Base layer recommendations

[Deleted account 210604001]

Im after a new base layer, dont mind one piece or two piece but I do suffer with the cold on the bike so interested in something that is effective at reducing wind effect and is reasonably warm.

Currently I use a one piece Oxford onesie that isnt particularly warm - was probably the cheap end of their range when I purchased it.

I nearly bought some thermals from Marks this afternoon, but noticed the bottoms didnt have loops on them for your feet, which are useful when putting leathers on to stop them riding up your legs.

Dont need heated kit, its mainly for 10 degrees + use (ok it would be nice, but I want simplicity with no charging/leads).

Any recommendations ? (dont mind if its costs, if its quality kit).

RBW.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Cant go wrong layering up with Merino wool

I bought a load of tops from TK Maxx a few months ago XTM 230 weight and its very good.

Stuff from Icebreaker is also excellent but pricey and this XTM or whatever its called is on par with it at half the price

 

[Rushy]

Cant go wrong layering up with Merino wool

I bought a load of tops from TK Maxx a few months ago XTM 230 weight and its very good.

Stuff from Icebreaker is also excellent but pricey and this XTM or whatever its called is on par with it at half the price

+1 on the Merino . Cotswolds were doing them cheap last year. Warm but not sweaty . Great if you need to wear them more than once on a trip

 

[Posh Pete]

Merino. Check out Aldi for deals in their skiing or biking promotions.

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Great recommendation, thanks.

R.

 

[Posh Pete]

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/?fuseaction=products.search&source=Search&searchvalue=merino

 

[Davey B]

When I converted from helly hansen lifa to Merino base layers I thought I'd test the claims that as it was natural, it wouldn't smell. After the best part of week of wearing it day in day out...the claim appears true. I don't wear anything else as a thermal base now

 

[harry]

Trespass do 100 percent Merino tops and bottoms at very good prices.

 

[wessie]

I have a range of this stuff acquired over the years.

EDZ do good stuff either in wool or man made materials. Not cheap though. I use their all climate leggings - especially good in warm weather as they have good wicking and can be washed in the evening and dry the morning after. Okay for winter use as well. These are probably 10 years old so excellent value but a bit stretched out of shape now.

If you want cheap then Lidl/Aldi as stated above. Work okay but the leggings I bought from Aldi have thick seams that leave a stripe down your leg. Elasticated bottoms so do not ride up.

Millets have good sales from time to time. The Helly Hansen ones I bought last year are very good for summer use and will be a good replacement for the EDZ ones. I also got a pair of Peter Storm ones from Millets which are probably what you are looking for. These are a blend of merino wool and polyester and warmer than any of the above.

All of the above are proper base layers so they wick sweat away without the fabric getting wet. For tops I just layer up with regular clothing as it is easy to add or remove a layer. I use a heated vest if really cold. In summer I will use baselayer tops - just regular sports type garments made from polyester that look okay worn in the evening and are easy to rinse out in the hotel sink. The breathable nature of your Goretex gear will work a lot better with decent baselayers.

I used to use traditional, fleecy cotton long johns from M&S. They keep you nice and warm but if you do sweat, they get damp and then feel horrible.

 

[EVskiy]

EDZ merino is what I use.


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[rjsmith26]

Icebreaker, by the sounds of it the 260 range if you get that chilli. I wear the 200 stuff a lot and have a 260 for when it gets seriously cold.

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Thanks all, lots of pointers and all appreciated.

R.

 

[Lee Frost]

Mountain Warehouse do cheap Merino wool thermals but buy from Amazon rather than the MW website as prices are lower and postage free usually.

 

[PeterNI]

+1 Merino wool. I prefer the 100% merino tops and leggings. I'd recommend Smartwool.

 

[DC]

the best places to find base wear for bike riding is not in a bike shop !! as above try millets or mountain warehouse ,camping type shops ..half the price , will be getting warmer anytime soon so they will be reducing the price too

 

[younger06]

I use Under Armour Cold Gear leggings during the winter and I'm gonna get some Heat Gear for the warmer months.

Merino long sleeved tops are hard to beat.

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[Packer]

The finest merino seems to be Icebreaker but it isn't cheap. It is however great, you just need to add the right layers over it for colder weather.

If you are on a long trip it is really easy to tub through at the end of the day, fold it into a towel and ring it out. Put it on a hanger and it will usually be dry the next morning.