Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hamsforlegs from
Comfortable all-season base-layer
Have been wearing these for years for everything from weekend rides to bikepacking races. A useful extra layer in all but the hottest conditions, useful when descending or stopping as stops you chilling down too fast, but doesn't stop general cooling for normal riding/climbing etc. Don't smell and help to stop smell from synthetic layers worn over the top. I also wear mine under a LS baselayer for winter riding and this works well. Not designed to be on display, but I'll happily bare mine on long climbs, and the neck tag adds a bit of retro flare when you unzip your jersey.
Date published: 2020-04-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BB22 from
Great base layer for year-round conditions
Bought two of the thicker merino base layers for winter weather. Liked the look of the mesh ones and decided to buy now in preparation for the warmer months. Have work on a couple of winter rides (mid-single figures) under a jersey and jacket / gilet. Have found these (mesh) ones are great in colder temperatures as well - they do a great job wicking away moisture, avoiding that sensation of a cold, damp base layer coming into contact with your skin. I bought the bundle of three, and plan to wear year-round. Great, stylish product - as you come to expect from Rapha.
Date published: 2018-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sheky0 from
Must have item for winter ride
Feel soft and comfortable as base layer , most importantly, keep me warm with long sleeve jerseys and brevert insulated jacket under 5 degrees in the winter month
Date published: 2017-12-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wylie from
Fall/ spring base layer
Bought this for Virginia alpine loop gran fondo. 44 degrees at start, 66 degrees at finish. Worked perfectly for those temps.
Date published: 2017-10-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Reed C from
Amazing base layer
Wow, I have nothing but good things to say about this base layer. I typically ride in hot weather, and only wear this base layer when the temps drop below the 55F/13C temperature range, and will only reach for a non-mesh base layer when temps get much colder than that. This base layer does a fantastic job of wicking away sweat, and regulating my temperature, and keeps me from getting too cold in most mild temperature rides.
This base layer does feel fairly delicate, and so I am somewhat careful when dressing/undressing, but I have had no issues with rips in the fabric, or other issues in the seams so far.
I am a medium in just about everything Rapha makes, and this base layer fits close to the skin, but not tight and is not restrictive at all.
Date published: 2020-12-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Antanisbrinda from
The perfect weight and fabric for a baselayer
This base layer works incredibly well in mid season layering and combinations. Light, highly breathable, keeps you warm and dry at all times. Wish they had a long sleeve version as well. Fabric and mash is delicate and needs more attention than usual, handwash on cold water. No need to be washed after every ride. Fit is accurate, got L as most other items.
Date published: 2022-11-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Varls_Harrogate from
Cracking base layer
Having recently bought a couple of these base layers I couldn’t be happier with them. I’ve always worn the Castelli pro issue base layer which to be fair is still good, but the Rapha version is now my ‘go to’ base layer and is more superior in my opinion. If you wear Rapha medium jersey it’s the same fit (I originally ordered small having worn the equivalent merino ones, but had to exchange them as the mesh version is a more true fit). I’d definitely buy them again & would recommend these one anyone.
Date published: 2019-07-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nickname4312 from
Excellent
I am very happy with this shirt! Be aware that the size seems to be a lot (!!) smaller than the long sleeved version. I have been using medium, but had to go with XL for this shirt, which is still a little bit to the short side.
Date published: 2017-06-16
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Clay PDX from
Will Not be my go to
I am a little disappointed in the feel of this base layer. It is not as soft as the regular Merino Base Layer. Maybe it will soften over time. Also the torso length is too short, again compared to the regular base layer
Date published: 2022-09-05
Rated 3 out of
5
by
nickz from
Comfy but delicate
Comfy base. Accidently put my thumb through the fabric by the navel when trying to push back down after it rode up a bit, so pretty delicate. Also suggests wool detergent which makes washing a little more work.
Date published: 2017-10-05
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Hanzel from
Weird smell...
I did a few rides and generally the base layer worked well, however, there was a strong burnt hair smell that I could not get rid of no matter how much I washed it. At first I thought my trainer was burning before realizing it was this base layer. I do not get the same issue from the normal merino base layer. I had to exchange it for the pro team jersey because I did not think I could get over the smell. Sadly the pro team layer does not wick or keep you as cool but at least I don't stink.
Date published: 2021-05-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Steven 7144 from
High Quality
The Merino wool is very soft and comfortable and does an excellent job of collecting sweat to help cool you off. I wear this in Summer and it really helps keep me cooler.
Date published: 2022-07-21
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Patrick de Casa from
Much too short ! & useless
So disapointed Very bad surprise : the shoulder s& chest fits but its so short that it hardly cover my belleybutton ! I look Ridiculous !
I bought one in Paris Pop up store in november but the one I receved though its ( supposed) the same size is USELESS
Neveer purchase on internet !
Date published: 2018-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Silky Mittens from
Top quality base layer
This is an expensive product, but the quality is impressive. The combination of lightweight wool and mesh is exactly what I've been looking for. This is perfect for cycling in hot Texas, but I've also been using them as everyday undershirts. I work outside much of the day, and these base layer shirts are amazing. I haven't had them long enough to assess durability. Instructions are to line-dry, which I've been doing. It is an inconvenience, but they do dry quickly.
