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review

Craft Warm Crew Neck Base Layer

7
£45.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Top notch base-layer but loses a point for being far too long
Weight: 
0g

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This Crew Neck Base Layer from Scandiwegian cold weather wizards Craft is nice, very nice, but it could do with being sized rather better for cycling.

It's a polyester mix but cunningly fashioned to ensure that you stay warm without boiling. Craft's blurb describes a '3-D knit construction" with "hollow fibres and body mapped comfort zones". Polar bear fur is hollow and you can't argue with a genius phrase like "body mapped comfort zones". What I did notice is that it kept me comfy while wicking extremely well, helped by the cunningly designed panels of thinner material across the back. It also has the happy side effect of not getting whiffy when the going gets sweaty. In fact, dear reader, I rode the top for several weeks without washing it, just to see how it performed. In the end marital harmony dictated that it went in the wash, but it still didn't smell. Not that I recommend that you do the same, but it's nice to know that Cap'n Stinky won't be coming with you on tour.

It's a very soft top, so if you wear it with the arms exposed mind out for brambles and twigs as it snags very easily.

Despite the top notch performance and quality material I did have an issue with the fit. It's just far too long. I know I'm not that tall (5' 8") but it comes down to mid-thigh. In fact with some black boots and a matching belt it would make a fetching mini-dress for a big night out. Assuming you want to look like crap transvestite.

I usually wear my base layers tucked inside my bibs, it's one less layer to remove when making pitstops on long rides, but there's too much material here to allow that. It's not the end of the world, but it would make me think twice if I was trying this on and spending my own money. It might be worth trying a smaller size because otherwise this is a very nice top.

Verdict

Top notch base-layer but loses a point for being far too long.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Warm Crew Neck Base Layer

Size tested: Large

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?

Blurb says:-

"Warm is a highly functional, lightweight baselayer range designed for intense aerobic activities on cold winter days. A 3D-knit construction with hollow fibers and bodymapped climate zones keep the body dry and warm where you need it the most.

INTEGRATED CLIMATE ZONES

The seamlessly integrated climate zones correspond with different parts of the body and vary depending on function and placement on the garment. "

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

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes - I just wish it was shorter

Would you consider buying the product? Maybe, if it was in a sale

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they were considerably taller than me

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 5\' 8  Weight: er....86kg

I usually ride: GT Rave - singlespeed conversion  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

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

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,

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