Rated 5 out of
5
by
nobody from
Merino base layer short sleeve
This base layer is extreeemely stretchy and soft **so I highly recommend sizing down a full size. Otherwise it will bunch and be looser that the jersey that's over it. It is very soft with zero itchiness like wool can sometimes have. The weight, at 120g, falls between a PT SS base layer (60g) and a T shirt (160-190g). (All in size M.) It has a very broad temperature range in which it is comfortable. I stay warmer at lower temps and don't get too hot when the temp climbs; that's the beauty of wool. It's so comfortable and versatile it can be worn off the bike too.
Date published: 2023-03-25
Rated 3 out of
5
by
redFlyingPiggy from
Essential gear but watch out for the sizing.
I love how it feels, but it runs a bit big and I am trying to exchange it to smaller size. FYI, I am BMI index 20 and I usually wear size small both in classic and pro lines. I have Rapha base layer in Pro line and they fit perfect but this... is a bit loose. I do follow Rapha's size guide and they usually works fine. Only exceptions I found are some of casual T-shirts, shadow jacket and this base layer.
Date published: 2020-04-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mark A T from
A good base layer is worth the money.
Good sizing and a great technical base layer. I was hesitant on the price but this is my second one and the first one has lasted very well. I bought a couple of base layers from the high street at the same time to add to the kit. Riding repeat daily rides in the same weather I got to compare both. The Rapha wicked sweat very effectively while the high street purchases held on to the sweat and created lots of chilly moments. The fit on these cheaper base layers was also poor. You get what you pay for and this Rapha base layer is a solid purchase.
Date published: 2024-02-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WhydoIneedanickname from
Warm and soft base layer
I have only worn this once on a slowish (for me) evening ride (upper 40s Fahrenheit, ~8 Celsius) and it keep me warm under a long sleeve core jersey. Make sure to check the size chart because I wear a medium core jersey, but a small base layer.
Date published: 2018-01-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sigismund from
Perfect base layer
I have been using these base layers for many years and find them to be perfect in almost any weather. They are close fitting to the body, have a long cut to tuck into your bib shorts and wash up very well. They also last extremely well, with my first one still in service after many years.
Date published: 2018-09-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mosko from
My go-to baselayer
Great baselayer for battling changing conditions. Wear with classic or core Rapha jerseys when on road or gravel rides, and I also use with Kitsbow’s Icon when on the MTB. This Rapha merino baselayer has become my go-to, offering a supple but taut fit. Fits true to size. No bunching or movement. Keeps rider’s temperature just right when layering and performs wonderfully when temps vary from cold to warm and back to colder. Merino used is a fine regulator of temp and doesn’t overheat when the sun pops out on cold rides.
Date published: 2021-01-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
titan2 from
Great baselayer
I would like to point out that I’m only ever invited to review an item that I’ve either ordered before. I’ve never been able to review products I am critical about. Hence, the review submission process is inherently positive -bias. I don’t know about others, but I benefit from negative and positive commentary. It reduces returns.
I will see if this review makes it to the site
Regardless, great t shirt. I have several and wanted the olive color. Slim fit, ordered large. 5’11”, 174 lbs, 41 chest, 33 waist.
Date published: 2019-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sokratis from
best summer baselayer
this is the best summer baselayer I own!Perfect fit,fast wicking..
Date published: 2024-05-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BiggestKev from
Perfect
Great base layer, super soft and comfy, I got the Large first but found it a bit long if tucking into a bib short, changed it out for a Medium, snug, but perfect, I normally wear Large in a Classic and Core Jersey so this slipped under those nicely. Wore it last weekend with a Core Jersey (and arm warmers/ Gilet to start with) in 9C to16C perfect, I'm 57 Years - 6'3"/192cms and 90KGS Tall and slim, and feel the cold.
Date published: 2021-04-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ryan T from
Quality base layer to add as the temps drop.
Great base layer. It is very comfortable and does not itch as some merino tends to do. The knit allows the garment to be comfortable without being restrictive. The one thing I would mention is that it on the longer side, so consider that into the sizing. I'm 6'1" with a longer torso and it is at a maximum length for my fit preference. I feel the knitting has enough "give" and recovery to size down if needed.
Date published: 2020-10-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SeattleCyclistDeux from
Very comfortable
Super comfortable base layer. Good for Fall, Winter and Spring. It does stretch out a bit so I’d recommend sizing down so that you don’t have too much loose fabric.
Date published: 2022-12-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mike_Texas from
I like these shirts a lot
This was my first base-layer, and I was skeptical if it would really help in summer heat. I've worn it under my jersey on 85-100 degree days and it really does wick off sweat. I can't say it keeps me "cooler," but it definitely doesn't add any extra heat. The wool is great too because I can just rinse it in the shower with cold water, let it dry, and wear it for three or four rides without it smelling. It also keeps my jerseys from smelling. I bought a long-sleeve for winter riding.
Date published: 2022-09-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
atb2 from
Great Base Layer; Delivers more miles-per-gallon
Great garment; I resisted for a while but am now a total believer in merino as active wear and layering. It wicks well and does not retain odor as advertised. All of the "technical" fabric base layers I have purchased over the years can't compare to the performance of merino. Unlike those, this can be worn multiple times, which is great on bike packing or hiking trips or just for getting more milage out of your gear. This particular item is well made, no itch factor, fits true to size and dries quickly when hung indoors after standard wash. Already bought two more.
