It’s getting colder, but that’s no reason to stay indoors (is there anything more mind-numbing than an indoor trainer?), there’s no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing. So take a look at these base layer options to beat the cold.
First Ascent Long Sleeve Thermal
First Ascent’s Quik-Wic bamboo Charcoal long sleeve thermal top is a great addition to your sporting wardrobe. Put it on under your bib and top if it’s cold, and throw a water-proof on as an outer shell if it’s wet too. It wicks away sweat keeping your core temperature up, even when you stop for a break during a hard ride. It’s comfortable and body hugging, plus at R290 it won’t break the bank either. Weighing it at 149g for the men’s version it’s not going to hold you back either. The men’s First Ascent Long Sleeve Thermal is available in white (maybe not the best colour choice) or navy blue and the ladies cut comes in white or light blue. Visit www.firstascent.co.za for more info or to shop online. RRP R290.
Assos LS skinFoil
Feeling like treating yourself in the build-up to winter? Then one (or more) of the Assos skinFoil base layer range could be for you. Assos have done a numbered range for pretty much every conceivable (except Arctic really) weather condition, starting with spring.1 to winterPlus.7. The skinFoil range is a seven garment range of products, all of which are constructed from a seamless tubular micro-fibre torso section, to eliminate chafe points where seams touch the skin. The garments also feature moisture control and targeted ventilation zones, as you’d expect from Assos. The idea to the different base layer warmth’s is that you can tailor your outfit to the weather on a daily basis rather than just have one option for cold weather. Find out more at www.assos.com. RRP R 1 700.
Anatomic Maxitherm® Lite Vest
Local brand Anatomic should be on your go-to-list for tried and trusted gear. And for base layers that’s no different. For warmth that won’t break the bank check out their Maxitherm® Lite range of thermal base layers. Made for 240g of Polyester (80%) and Spandex (20%) kit the tops feature a brushed finish for ultimate insolation. The vest is designed to be form fitting, so if you do decided to purchase it online from Anatomic’s www.weardirect.co.za online shopping portal be sure to check the sizing charts before you select a size. RRP R445.
Specialized Comp Seamless Undershirt
Not everyone likes to layer up with layers that constantly remind you that they’re there. So if you’re looking for something that’ll keep your core temperature up without reminding you of that 2000’s fashion of shirts over shirts then take a look at the Specialized Comp Seamless Undershirt. It features a seamless construction, moisture moving fabric and is obviously form fit, so it’ll keep you warm without letting your riding partners even know it’s there – making you look impervious to the elements. Plus it’ll keep you cooler when it’s hot too, so it be a winner all year round. And the Polypropylene and Polyamide yarn that it’s made from is also antibacterial. Find out more at www.specialized.com. RRP R449
Pearl Izumi Transfer Short Sleeve Baselayer
Pearl Izumi isn’t quite the household name one might expect in South Africa given the absolutely fantastic nature of their products, so do yourself a favour and check their Transfer Short Sleeve Baselayer out next time you’re in a bike shop that stocks Izumi. It features fast drying, transfer dry fabric which makes it perfect for the layering between your skin and your cycling jersey. It also features technology designed to keep you dry, warm and odor-free (now that’s a plus when you stop for coffee!). The sleeve are rotated to provide extra comfort, Pearl Izumi call this “Speed Sleeve pattern” and they also say the Transfer base layers are their best base layers yet. Plus they’re available in both men’s and ladies fits. Visit www.pearlizumi.com for more info. RRP R 770.
Rapha Merino Base Layers
Are you a true cycling purest? Do you only ride, hand-crafted, steel tubed, single-speeds? Then surely you cannot let anything other than Merino wool touch your skin! Seriously though, one day we hope to rock out in a full Rapha kit, but for those of you who don’t mind shopping in Pounds and Dollars now you can head over to www.rapha.cc and browse through what the POMs have to offer. Their Merino wool range will make you the object of envy of all your mates, with their 100% merino wool construction which make them naturally anti-bacterial, odour resistant, moisture wicking, soft on the skin and itch free. Yip nature is pretty clever. As is the fact that the base layers are low cut at the back to keep you warm when you’re hunkered low down over the bars straining to get home into a biting head-wind. RRP $85.
