Great for when you’re hanging around in the uplift queue as well as belting round a trail centre loop. But is this an essential piece of kit? We think so…
Let’s get straight to the point here. Ask any serious rider about riding kit for year round comfort and they are sure to mention base layers. An unexciting purchase for sure, but if you want a good few hours out on the bike in anything other than warm dry conditions then a base layer will keep you out there. For high output activity we tend to favour a close fitting, stretchy top in a modern quick drying fabric. These lift the sweat from your body and help any technical layer above it to work efficiently. When standing around, you’ll feel warmer too, meaning your muscles will be ready for the next run down the hill.
‘The fit is excellent, not hampering movement and is cut long in the arm and body’
This Gore base layer uses a supremely soft material that is unsurpassed in terms of comfort levels. Sure, this brand may well be best known for their premium water and wind proof fabrics, but they look at covering the complete layering system with the same degree of quality and detail. None of Gore’s kit is cheap to buy but it very much pays for itself in the long run.
The Gore base layers come in three types; a standard weight, a thermal version and a version with an added windproof membrane. We’ve picked the thermal fabric; it sits well under looser fitting race jerseys, trail tops and technical tees. The soft fabric hugs the body well and the brushed inner face both wicks moisture from your skin and insulates. The fit is excellent, not hampering movement and is cut long in the arm and body.
A quality piece of kit that will not excite but become an often turned to essential, especially if you ride year round.
PRICE: £54.99 (Long Sleeve)
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