Endura's Transrib base layer is comfortable next to the skin and achieves good temperature and sweat control during a range of riding situations. That makes it a good option for autumn through to spring cycling: warm enough for cold rides but coping well in warmer temps.
Scotland-based Endura use a CoolMax material with a ribbed knit which helps the base layer to provide very good insulation on cooler rides - those channels essentially trap warm air and keep it close to your body. And when you ride hard enough to produce a decent amount of sweat the Transrib base layer copes very well, staying dry even on the hardest training rides. There's an antibacterial finish and the base layer doesn't smell bad when you've been on a long ride like some base layers can sometimes.
The fit, which Endura call athletic, is good but as with most Endura clothing it's definitely on the larger side. This size medium provided a comfortable fit but it's not exactly a second skin like some base layers. That's either a good or bad thing in your book, and it depends on the type of fit you prefer. You can always downsize if you do want a closer fit, and there is a good amount of stretch in the fabric. Sizes available include Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Extra Extra Large.
Despite the slightly generous fit, it's a really comfortable base layer with a soft feel on the skin. The high collar is a nice thing on a cold morning ride. Combined with a long sleeve jersey or jacket, this the ideal accompaniment for cold rides and copes well with a range of temperatures. It's a good place to start with any layering approach to dressing for a ride.
The Transrib base layer is available for men and women in long sleeve and short sleeve, we tested the latter which is a more versatile top as you can wear it for three seasons, through autumn, winter and spring, and even get some use in the summer as well.
In conclusion, the Endura Transrib base layer does everything you want a base layer to, and it's comfortable and a decent price, and offers a more generous fit than other base layers unless you go down a size.
Verdict
Comfortable and good at regulating temperature and keeping you dry, with a generous fit that some will like
road.cc test report
Make and model: Endura Transrib Base Layer
Size tested: Black Medium
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?
The Transrib Short Sleeve Base Layer by Endura provides excellent insulation in winter combined with superior moisture management in summer for year round performance.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
CoolMax® ribbed knit provides excellent insulation in winter combined with superior moisture management in summer for year round performance
Antibacterial finish to keep you fresh
High stretch supportive fit flatters all body shapes
Athletic fit
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Soft and comfortable on the skin.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Fit is slightly too generous, but some will find this a positive.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
A really nice base layer only slightly let down by the loose fit
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,
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