Craft Cool Mesh Superlight Sleeveless Base Layer

 
Craft make some of the world's most advanced, researched and tested base layers. 

Craft uses a very open weave fabric for its Superlight vest, the 'hexa' filaments providing clear passage for air and moisture transfer without looking too much like a string vest. There's plenty of stretch to stay in contact with your skin, for maximum efficiency while maintaining freedom of movement. it offers superior ventilation to any others i've tested and the wicking is excellent too. I was shocked to find out it only costs £20; you'd be tempted to buy more than one. Quite generous for size, but that's no reason to mark it down; it's a superb base layer. SB

Verdict: 10/10




A string vest for cycling? Surely not?! Well actually it’s not far off, but that shouldn’t be held against it - particularly when it’s primary purpose is to be worn under a jersey where it’s string vest appearance is less obvious.

Available for a bargainous eighteen quid from AlwaysRiding.co.uk, this thin and super-lightweight base layer is designed to keep you cooler despite actually wearing more. I won’t profess to know how this works, but trust me when I say it really does.

Fit is snug but then that’s the intention - something that wicks sweat away this efficiently needs to sit close to the body to actually make this process work. An added bonus of this figure hugging approach being that any ‘excess baggage’ is held in place a little better, thus enhancing your physique under a tighter jersey... so I’m told - Bike Tart’s body is obviously a temple... *ahem* moving on...

There’s not really a great deal else to say about this sleeveless number to be honest! It comes in two colour choices (black or white) and is sized like ‘non-bike’ clothes - by this I mean I wear a M t-shirt but often need an L jersey for example. Craft seem to be much closer to reality and I wear an M in their kit too.

An added bonus that Craft probably haven’t thought of is that it actually works well when used for indoor training. Jump on the rollers or your turbo with this on your top half and I’ll bet you feel much more comfortable than in a jersey (or topless, depending on how you like to handle your ‘behind closed doors’ riding!), as well as not dripping sweat everywhere quite so profusely.

As the temperature begins to head south I’m probably just at the wrong end of the UK ‘summer’ for this review to be entirely worthwhile. That said, should you be off to warmer climes for a holiday or some winter training, my timing could not be better.

Would I recommend it? Well, I’ve got three. And I wear one on every ride without fail. I guess that’s a yes then...

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