Cycling Base layer tops and bottoms Review

Base layers are very important to wear while cycling as they add both warmth and protection. In short, the bottom layer, is the layer that is next to the skin, the middle layer is between the base and outer layers, and is intended to provide warmth. The outer layer is what is exposed to the elements. Base layer tops, like those made by Gore apparel, and bottoms can be cycling shirts made from a wide variety of materials, including cotton and cotton blends, wool, and silk. Man made or synthetic materials include polypro, polyester, acrylic, tyvek and neoprene. Each of these materials have their advantages and diasadvantages. For example, wool, although heavy, retains its ability to insulate even when wet, while tyvek is cheap but doesn’t last very long. Gore-tex however, is both wind and water resistant and therefore makes a great outer layer. Coolmax, which is a patented polyester fabric, has good wicking properties and is often used in base layer tops and bottoms. You can buy winter clothing designed for cycling at your local bike shops, general sporting goods stores, local chain retailers and online.

Dressing in layers, like the Giordana layers, gives you the flexibility to cool off during a particularly hard ride as you can remove a layer or two to cool yourself off. Wearing base layer tops and bottoms like the Pearl Izumi base layers, has a strategic purpose rather than a purely aesthetic one, so when choosing what you want to wear think practically. Don’t choose fashion over warmth but rather be sure that the base layer or top will keep you warm and not just look good. When deciding what to wear before a ride, you should ideally dress in three layers. The inside or bottom layer will be what is against your skin, so you should choose something that is both comfortable, but will also wick moisture away from your body to prevent chills when out in the cold. The middle, or second layer, will help keep the cold from getting to your skin. The final, or outside layer, is there to protect you from the rain and or snow. This layer is not really meant to keep you warm but instead intended to keep any dampness or water from seeping in and making the other layers wet. A cycling jacket is the perfect piece of bike apparel and gear as an outside layer.  Therefore, in order to make the most of your base layer tops and bottoms, you should always check the weather before heading out on a ride.

Major Manufacturers

Gore-tex, Coolmax, Thermax, Polartek, and Thermostat.

Pricing

Base layer tops and bottoms are fairy inexpensive to buy and range in price from $42.00 to $65.00.