You may wonder why many pro riders wear an undershirt when it’s a scorching 35C outside. Doesn’t it seem intuitive that a base layer make you feel even warmer?
A good base layer is one of the most underrated pieces of kit. It’s obvious why layering will keep you warm when it’s cold outside, but why would a good undershirt keep you cool when the mercury rises?
A thin base layer will wick the moisture from your body to the outside of the garment which will evaporate as the wind hits it. Evaporative cooling is a wonderful thing.
The other benefit to wearing a base layer in the heat is comfort. An undershirt will wick away the moisture from your skin reduce that wet, clammy feeling which will make you much more comfortable during your ride.
A good summer base layer will probably cost you between $50-$100 and seems like the biggest waste of money when you’re contemplating it in the LBS. However, it’s something you’ll buy once and it’ll last you for years. Money well spent I say!
My DeFeet summer base layer that I bought over 10 years ago. Still going strong.
Champion Systems supplies our team kit. They provide some excellent base layers for a fraction of the price of rack brands. I wear this one all the time in the summer and winter. The sleeves protect you from road rash on the shoulder if you fall. This is my “crit undershirt”. I only wish it prevented broken collarbones!
TIP: Bring along a spare undershirt if you’re doing a supported ride. The best thing you can do for yourself it change it mid-ride. It’ll make you feel like you just put on a brand new kit!
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you also forget the greatest benefit. Preventing nipple rash.
Owww that first shower kills after nylon rubs skin for a few hours.
100% Merino is well worth wearing – fantastic natural wicking properties and after those very, very long rides, stills smells fresh thanks to the natural wool fibers!
Our coach recommends base layers because he thinks they prevent collarbone breaks. The theory is that with less friction between the two layers, the outer jersey will snag on the tarmac but the base-layer will slide, allowing the shoulder and body will continue to roll. Without the base layer, the outer jersey will snag on the tarmac, the shoulder will snag on the outer jersey, and the body will continue to roll — SNAP!
That's the theory, anyhow.
your coach souds like a wise man …..
Totally agree – a good base layer can be hugely under-rated…
Hmm, interesting. I can see how that would reduce grazing, however, in cycling the collarbone is usually broken by landing on an outstretched arm. The hand or wrist would be the main point of contact that would cause the break.
I got a Craft base layer tee (with mesh across the back) a few weeks ago from Wiggle solely because I have a rather see-through white jersey and I wanted to get something to wear underneath it. I was very sceptical about it actually doing anything except making me hot. But I was wrong, so very wrong!! Don't underestimate the importance of base layers. They rock!
I've been pondering buying a base layer for summer riding up here in BrisVegas. Just wondering – what should one look for in a base layer (eg. what's it made of, seams or lack of, very meshy or not meshy at all, etc??)??
Cheers,
Abby
This is the same thing that one doctor told me as well. The impact from landing on the arm trying to break the fall is what snaps the collarbone. It's designed to be the weakest link – kinda like the rear derailleur hanger. Any doctors out there who can confirm?
I'm a BIG fan of the merino wool. I can't get enough of the stuff. I'll be looking to buy a lightweight merino undershirt soon.
As an expert on collarbone breaks your coach has no idea.
lets ask Cadel ……
Merino is great keeping you warm but not great at wicking away sweat. Try a coolmax or mesh type for hot weather
I originally bought a few HH dry base layers for the snow trips but have since started using them for winter cycling and I can't recommend them enough. They keep me very warm and the mositure absorbotion form the body is incredible. I might be sweating like crazy but the body is dry. They are HH's synethic composition though, so I don't know how they would compare to a merino wool blend.
Never really thought about base layers for summer, but it makes sense. Might do some research and get a few wool ones. You can pick up 'Craft Pro Cool Mesh Superlight Sleeveless Base Layer' pretty cheaply on Wiggle but like the HH, it's a snyethetic composition.
Rapha is definately nice, but a bit pricey. Might order some defeet stuff. I'm assuming the same principals go for socks?
Ouch. Collar bone/shoulder injuries are bad. I've dislocated my shoulder twice but never snapped a collar bone. Must have shallow shoulder joints. I'd argue that there is no worse pain than having your shoulder completely dislocated. If I fall again I'm tucking the arms in. I'll probably face plant but at least I won't hurt the shoulder too much.
Does this really provide more benefit than a neat fitting jersey? I though jerseys already wicked sweat away
Not even something like ice hockey shoulder pads help. I've dislocated one shoulder and blown the ac on the other. How a jersey could help, I dunno ?!
BTW, Prendas Ciclismo have some great undershirts!
http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=22
the trick is to rub a litle vaseline on your shoulders befor eputting on the undershirt … works a treat !
I've seen those north road ride boys with their jars of vaseline out on most mornings … not sure why they do it behind the tree though.
I've got a cheapie (UNO). it wicks well, bit a little too well.
It's mesh, so you would think it would be cool on a hot day. I wore it on a 40+ day and the damned thing nearly cooked me!
It's good on winter though – dry and not too warm.
Under shirts should are as important as bar plugs! Trying to get burnt lycra off your shoulders isn't a fun game to play……
Why do you wear an outer layer in summer then? Pockets?
Don't you hate it when you miss a post by a couple hours, actually have a serious question but everyone has moved on already? :-P
Duncan, Read the couple of paragraphs at the top of the post. They'll answer your question.
Well I reread it just to be sure. It explains that the base layer's wicking properties work to make you more comfortable. What isn't explained is the role of the outer layer in this. Does the outer layer enhance the wicking process somehow or would it work just as well if you only wore the base layer?
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