Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I wouldn't say they make you feel cooler, they make you feel fresher as you are not dripping. I prefer them paired with Pro Team jerseys but they work just as well with sports wool. I used to swear by the merino base layers until I gave these a go, now the merino is for winter only.

I agree with that ^, based on my experience with cheap as chips mesh base layers from decathlon and wiggle.

Would be intrigued to know if a Rapha tax would increase the performance that much. And, as far as base layers go, who carers about Rapha levels of finish and detailing?

In other news, Rapha are looking to recruit an Enterprise Solutions Architect, which if it weren't for my commitment to parenting for the next two years, I would be all over. Like embrocation on a pad.

Do it^

Give the kid to a nanny.

Go for it anyway maybe you could do it part time..

Does anyone else offer something a lot like the PT base, but without the Rapha tax?

I've heard good things about Craft baselayers.

I took a bullet and bought the PT base layer. A superb piece of kit even if it looks/feels like its about to rip when putting on. You get what you pay for...

Castelli makes a mesh baselayer

Mesh vest from Uniqlo, under a tenner. umop3pisdn approved.

Craft baselayers are good, but in my opinion the second best to a Rapha PT baselayer is the Gore baselayer. Not quite as breathable as the Waffa, but still verracomfortable.

Cool. I've got a nice Conquest base, which is perfect for the weather right now, but I'm not so sure it'll be good for midsummer. Definitely not French Alpine midsummer.

Thanks for the recommends all, by the way. I'm sure I'll do my normal thing and buy three different ones that I hate, then put them on the ebay pile that stays in the corner for eternity.

I think the mesh only really helps when you're actually sweating buckets - as clem mentioned earlier. They don't actually cool you down, but making it easier for the sweat to evaporate will have a cooling effect (if you are sweating)

Another +1 for Craft Coolmesh or whateverthefuck it's called.

Cheers all, I run hot and are often dripping so sounds good for me, Sportful mesh base layers are £10.50 on wiggle at the moment so will give one a try

I've got one. It's great, feels uber comfy and works well on the bike

In other news, archive store full of PT jerseys in all sizes and colours, SS and LS today. Good selection of base layers in too

How much were the PT jerseys?

£60. Picked up a grey one along with a turtle neck winter base layer for £40 and some thermal bibs

Where is this archive store?

Shepton Mallet in Somerset

darn it! wish i lived closer...

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Pics of you wearing the turtle neck or it never happened