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review
Base layers
Conquest Short Sleeve Base Layer Conquest Base Layer Short Sleeve

Conquest Short Sleeve Base Layer

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Dec 5, 2013

0
£40.30

VERDICT:

7
10
Lightweight and comfortable base layer that shifts moisture fast
Weight: 
79g
Contact: 
www.conquestcyclewear.com
How we test

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The Conquest Short Sleeve Cycling Base Layer is a lightweight technical layer that does a good job of keeping you dry in a variety of conditions.

The Conquest top is mostly polyester with some stretchy Lycra in the mix to ensure a close fit, which is vital for a base layer to do its job properly. The textured inner face soaks up moisture easily and shifts it away from your body, and the shirt dries out fast.

The fabric feels really comfortable and Conquest have put the care label on the outside which helps avoid irritation. The stitching looks good throughout, and although the seams aren't flatlocked, they're comfortable enough.

The fabric is also antibacterial which helps avoid nasty odours. Unlike some, this top hasn't taken on that stale base layer smell after several weeks of use.

The Conquest base is available in long sleeve (£45.50) and sleeveless (£35.75) versions and a little mesh bag for protecting it in the wash is included.

Verdict

Lightweight and comfortable base layer that shifts moisture fast.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Conquest Base Layer Short Sleeve

Size tested: medium, black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Here's Conquest's write-up:

"The short sleeve lightweight base layer is constructed from a technical dual face fabric. The next-to-skin layer has a twill backed surface designed to maximise moisture wicking with minimal weight. The outer layer is extremely lightweight and has an open construction which is ultra fast drying. This draws moisture away from the next-to-skin area keeping you comfortable throughout your ride. The fabric is anti-bacterial and protects you from the sun with (UPF 50+) protection. The entire Conquest base layer range offer superior stretch to ensure freedom of movement and a cotton like soft hand feel for your comfort. Read this article from our Product Director to find out why we recommend base layers be worn with cycling jerseys.

Short Sleeve Base Layer Features

- Highly breathable Italian dual knit stretch fabric

- Close cut for improved performance

- Antibacterial

- Soft hand feel

- Dual face fabric: Twill backed skin layer and fast drying outer layer

- Triple needle stitching with turned seams for improved comfort

- Excellent ultraviolet protection factor (UPF 50+ protection)

- You'll receive a complimentary wash bag to keep your base layer in top condition"

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

It's not the most complicated thing in the world, but it's all done well.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Perhaps.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

It's not Conquest's most ground-breaking product '' there's only so much you can do with a base layer '' but the fabric used is really comfortable and it does the job very well.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

Conquest Short Sleeve Base Layer
Conquest
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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