cycledogg

Since I have not actually seen these long sleeve baselayers, I'm hoping someone has actually used them and can help me decide which one is the warmest. I will using it with the Castelli Alpha jacket. The ProSecco Wind has the gore protection which may be better but not sure.
Cheers
https://www.performancebike.com/shop...elayer-11-4357
https://www.tourcycling.com/castelli...ase-layer.html
https://www.tourcycling.com/castelli...ase-layer.html <----- This one doesn't mention the gore protection.

woodcraft

I have the Flanders one- decent in use, but getting it on & especially off

risks ripping your ears from your head because the neck hole is so tight.

One of many Castelli fails IMO.

Bomb Komodo

Sy Reene

Couple thoughts on LS base layers:
1. I wouldn't get a wind-blocking base layer in general. Why? They tend to by their nature to not expel moisture and heat where the wind-blocking fabric is. Instead, put the wind-blocking fabric on your jersey or jacket (whatever the outer layer is). Jerseys and Jackets can unzip (all the way if necessary) if you start to overheat. Can't do this with a base. Their may be value in a sleeveless wind-blocking base to wear under a short sleeve jersey in shoulder seasons, but not winter IMO.
2. With the above said, I also prefer zip necked base layers, just because. Eg. something like the below, (but size down for a cycling svelt fit)
terramar merino base

TimothyH

This is often stated but in practice a wind block base layer can be very effective along with a wind blocking outer shell.

I own and use both long and short sleeve Craft Active Extreme WS base layers which have Gore Windstopper on the front of the torso and shoulders. The rest is very open.



The windblock material on the base layer blunts and diffuses the cold wind as it hits the chest when the outer layer is unzipped for venting. There is enough open space in the rest of the garment to move moisture effectively.

I find some windblock on the chest very helpful in extreme cold, especially since I am susceptible to bronchitis. These are used in Nordic skiing and other aerobic activities in the cold where keeping cold wind off the chest is important.


-Tim-

canklecat

Best base layer I've worn was the circa 2012 Pearl Izumi Transfer and Transfer Lite with Minerale fabric. No longer made but some new/old stock remains -- unfortunately Nashbar has only women's sizes available but at only $10 these are incredible bargains and would make great gifts for friends and loved ones. The remaining unsold stock still usually sells for close to full retail, around $50 each. I'd still consider paying that much, the fabric is that good.

The current PI base layer is not as effective or comfortable. I can't recommend it at the full $50 pop. Even my $10 Champion Vapor tees are better.

The older PI fabric was much more effective at wicking moisture and resisting odor, due to the anti-microbial properties. It could be worn more than once without washing, great for campers, hikers, touring cyclists, anyone who doesn't have access to laundry facilities every day (but can be hand washed and dried easily).

The fabric was stretchy and fit snugly yet was easy to slip on and off. Back in May after I was hit by a car and my shoulder was dislocated and broken, this was the only pullover shirt I could wear for weeks. Anything else had to be button or full zip. But the PI fabric stretches generously yet regains its shape.

It was temperature neutral -- it felt warm to the touch on cold days, and cool on warm days. When soaked with sweat on cold days it didn't feel clammy and chilly. I even wore it under good shirts on hot, humid summer days and it prevented sweat printing through the outer shirt. It didn't feel muggy and uncomfortable.

Best undershirt fabric I've ever worn. I've heard similar comments from local friends who also have PI baselayers from the 2012 or so batch, including the kind with wind-resistant fabric on the front.

The current PI baselayer is almost skin tight and doesn't stretch. While technically my size (I'm 5'11", 160 lbs), the medium was actually painful to pull on and remove -- mostly due to a shoulder injury that has taken months to recover. After one wearing I gave the shirt to a friend who's a little smaller, between a small and medium, so it should fit him better.

And the new PI baselayer fabric doesn't wick as well, despite being thinner with mesh in the underarms and back. It was designed to wear in summer under a jersey, but felt clammy. It lacks the odor resistant Minerale fabric and needs to be washed after every wearing. It's not suitable for camping, hiking, bike touring, etc.

I got it for only $13 in exchange for a review, so I wasn't too disappointed. I've I'd paid the full $50 retail I'd have returned it for a refund.

Pearl Izumi confirmed to me by email the older Minerale fabric is no longer available. Some high end camping/hiking outfitters still carry baselayers with similar anti-microbial properties via yarn impregnated with silver, if I'm recalling correctly.

Meanwhile I'm sticking with Champion Vapor tees. Not as snug fitting, but almost as good for only $10-$15 depending on short or long sleeve versions. Note that the Champion wicking tees that are not specifically labeled "Vapor" (a reinforced hem around the back on the neck) are not quite as good and are more prone to staining. The Vapor tees also launder better, including minor oil/grease stains from chains, etc.

bruce19

I own Fall weight and a Winter weight Assos base layers. Love these things. Fit like they are painted on which is great except when trying to put them on or get them off, as has been mentioned.

bbattle

I like my Hincapie baselayers. They are lightweight but work really well under a jersey or light jacket. I also have some mid-weight LL Bean long sleeve baselayers that work when it's really cold.

I prefer to just have windblocking material on the leading edges of my arms and some on my chest. I have a Castelli and a Pearl Izumi that does this and they also have vents to help regulate heat. If I ever need more than that, I'll throw on my lightweight rain jacket. If I get too hot, I can easily ball that up and stuff into a pocket.

Windblocking material on the baselayer seems overkill for where I live but everyone is different so if it works for you, that is great. It may be that I could wear the windblocking baselayer with a lighter jersey or jacket and still stay comfortable. Something to consider.

02Giant 

I have the Flanders LS Base Layer, my second. The first I bought three years ago, liked it from the start but the medium was a little short in length and a bit snug. I am 5' 10" 155-160, pretty much a medium in most cycling gear. This fall I bought another, this time in large, I like it much better.
My go-to base layer.

qajaq

I also have the Flanders LS base layer. It's light weight but quite warm. Wear it under the Castelli Alpha ROS which is a good wind stopper by itself. Fits small like most Castelli. At 5-10 175 I'm wearing XL. For a wind stopper base layer I prefer the stuff from Craft.

rms13

I got a few baselayers from Walmart for $6. Works great