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Base Layers Review
Review Date October 2014
By Sharon Parker
I spent years being cold on the bike. Until I discovered what I call my onion technique. Onion that is as in layers. Onions have layers and a biker needs layers in winter if they are not to cry with the cold.
Although any type of layers will help the best layers have to be specially designed thermal base layers if you really want to keep as warm as possible. On the coldest of days I wear 6 layers consisting of the following
Thermal vest
Long sleeved thermal base top
Thermal base t-shirt
Light weight fleece
Light weight summer jacket
Bike jacket
The base layers are so light you are not too bulked up so plenty of room for movement. The best base layers also are temperature controlled so you do not sweat if the temperature does decide to go up rather than down.
So is it worth spending the extra on good quality base layers. In my opinion yes. I have tried several different brands of base layers and although the most expensive does not always equal the best as with most things you do tend to get what you pay for.
However I will say the worse set I ever bought was the expensive brand Helly Hansen. They are clearly not made for the rigours of Velcro which comes pretty standard with most bike clothing. One contact with a piece of Velcro saw my Helly pants rip into a massive hole. The arms were also way too long in the top and out of all the base layers I have had these were the most uncomfortable, so Helly Hansen base layers are def off my list.
On the other scale the fairly cheap Campri base layers are ok. They are not so fragile as to rip easily but they do bobble up very quickly and are certainly not the warmest of most comfortable. So once again I would not buy this brand again.
Three brands I have been happy with that I would buy again in order of preference are as follows
In 3rd place - Karrimor
A mid price range Karrimor is up there along side far more expensive brands. Karrimor is a running/sports and camping brand. I have only had the top base layers for this brand. After two years of constant use both the long sleeved top and t-shirt have lasted well with only minimal bobbling. They have maintained their shape and colour perfectly and are very comfortable and warm.
Karrimor
In 2nd place - Surfanic
Surfanic are a well know surf and ski brand. I have only owned the top base layers and not the bottoms for this brand. But the top is comfortable and warm and had proved itself incredibly durable. After 2 years continual use it still looks like new with no bobbling and retaining in shape and colour perfectly.
Surfanic
In 1st place - Dare2b
Dare2b are are specialist outdoor and sports clothing brand. They are certainly not cheap for the high end zonal range but they are the most comfortable and the warmest base layers I have found so far. I own both the top and the pants for this brand. I have not yet owned this brand long term so as yet can not vouch for the durability long term. But short term they are my favourites as they are a delight to wear. If you can manage to pick up these in a sale like I did then I would say these are a must buy for all bikers who want to keep warm in the colder months.
Dare2b
Reader's Comments
John said :-
It's all about the layers for sure. I also ride right through the winter and haven't yet gone to electric clothing. I've never felt the need to be honest. I use cheep and nasty Tog24 base layers and add fleece layers as required. Synthetics are good value do the job but I'm taken with the idea of good quality merino wool base layers as I'm told they don't smell as bad and feel nicer next to the skin. So pricy though. May need to be a very good boy in the run up to Christmas.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Sharon said :-
Just though I would give you a update on my Dare2b base layers.
They are still looking like new 3 years on despite being worn and washed every weekend. I invested in another pair the same as the ones in this article and very recently a newer version in grey which I also picked up in a sale. So with 3 sets of Dare2b base layers I now wear nothing else but them.
Not only do they keep you warm in the winter but they are perfect for keeping you cool in the summer. Excellent dual purpose piece of kit. These have to be one of my best buys as far a bike gear is concerned.
Definitely give the Dare2b zonal base layers a Highly Recommended Gold Star 10 out of 10.
11/11/2017 00:44:29 UTC
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