Basket
Essential components of the cyclist's gear and road cycling apparel, cycling base layers offer numerous advantages. Forget the cotton undershirts of 70s cycling, make way for high-tech fibers! Insulating, comfortable, breathable... whether in summer or winter, the baselayer is your ally. Discover our purchasing criteria to help you choose the right technical base layer to wear under your jersey. But first, a clarification is needed.
What do we mean by cycling base layer?
One thing to know: in road cycling, you don't wear underwear, strictly speaking. Yes, the true enthusiasts ride with nothing under their bib shorts. No panties, briefs, or boxers, just like under a kilt! While this may surprise beginners, the explanation is quite straightforward.
Far from being all Scots, cyclists aim to avoid any irritation factors, often caused by the seams or elastics of underwear. With a cadence of around 90 pedal strokes per minute, imagine the potential skin damage on a several-hour ride...
The chamois pad in cycling bib shorts is antibacterial and specially designed to accommodate your delicate undercarriage. Therefore, you should wear your cycling bib shorts commando before hopping on the saddle.
For women, however, a sports bra remains essential for breast support. There are cycling bras that provide excellent support and high resistance to repeated friction.
When we talk about men's cycling base layers or women's cycling base layers, we are indeed referring to undershirts, also known as baselayers or under-jerseys. These technical and functional membranes are worn under the cyclist's jersey or thermal jacket to optimize their performance.
Seasonality: a base layer for every season
In summer, it’s hot; in winter, it’s cold! You need to dress accordingly and have base layers to juggle with depending on the weather conditions:
Sleeveless cycling base layer: a perforated and ultra-lightweight tank top, perfect for riding in the heat of summer;
Short-sleeved cycling base layer: an ideal mid-season baselayer version to keep you cool during your spring or summer rides;
Long-sleeved cycling base layer: the first layer of the 3 essential layers for cyclists during winter, or even autumn, to protect you from harsh temperatures.
Breathability: an airy fabric
This is the number one criterion when buying a cycling base layer. In direct contact with your skin, the baselayer's mission is to wick away the sweat produced by your body throughout the effort. Without this first layer, your cycling jersey would indeed absorb all this moisture. Conclusion: you’d be wet for the rest of your ride. Not very pleasant, is it?
Today, summer base layers are made with innovative textiles, highly breathable, and very lightweight. Their open-knit ensures a rapid sweat evaporation. Remember to compare different brands before ordering your garment, as the technicality of the fabrics can vary and affect the product's quality.
Buying a cycling base layer and adapting your cycling outfit is the assurance of staying dry on the saddle!
Thermal insulation: the baselayer to keep warm
Our buying guide continues with the winter under-jersey, essential for riding in cold weather. A cyclist is a warrior who never stops riding, even when the thermometer shows zero degrees. There's only one solution to maintain your body temperature balance: the rule of 3 layers.
This is where the long-sleeved cycling base layer comes in. Worn under the cycling jersey and thermal jacket, it plays a crucial role in keeping you warm. Just as breathable as the mid-season version, the membrane has excellent thermal properties allowing the thermoregulation of your body.
In short, the baselayer creates a real microclimate protecting you from temperature variations.
Comfort: smooth movements
Last but not least: comfort. Baselayers are generally very comfortable and feature flat seams to prevent any risk of irritation.
With a snug fit, the base layer offers a slimming effect, like a second skin. Don't worry, the fabric doesn't hinder your movements at all. Stretch panels and raglan sleeves (sleeves made from a single piece extending to the neckline) promise incredible freedom of movement.
The cycling base layer, that's the key to success for pedaling in comfort and in any weather!
