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review

Rapha Pro Team Base Layer Sleeveless - Data Print

8
£45.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Unusual looking base layer but excellent hot weather performance, but it's not cheap... but you knew that
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 

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Base layers are rarely seen, except when summiting a mountain climb with jersey flung wide open, which means the bold and subjectively stylish Rapha Pro Team Data Print base layer will be a rare sight to anyone but the wearer.

The new base layer is part of Rapha's latest Data Print collection. A collaboration with a design studio, it's a unique design based on a Team Sky racer's data from a stage race, and features a series of chevrons mapping the rider's distance, elevation gain and Training Score Stress (TSS). It's applied to Rapha's new Aero jersey and Aerosuit. Oh and some socks too. It's a bold new direction for the clothing company, and is unlike anything they've created before. You'll either love the new aesthetic or...

Looks aside, the base layer is constructed from a synthetic mesh material with side panels made from a high-stretch material, with flatlock stitching throughout. It's a very close fit, figure-hugging is the best description, as it should be so the fabric can do its job of wicking sweat away from the skin. There's enough stretch that it's accommodating of any extra bulges, and there are plenty of sizes to choose from as well. As with all of Rapha's Pro Team clothing, it's designed to be a racy fit.

It's extremely comfortable, and the sleeveless version - a short sleeve version is available too - works remarkably well with tight fitting short sleeve jerseys, like the Rapha Aero jersey (well you'd hope - ed) , with minimal bulk around the upper arm area. It's a good length at the waist too so plenty to tuck into your bib shorts.

As it's a base layer designed for 'training and racing in hot conditions' I duly headed to some warmer climes to give it a proper test, and can confidently report that it does a top job of keeping you cool. The material is extremely thin and it's very meshy, and reduces the potential for overheating compared to regular base layers. Some people don't wear a base layer when it's hot but my personal preference is to wear one all the time, even in high heat, I feel a base layer better mops up excess sweat than a just a jersey. And it avoids bib strap chafing.

It's short on details, it's a base layer after rall, but Rapha has found space to add one of its favoured phrases from cycling's history to the chest panel. There are the now trademark Pro Team horizontal stripes at the base of the neck, just to remind others that you're wearing a Rapha base layer.

A £45 for the sleeveless base layer and £50 for the short sleeve base layer, it's the same price as the regular Pro Team versions, but it's right at the thick end of what we'd expect to pay for a high quality base layer. You don't have to look very far to find similar performing base layers for quite a lot less. None are available in this snazzy design though, but as I mentioned at the top, few people are going to see it other than yourself.

Verdict

Unusual looking base layer but excellent hot weather performance, but it's not cheap... but you knew that

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Rapha Pro Team Base Layer Sleeveless - Data Print

Size tested: black/white

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?

A base layer for training and racing in hot conditions, made from a synthetic mesh with high-stretch side panels to improve fit. When the skin is covered by sweat, the body's ability to lose heat is impeded. The Pro Team Base Layer works to wick sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate faster and cool the body.

The construction and fabric of the Pro Team Base Layer is exactly as used by Team Sky, with flatlock stitching to prevent discomfort and chafing and high-stretch side panels to allow for a close fit. The hems are folded and bound for comfort against the skin. The chest panel is emblazoned with a phrase from cycling's history. The Pro Team Base Layer will keep the body cooler on hot days than wearing a jersey alone.

Please Note: The Pro Team Base Layer's sizing is race-tight. Please select your regular jersey size or, if you would like a more relaxed fit, choose a size up.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Breathable synthetic mesh

High-stretch side panels

Race-ready tailoring

Bound hems

Anti-bacterial treatment

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? There are cheaper alternative

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Pricey but offers top performance and the fit, and the comfort next to the skin, is excellent. The Data Print design isn't for everyone but anyone bored of plain black or white base layers might find it a novel, if expensive, alternative. On performance it's a 9 - it loses a mark though on price. Some might want to deduct another for the design but style is a very subjective thing so I won't.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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11 comments

Avatar
Sentral | 8 years ago
0 likes

We swear by the pro team baselayers, this new design is pretty cool

_

www.veloism.co.uk

Avatar
richdirector | 8 years ago
0 likes

I never get the rapha knocking ..... I just got one of these and wore on ride that went from 8-15degrees - seemed to regulate temp really well and nicely made ....... If it works well I buy it - I don't have a cupboard of sh*te that doesn't work - just a few good things that I wear all the time - but I did use my 30% off voucher to buy it mind

Avatar
robthehungrymonkey replied to richdirector | 8 years ago
0 likes
richdirector wrote:

I never get the rapha knocking .....

Especially given the cost of other brands these days. Rapha stuff doesn't seem that (relatively) expensive these days.

Yes, you can buy a top in Aldi (which I have) and great if that works for you. But, I take pleasure from cycling and it's worth having nicer kit for me.

Avatar
CasperCCC | 8 years ago
0 likes

I've got the standard pro-team baselayer. I got it on sale - think I paid £25 for it. If it died, I'd buy another, and I'd pay full price if I had to. It's hands down the most comfortable base layer I've ever worn. Love it. It's pretty much relegated all my other base layers to back-up status.

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notfastenough | 8 years ago
0 likes

Looks cool

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the little onion | 8 years ago
0 likes

Right Said Fred? I'm too sexy for my baselayer?

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perfect1964 | 8 years ago
0 likes

I like Rapha stuff and have bought in the past, seems to last forever. But no longer good value when compared to the competition. Sportful is the best value for excellent quality, I think.

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sincadena | 8 years ago
0 likes

I'm sorry Raphas kit may be nice and bling but this isn't...well there are a load of blokes in Sitges who happen to wear something just like this... and hang out in the Blue Oyster Bar!

Avatar
Petethepump | 8 years ago
0 likes

Rapha stuff is expensive, but it lasts. I'm wearing 8 year old Rapha kit and its still looks new and hasn't gone baggy or stinky. Worth forking out for.

Avatar
Leviathan replied to Petethepump | 8 years ago
0 likes
Petethepump wrote:

Rapha stuff is expensive, but it lasts. I'm wearing 8 year old Rapha kit and its still looks new and hasn't gone baggy or stinky. Worth forking out for.

But won't Raphaistas know you are wearing the 2007 kit? You poor fellow.

Avatar
crikey | 8 years ago
0 likes

How will we know someone is wearing one?
Because at £45, they'll bloody tell you...

Love it, beyond parody.

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