dhb Blok Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer

dhb's Blok Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer is a no-frills lightweight top that does as good a job as more expensive ones, and just makes me ask: why would you spend more?

• Pros: Price, performance, Polygiene odour control
• Cons: Umm...

A while back, I reviewed the Castelli Pro Mesh Sleeveless baselayer. This dhb baselayer is a dead ringer of the Castelli in all but the tiniest of details, but costs £20 (in fact £15 at the moment) rather than £55...

Like the expensive Castelli baselayer, the dhb Blok takes a mesh approach to the fabric, and is as soft to the touch. It's an anatomical fit, incorporating a very slim cut (arguably slightly more space around the arms than the Castelli) and a slightly elongated back for when you're in a racy riding position.

The seams are flat, soft and well made, while the polyester-based fabric incorporates seven per cent elastane for a little figure-hugging, comfortable stretch. After a number of washes, it's remained as well fitted as the Castelli did in the same sort of test period, with no hints of fraying. And, that close fit means the mesh fabric is in a perfect position to wick moisture away too, time and again. Being mesh it easily lets it go so it dries quickly even if you do get a real sweat on; it’s always working for you rather than getting sodden and staying that way.

One thing the Blok baselayer does have is 'Polygiene' technology, which is a form of odour control derived from recycled silver. The idea is to reduce odour retention, while dhb points out that it helps its garments to be more eco-friendly – you should want to wash it less. In truth, it's fairly effective, although not markedly more so than any other mesh-type baselayer I've used before. And, if I'm being honest, I'd still wash it along with the rest of my cycling kit anyway for general good hygiene. That said, it's not unreasonable to wear it more than once between washes, which is good to know if you happen to be on a weekend expedition and want to pack light, for example.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best cycling baselayers

Sizing is true to size – I fit into the medium on test, unlike the Castelli yardstick, which is traditionally Italian and fits me well in a large – while overall weight is as-near-as-makes-no-difference the same.

All of this means that they perform ostensibly to the same standard, except you pay a whopping £35 less for this dhb baselayer. Yes, the Castelli badge is nice, but... that price gap makes the dhb version easily the smart choice in a head to head.

Verdict

Has all the performance of its rivals, but costs far less. What's not to like?