Date published: 2023-02-06
Rated 4 out of
5
by
GW62 from
Don't order larger than your actual size
Comfortable base layer but quite loose fabric. Think I ordered an XL but should have stuck with my normal size of large
Date published: 2021-02-22
Rated 4 out of
5
by
JTRP from
Base
Unusual style thats why I like it. Needed washing a few times to get rid of itchy material feel.
Date published: 2022-11-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jonathan999 from
Wish I'd discovered these years ago
Great fit, reasonable price, nice detailing, washes well. But more than anything else it's the softness of the merino mix that I love.
Oh and it breathes well too - unlike my synthetic base layers I rarely find myself wishing I could take it off mid-ride.
My only (very minor) gripe is that it's a little long in the body, which means I have to tuck more of it than I'd like into my knicks.
Date published: 2019-06-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
No Sweat Odour
I’m 172cm & 70kg and purchased the small. Figure hugging like a jersey fit so perfect as a top for riding on trainer. Have used old jerseys as trainer tops but after a few hard trainer sessions and sweating like a demon your jersey gets an odour you cannot wash away. These wool tops take a real beating and come out fresh every time. I have 3 of these tops on rotation now.
Date published: 2020-10-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ryther from
Great shirt
I have a few of these. My only gripe, and this will be repeated in a few other reviews, is that it would be great if it were longer in the back. I’m 6’2’ and would love to be able to tuck this into my Rapha jeans and not have my lower back exposed when in the drops while having a long sleeve shirt on over it. Rapha needs to make tall versions of much of their stuff.
Date published: 2019-08-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Best bit of cycling kit I know.
I love these tops so much I have six of them. I wear them even when I'm not cycling. Merino wool means no stink, plenty of uses without washing, warm when it's cold, cool when it's warm, comfortable as hell. I find a lot of Rapha gear a bit pricey but these, while not cheap, are fantastic value. Can't imagine cycling after summer without them.
Date published: 2020-11-09
Rated 2 out of
5
by
David Eccles from
Not what you would expect from Rapha
The Merino does the job as you would expect. And on the first few wears the fit is awesome. The top quickly lost its shape though, and for want of a better description, bowed out from just below the chest, no longer keeping its shape and fit. Not what you would expect for a product at that price point and the Rapha brand.
Date published: 2023-06-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
KCM1 from
Excellent base layer
I love this base layer. It's perfect for when the temps are still too cool to just have a jersey on and it regulates your temperature when it warms up a bit later in the ride. Sizing runs pretty accurately too.
Date published: 2024-05-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Phil in DK from
Washes great. Multiple use.
I went for the Medium, despite being advised to "size down" for this type of garment. However i much prefer being able to wear this on and off the bike. The sweat wicking is superb, and it washes really well (wool wash cold). I'm also confident to wear this as a tshirt under another informal shirt.
Date published: 2021-05-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
UKTricky from
Good Fit and warmth
Good Fit and warmth, actually not worn this on a ride as yet but have for a football match (fan rather than participation) and upper body was warm. Fit is excellent and a good length to ensure it doesn't ride up. Be interesting to see how it holds shape after a few washes but so far so good.
Date published: 2022-12-23
Rated 1 out of
5
by
AWOL from
NOT up to Rapha's usual standards!
I have purchased - and relished - MANY Rapha products. I'm sad to report that the 'Men's Merino Base Layer - Short Sleeve' is the only purchase that has disappointed me. The sizing is wrong ... nowhere near long enough in the body and nowhere near a close-enough fit. I'm 1.87m/ 190 lbs. I bought the Medium to be on the safe side. It fits more like a loose t-shirt. Please note: I am NOT slagging Rapha. Good company. I'll buy from them again, but sadly, I cannot trust them on Base Layers in the future. ...Pity.
Date published: 2023-06-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
billmcri from
First impression is favorable
Felt nice out of the box, seems to be well made. Fit is plenty long, will stay tucked in. Only worn it a couple of times so far. Really stayed damp during the coffee stop i.e. didn't dry at all - leading to a little bit of chill when first resuming the ride. Otherwise OK.
Date published: 2022-02-02
Rated 3 out of
5
by
RayM from
Small holes after washing.
This is a warm and comfortable base layer, but was surprised to see several small holes developing in the fabric near the front bottom and middle back after washing. I only hope they won't continue to grow and render this expensive clothing item unusable.
Date published: 2024-01-18
Rated 4 out of
5
by
JackJack456 from
Runs Large but very Nice material/Construction
Great product, runs larger than expected, material can be a little scratch being Marino wool but it’s still a very nice under garment. I was surprised fit was actually large, I purchased an XL and at 6’2” / 215lbs I could probably wear a large.
Date published: 2021-05-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Original and best
Been wearing these ever since Rapha first started selling them. I have had, and have, other brands but usually these are my first choice. Long lasting, versatile and supremely comfortable they perform brilliantly
Date published: 2022-11-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Fazool from
Suprizingly awesome
I should say it’s exceeding my expectations, it’s lookin good even I wear it as a simple basic t-shirt under my sweater, but it works correctly in cold rides at mornings as a base layer.
Date published: 2020-01-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Riq E from
Very good base layer
Good quality base layer. It is warm and cool as it manages heat and moisture well. It looses a star as it is a bit long and will bunch up at the bottom when tucked into a bib.
Date published: 2022-01-05