Craft Warm Crew Neck Base Layer

This Crew Neck Base Layer from Scandiwegian cold weather wizards Craft is nice, very nice, but it could do with being sized rather better for cycling.

It's a polyester mix but cunningly fashioned to ensure that you stay warm without boiling. Craft's blurb describes a '3-D knit construction" with "hollow fibres and body mapped comfort zones". Polar bear fur is hollow and you can't argue with a genius phrase like "body mapped comfort zones". What I did notice is that it kept me comfy while wicking extremely well, helped by the cunningly designed panels of thinner material across the back. It also has the happy side effect of not getting whiffy when the going gets sweaty. In fact, dear reader, I rode the top for several weeks without washing it, just to see how it performed. In the end marital harmony dictated that it went in the wash, but it still didn't smell. Not that I recommend that you do the same, but it's nice to know that Cap'n Stinky won't be coming with you on tour.

It's a very soft top, so if you wear it with the arms exposed mind out for brambles and twigs as it snags very easily.

Despite the top notch performance and quality material I did have an issue with the fit. It's just far too long. I know I'm not that tall (5' 8") but it comes down to mid-thigh. In fact with some black boots and a matching belt it would make a fetching mini-dress for a big night out. Assuming you want to look like crap transvestite.

I usually wear my base layers tucked inside my bibs, it's one less layer to remove when making pitstops on long rides, but there's too much material here to allow that. It's not the end of the world, but it would make me think twice if I was trying this on and spending my own money. It might be worth trying a smaller size because otherwise this is a very nice top.

Verdict

Top notch base-layer but loses a point for being far too long.