Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I got the standard ones as I wear them at work as a T-shirt

Ah you mean the V-neck ones? Wondering if anyone recommends the long sleeve baselayers and has tried the mesh and merino versions?

I'm guessing the mesh version is more suited to warmer climates, and the merino is better suited to good ole British weather. Wish Rapha would let you mix and match types of baselayers.

Probably the shortie (with nanoflex armwarmers) no?

Yep, I've got the short sleeve jersey and the Nanoflex arm warmers. For convertible jackets I've got some Gore Phantom II jackets.

Castelli make quite a big deal of non-Castelli riders wearing Gabbas in the peloton, normally with the Castelli logo blanked out with black marker pen. The give away is usually the drain holes in the pockets.

I have a couple of long sleeve merino baselayers but they're getting a little ratty and was just about to buy a 3-pack bundle for winter, but now I'm wondering whether to make do with the 2 regular ones I have and use the money to get a winter one and a mesh one. I think that would be better and more useful, but seems like I'm getting less for my money.

1st world problems.

Local merino brand Devold now do a mesh style top in short, long, or sleeveless. Out of merino wool. Went through a massive bin of sample at an outlet store. They look like the ultimate baselayer to me. But alas no large in the bin.

Did you see gabbagate in TOB yesterday

Apparently Stannard caught hell for so obviously wearing a gabba in Milan-San Remo...doesn't seem like it's had an effect.

I'm guessing the mesh version is more suited to warmer climates, and the merino is better suited to good ole British weather. Wish Rapha would let you mix and match types of baselayers.

Not really, the normal merino is also fine for warmer climates, the mesh is idea to help with air circulation between your skin and your jersey.

Mesh tops are often worn to improve wicking. You see them on hot day in the TdF etc.

The idea with a merino baselayer in terms of temperature control. Is that even if you sweat it out because of wind/water proof outer layers. It will still have decent insulation.

My thinking was that a mesh merino baselayer would have an extremely wide temperature range by combining these properties.

Thats one I need to add to the collection still, a merino baselayer. Should I go sleeveless or short sleeve?

Do you beat your wife? If not, then the short sleeved one.

All things considered the gabba jersey and all things castelli do look rather shit though : /

All things considered the gabba jersey and all things castelli do look rather shit though : /

Aesthetically I agree but I think they are a great sweet spot of price:performance (plus sharpie is your friend)
and I will be getting gabba for winter for proper full kit wankering

Do you beat your wife? If not, then the short sleeved one.

Lol i dont think anyone could mistake a rapha wearer for a wife beater!

So Gabba, shortsleeve with arm warmers, longsleeve or convertible?

I was looking at the longsleeve one. Cant imagine I'd want that much warmth without arms. But then my arms get cold.

I'd also go with a sleeveless baselayer. But thats more down to the tight fit of cycling jerseys over my awesome guns.

wouldnt the shortsleeve with arm warmers be the same as the longsleeve? that way you can still wear it in warmer weather when it can be wet?

i also prefer the sleeveless BS, less hassle when wearing arm warmers.

wouldnt the shortsleeve with arm warmers be the same as the longsleeve? that way you can still wear it in warmer weather when it can be wet?

I'm not sure I'd where it for warmer weather. If only to save it from unneeded wear and tear. So I'd rather aviod the overlap of arm warmers and jersey. Just me.

i also prefer the sleeveless BS, less hassle when wearing arm warmers.

Again I dont like to overlap layers too much.

Personally I like the sleeveless BS, short sleeve jacket and arm warmers. Just gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to controlling your temperature. I've certainly found occasions where a short sleeve Gabba and no arm warmers is the right combination for me. But, as ever, YMMV.

Buy an UnderArmour ColdGear Compression Mock and wear whatever jersey you like.

It is the essential piece of kit for my winter rides.

They look pretty good and not too pricey.

How cold does it usually need to be for you to wear them and do you run hot?

Cheers.

Second time this thread has been over run by the hordes singing the praises of the Gabba, and pics of Rapha sponsored riders wearing it. Rapha must be over joyed.

And attempting to copy it as we speak.....

They look pretty good and not too pricey.

How cold does it usually need to be for you to wear them and do you run hot?

Cheers.

.......and how stinky after just one ride?

^^ yes that too.

But if we're comparing a +£200 jersey over a £20 warm baselayer + an existing jersey then I'll take some stinkyness.

^^ yes that too.

But if we're comparing a +£200 jersey over a £20 warm baselayer + an existing jersey then I'll take some stinkyness.

I guess it depends on use. The value in something like a Gabba is temperature control with absolute minimal bulk. So for fast riding I guess its great.

For commuting I'd just layer it up, and keep it cheap.

I guess it depends on use. The value in something like a Gabba is temperature control with absolute minimal bulk. So for fast riding I guess its great.

For commuting I'd just layer it up, and keep it cheap.

Damn i was going to wear my gabba for commuting!