The Rivelo Hathersage merino long-sleeve baselayer is a warm, comfortable and well-fitting undergarment for steady winter riding.
That assessment comes after rides at different tempos and intensities, as well as teaming the baselayer with multiple styles of kit over the top. Put simply, it’s excellent at wicking moisture away, as well as keeping you warm when your metabolism isn’t stoked into a furnace.
This is down to its fabric construction: 50% merino wool, 50% polyester, which also gives it a particularly soft feel against the skin. The benefits of merino wool for moisture wicking and breathability have been championed by road cyclists for years, and here we have another shining example.
The fit is slim-to-tight, with the medium on test fitting me snugly as I would expect (I usually opt for a medium or large depending on the cut itself). There’s no extra-long back, but frankly that’s okay as I find longer backs tend to bunch up unnecessarily while riding anyway.
As with other long sleeve baselayers I’ve used, the cuffs also tend to ride up the arm to about halfway up the forearm while in the saddle. As uncomfortable as this might sound, it’s actually quite a natural place for the sleeves to sit, and you soon get used to it. In fact, it allows a little cooling air to contact your arms, which can be a bonus when working hard. (I know some will disagree with me here – each to their own!)
The design of the baselayer is set off with a stylish purple and black stripe colourway, with a signature ‘Ri’ brand logo sewn on the upper chest, and an unrestrictive crew style at the neck, which is useful for people with thicker necks, like me.
Really, it’s hard to fault, and with the merino/polyester blend keeping the baselayer in shape through a 40-degree delicate wash (I’ve had some serious shrinkage nightmares with merino-based products in my time), I could happily wear it all winter long on my more steady rides. I still prefer a short sleeve or sleeveless option for hard rides, but that’s a personal preference at this time of year.
> Buyer’s Guide: the best cycling baselayers
As a result, I have no option but to declare it good value at £55. I like using it, and if you’re going to get good use out of a product, then – within reason – it’s worth spending the money on it. Rivelo kit is available through sign-up sales platform Sport Pursuit and this baselayer is currently in the sale for just £19.99; I wholeheartedly recommend snapping one up.
Verdict
Very competent cool-to-cold weather baselayer – and currently a real bargain
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Rivelo Mens Hathersage Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer
Size tested: 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?
Rivelo says: “A lightweight striped merino / polyester base layer, that looks just as good off the bike as on it! Designed to be worn under a jersey on cool days, or under layers in colder weather. Odour resistant and naturally moisture wicking, with raglan sleeves so bib or bag straps won’t rub.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Features:
– 140gm Merino/Poly single jersey knit
– Soft & lightweight, suitable for a wide range of seasons
– Micro-stripe knitted pattern
– Dropped hem at rear, for extra warmth on the bike
– Flatlocked seams for comfort
– Ri embroidery at CF neck
– No scratchy labels – care instructions are printed directly onto the inside of the garment
– Wicking, breathable & quick drying
– Versatile and multifunctional – can be worn on or off the bike
Very good construction, with good quality seams.
Wicks sweat extremely well, and keeps you warm or cool when needed thanks to its merino wool blend.
Surprisingly tough; I’ve always found merino blends a bit fragile, but not here.
Comfortable, and fitted without being restrictive.
Buy as you would a jersey and you should be pleased. Sleeves are slightly looser as per our model pictures, but nothing to be worried about.
Feels lightweight, simple as that.
The merino wool raises its head again here; very comfortable with no rubbing or other issues.
£55 might sound expensive, but for a baselayer that’s as competent as this, it’s well worth it.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Suprisingly well, although I’d always opt for a delicate wash to avoid fluffing.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fit, comfort, warmth and sweat wicking.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing in particular, although it’s not great if you want to ride at your FTP! Horses for courses, though.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
It’s an impressive long sleeve baselayer, no question.
About the tester
Age: 26 Height: 188cm Weight: 83kg
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
2 thoughts on “Rivelo Men’s Hathersage Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer”
A fair review, but Sport
A fair review, but Sport Pursuit perpetually sells Rivelo kit at ‘sale prices’, and I treat the perceived discount there on this and on other brands which don’t appear to be available anywhere else with some scepticism.
ped wrote:
Some? Rivelo are Sport Pursuit.
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