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review
£22.99
VERDICT:
Near-textbook execution of what a baselayer needs to deliver, at a good price
Weight:
69g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Lusso Race Base Mesh Vest offers great breathability and a close fit, and feels beautifully soft against the skin. Lusso has managed it for a decent price too.
- Pros: Stretchy fabric allows plenty of movement; breathability; soft against the skin
- Cons: Tendency to stain around the neck
Virtually every cycle clothing brand has a mesh baselayer in its range, and across the board there isn't that much to separate them. Some use softer fabrics than others, some have a better fit because of the stretch of the fabric, and some wick the sweat away quicker.
Lusso's Race Base Mesh Vest has managed to encapsulate all those attributes while also bringing it in at the lower end of the price spectrum.
The Manchester-based company manufactures its products here in the UK, although it has outreached to Italy for the 'multi-filament yarns' that make up the four-way stretch fabric used in this baselayer's construction.
It feels great against the skin, very soft without the slightest hint of scratchiness, and you basically forget you're wearing it, whether you are out on the bike for hours or a 10-mile time trial.
I found the breathability to be great on the really hot days of the summer with temperatures touching the mid-30s. Yeah, you still get hot and sweaty when you're pushing it, but once you back off the pace a bit or start descending, you soon feel dry and cool.
The only slight issue I've found with it is that by following the recommended 30°C washing instructions, dirt marks around the neck don't all disappear, leaving a slight discolouration. Selecting a hotter 40°C wash does seem to sort it, though.
Price-wise, we are only looking at £22.99 which is impressive, and Lusso certainly hasn't scrimped on quality to achieve it. The baselayer is very well put together and the fabric feels pretty much indestructible.
> Buyer's Guide: 17 of the best cycling baselayers
For similar money you could go for the Chapeau Mesh SL Base Layer at £24.99, though it isn't quite as soft as the Lusso.
The Alé Intimo Active baselayer performs pretty well and I still wear it a lot. It has a slightly closer fit but will cost you £35 going on the rrp.
On the whole, this is a really good baselayer that does everything you need it to, for good money.
Verdict
Near-textbook execution of what a baselayer needs to deliver, at a good price
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Lusso Race Base Vest
Size tested: Large
Tell us what the product is for
Lusso says, "After 12 months testing and working with Italy's leading Fabric supplier Lusso's task was to create something super lightweight, high moisture transfer and important 4 way stretch for the perfect body fit and achieving the most breathable base layer possible in today's market."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Lusso:
High Breathability
4 Way Stretch
Soft Touch
Lightweight
Quick Drying
Anatomically Shaped
Italian Multi-Filament Yarns
White Only
Made in UK
Machine Washable
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Stitching quality fine, but it stains.
Rate the product for fit:
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
9/10
Sizing is spot on.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
As I've said in the main review, when washed at 30°C grime around the neck remains, but if you go up to 40°C it is fine.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
As a layer between your body and jersey it can't really be faulted.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Feels great against the skin.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Doesn't always come clean after washing at recommended temperature.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
There are others at this price point but the Lusso delivers the quality and the performance of the more expensive offerings.
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 overall score
A really good quality and performing baselayer, only slightly let down by the fact that the material can stain quite easily.
About the tester
Age: 40
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!
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