Base layers

The RH+ Kinox base layer has become one of my favourite go-to products since summer has (intermittently) arrived, as it feels comfortable and shifts moisture really well.

It's mostly polypropylene (78%, if you're taking notes) with the remainder polyamide (nylon) and elastane. Sometimes polypropylene can feel scratchy but not here – this is comfy stuff.

The fabric itself is very stretchy thanks to the elastane, and the mesh construction gives even more stretch so you get a close, form fit without tightness or ridges.

One thing I have seen the benefit of these last few months is the art of layering. With some truly miserable riding conditions, getting your wardrobe choices right will enhance your ride, and this Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece fits the bill for the chilly weather.

The Solo Merino Wool base layer is a slim fitting and comfortable option that comes with the usual merino benefits of being naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant.

The Rapha Winter Base Layer is a toasty merino offering with a unique design that'll help to keep you cosy.

When it comes to base layers, merino's king. The fine fibres make for a garment that's light, wicking and warm even when wet, without the itchiness associated with other, coarser wool variants. This winter base layer from Rapha takes all of those positives and combines them with a close, form hugging fit to create a base layer perfect for the very coldest of days.

Howies are reknowned for their base layers - and this NBL Half Zip Merino base layer really ticks all the boxes.

Merino base layers produced over the years have gone from strength to strength, with people raving about the quality of performance, the feel and the odour resistance. So it was with much anticipation that I eagerly opened the package when it arrived for test.

The Rapha Women's Long Sleeve Base Layer is a soft, breathable base layer made from merino wool that will prove useful time and time again, both on and off the bike.

The OneTen Intimo Seamless long sleeve base layer is a really stretchy, fast drying base layer that provides sufficient warmth to be useful right through the winter.

The Intimo is mostly polypropylene with enough elastane in there to provide loads of stretch. It's cut long in the body and sleeves so there's no danger of any exposed skin when you're on the bike and you get quite a high neck to keep the cold air out.

The Castelli Uno: Uno Plasma is a close-fitting long sleeved base layer for the cooler weather that provides good moisture management.

It's 100% polyester and the fabric has been given a 'nano-plasma' treatment to help take moisture from your skin and spread it out to aid evaporation.

As autumn turns to winter, it's important to wear the right kit, such as this Corefit long sleeve base layer from dhb.

With a silky feel, it's very comfortable next to the skin and it definitely helps keep you warm – whether you're tootling about on the Sunday clubrun or racing into an Arctic headwind.

As with many dhb products, this base layer comes in numerous varieties: male or female cut, long or short sleeves, high neck (with zip) or round neck. Under test here is the male cut, round neck, long sleeve version.

The Bontrager B1 base layer is a lightweight, fast drying base layer that's ideal for warmer weather.

This has become my default base layer over the past few weeks. When everything is washed and ready to go, it's the one I reach for first for warm rides.