Tag: winter

During the early fall months when temperatures drop off into the 60s, many cyclists will wear a base layer in addition to reaching for arm warmers and knee/ leg warmers. 

Some cyclists even wear a lighter base layer during the summer for sun protection and its ability to wick sweat away from their core. However, a base layer is usually worn during the fall and winter to keep out the cold and wind.

What is a Base Layer in Cycling?

A cycling base layer can be generally described as a technical undergarment. Much like a t-shirt, a base layer is made to be worn under a cyclist’s jersey. While its primary function is to add a layer of warmth, it also helps wick sweat away from a rider’s body. 

That makes it possible to wear a base layer during warm weather riding, although it will be thinner and assist with sun protection. However, cycling jersey manufacturers now add sun protection elements to their garments. That is a benefit for cyclists who spend a lot of time riding during the warm, sunny months from contracting skin cancer.

Cycling Base Layer Construction and How to Wear

Base layers are made from man-made, synthetic materials. They are typically short-sleeve garments. Some cyclists like sleeveless base layers, much like a tank top. In the winter, cyclists will switch over to a long-sleeve style base layer as temperatures drop off. 

Unlike a t-shirt, a base layer fits tightly across the chest and abdomen and has a long tail like a cycling jersey. A base layer is usually tucked into one’s bib shorts, then the cyclist wears his jersey over the top.

The Good and Bad of Wearing a Cycling Base Layer

A cycling base layer is a great multi-function garment for early spring and early fall riding, especially if paired with a set of arm warmers and knee/ leg warmers. If you get too warm on a ride that starts out cool, you can, of course, easily remove your warmers. The good thing is that your core will stay warm and dry.

The bad thing about a base layer (if there is really a bad thing) is that once you have a base layer on, popping it off if you get too warm isn’t easy. So, make sure the weather will be moderate to cool if you choose to make a base layer a part of your riding kit for the day. 

Chances are, though, that a well-made base layer will keep you either warm or cool by disallowing sweat buildup from forming on your skin.

Cost of a Cycling Base Layer and Where to Buy Them

Base layers are sized garments that fit like a cycling jersey. So, if you wear a large in a cycling jersey, you would be fine with a large base layer. Remember, this garment goes under your jersey, so you want to avoid any fabric bulk or buildup for it to work the way it should.

Bike shops or sporting goods/ outdoor stores may or may not carry cycling base layers. If you can’t find them at these stores, there are plenty of online retailers that sell them. Most big brand jersey and bib short manufacturers will also have base layers available, such as Giordana, Castelli, Pactimo, etc.

My base layers of preference are by Craft. I own a couple of short-sleeved and a couple of long-sleeved base layers, which I’ve had for a long time. Fortunately, base layers can sustain a lot of wear, washing, and drying. 

That’s a positive because base layers can be quite expensive, as you see with this example from the Craft website for a short-sleeve base layer for $75.00. If you like sleeveless base layers, you can get one from the DeFeet website for $39.00. Sometimes you can find base layers at end-of-season sales for half off these prices.

Last Thoughts

A cycling base layer is an essential piece of kit you’ll find lots of use for. In fact, adding in a base layer with arm and knee/ leg warmers makes early fall or early spring cycling more enjoyable. Base layers are usually not bulky items, so they offer good mobility while providing a layer of warmth, dryness, and sun protection. Invest in at least one or more short-sleeve or long-sleeve base layers and you’ll be ready to keep riding into the winter.