow then feel free, but a premium brand baselayer is not really noticeably better than any other.