Date published: 2018-04-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mattecg from
good product
the jersey is very comfortable and it has a very good fit
Date published: 2022-05-25
Rated 1 out of
5
by
green13 from
The new merino is a mistake
I own 6 Rapha merino base layers, that I bought about 5 years ago. All size small, cause I wanted a close fit. They are perfectly sized, and comfortable. The new one, that I plan on returning, is also size small, and feels like a tourniquet on my torso. Much smaller than my old ones. I could not wear it, and it was not sold as a Pro-series fit. More than that, the fabric feels like a nylon mesh. Uncomfortable and chafing. Seriously bad new fabric.
Date published: 2024-01-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Better than the other guys.....
Better than the other guys....with the A brand. I have another base layer polyester and I find this merino layer more comfortable, and far better equipped to adjust to varying temperatures, especially in the heat. The only comment I have is that despite the fact that it is merino wool, it still needs to be laundered pretty much after each ride - but that was to be expected. Great piece.
Date published: 2021-07-08
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Racing27 from
Good base layer.
As a base layer this deserves a five star review. The fit is superb, it’s comfortable, and it precisely matches the description. However I have docked a star for something not mentioned in the description - it’s very, very fragile. To be expected from something as gossamer thin as this shirt. My advice... don’t put your thumb through it, like I did, and do use a garment bag to wash it in.
Date published: 2018-03-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
El Cid from
Wicks moisture like nobody’s business
The mesh base layer wicks moisture like no other, is light enough to wear from Fall to Spring, minimizes odour, so perfect for long tough rides and with a bit of stretch in the fabric is form fitting. Pair it with a Classic Jersey for the ultimate combo. I only wish Rapha brought back the long sleeve version for days when a long sleeve jersey needs just a touch more.
Date published: 2021-03-02
Rated 2 out of
5
by
AaronW from
Looked promising but very fragile
The shirt itself looked promising out if the box, but didn't hold up even 2 rides. Since this sits tight under your cycling jersey, its hard to get out of it when sweaty. It seems that the material is not strong enough because mine already has two holes in it from just trying to get out of it after long rides...tears very easily.
Wouldn't buy again.
Date published: 2020-09-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Swede from
Sturdy and warm Swedish autumn/spring
Sleek fit. Perfect discreet second skin feel and appearance. More sturdy than previous version which I really liked because of the designed pattern. Have also worn it while trail walking in mountains in the Swedish summer at 20-25 C, which gives perfect breathability. I’m 193 cm and 87 kg, large a bit short lengthwise but XL is perfect.
Date published: 2018-07-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Dec234 from
Great wicking and temp regulation
I bought a bundle of these and am glad I did. They are in routine use. They regulate heat well and wick sweat. A good layer in between a summer base layer an a full on merino. They are good under a full merino layer in colder conditions to wick sweat away. They do wear with regular use but take quite a sound beating for a long time.
Date published: 2017-10-31
Rated 3 out of
5
by
fjperez from
Lighter than expected
I bought it having in mind a warm base layer, but it is more like a mesh, not really like a merino T-shirt.
To be fair, it doesn't mean it's not OK, it's simply different to what I expected.
Date published: 2017-05-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
plquebec from
Very good item but fragile mesh
I previously bought a similar mesh base layer, a medium size according to the chart but I felt a bit sqeezed and broke the mesh a few weeks after. I bought it again but one size larger than the proposed chart: I am 5’9’’ / 155 lbs and the chart proposes medium but I bought a large and it’s a better fit with the large.
Date published: 2019-09-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ogwell 1960 from
I should be more open minded
I bought this out of desperation because of the unusually hot UK weather. (my much loved 100% merino base layers were just soaked through at the end of a long ride). The fit is snug and, compared to the silky all wool version, it seems to want to stick to your body as you peel it on and off. Works perfectly though!
Date published: 2017-07-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
mattylara from
Top Undershirt
I bought this top 2 weeks ago and love it! Not too hot, not too cold with winter now being upon us in Australia and fits really snug! I thought i'd have a bit more give and stretch like the merino base layer but that's about my only gripe! And the fact that i've put my finger through it and made a hole :(
Date published: 2017-05-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LABA from
Temperature control
My standard merino base layer gets too hot when it gets above 15 degrees, and the mesh version is just the right combination of moist transport and warmth. Snug fit, light feel, never cold and wet when we stop for coffee. Craft has been the standard base layer for me for 20 years. Now all I use is this.
Date published: 2017-05-31
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Kev O from
Great garment, very fragile fabric
I really loved this piece, it breathes really well, it doesn’t hold onto body odor. And it doesn’t even itch! But the other day I was tucking it back down into my shorts while I was riding and I stuck my thumb through the fabric. A bit disappointed, but it still works as described.
Date published: 2020-09-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ErikBe from
A must have for any ride
Following my purchase of a long sleeve merino I decided to go for this short sleeve version and I can only recommend this piece of equipment. It keeps you cool when warm and warm when the weater is cold. A true must have! Be conscious that the sizing is pretty tight although…
Date published: 2021-05-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Alan56 from
|Outstanding Base Layer
The lightest, yet most effective base layer I've worn. Excellent for an early morning ride when there's still a bit of a chill in the air, but you don't won't to bulk up with layers. The cut is generous so the lower part of the back is covered. Certainly recommend this item.
Date published: 2020-06-23