Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer

The Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer is great – it works well, looks good and feels like it’ll last for ages. It’s comfortable too, despite sizing up rather large.

> Buy now: Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer for £23 from Galibier

I’m used to baselayers giving a slim or skin-tight fit, as that reduces the chances of fabric bunching up beneath your outer layers. The Echelon, however, fits more like a regular T-shirt (in my recommended size), and the loose sensation is only boosted by its wide collar.

Despite the inevitable creasing when you put typically tight cycling clothes over it, the Echelon remains very comfortable. Even in combination with bib shorts and fitted road jerseys/jackets, the soft, slightly stretchy fabric and tidily overlocked seams stayed entirely unobtrusive.

That loose cut still may not suit everyone, but you could safely size down. Galibier gives a few other measurements beyond the regular chest sizes, such as pit-to-pit and the spine length, so you can judge the differences easily. Also there are seven sizes, so the choice is broad; though for some reason Galibier only gives the extra measurements for the middling four.

Once on I didn’t notice the slightly plasticky feel the fabric (88% polyester, 12% spandex) has in the hand; some blends can feel slippery and cheap once you’re sweating, but this ‘AirMesh’ never does. It wicks well, and never got too wet or clammy. It just unobtrusively gets on with its job, and resists getting smelly too.

The logo on the chest is a lot smaller than on previous versions, and there’s a (pretty cool, in my eyes) picture on the back of a huge bird/bewinged angel ascending to heaven/psychotic vision of ravenous feathery judgement [delete as applicable].

Whatever it is, Galibier claims it provides a full 20W of mystical force, and frankly that’s not even the least believable performance claim I’ve seen.

Value

This is attractively priced at £23. The fairly similar Castelli Pro Mesh 2.0 Base Layer, for instance, is £55, and while it has a slimmer cut, the sleeves caused our reviewer some problems.

Alternatively, the Ciovita DriRelease Short Sleeve Baselayer is now £45 and even more meshy (and similarly wide-necked), though the fabric did not particularly impress.

Altura is a reliable source of well-priced gear, but even its Tempo Seamless Short Sleeve Baselayer is more at £40. It does offer a fancy 3D knit, however, which tunes the fabric for breathability or insulation across the whole top as necessary.

You could take a chance on a generic baselayer for less than £23, though you’re then running the risk of getting a top that feels like wearing a food recycling bag and which, almost as soon as it gets warm, starts smelling like one. Ask me how I know.

You can check out more options in our guide to the best cycling baselayers, but I personally think that £23 for the fabric, performance and build quality here is good value.

Overall

This is a stylish, comfortable base for a good price. While it does size up rather large, it’s comfortable anyway, and sizing down is a viable option should you prefer.

> Buy now: Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer for £23 from Galibier

Verdict

Effective and good-looking base for an attractive price, though the loose fit means you might want to size down

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