Ghazmh

I have 2 Endura BaaBaa long sleeve 100% Merino wool baselayer shirts I wear underneath my PI Elite soft shell jacket or my Castelli Softshell Jacket made from Gore Windstopper. Occasionally I’ll wear one underneath a thermal or wind jersey. The Endura shirts are both filling up with holes and runs. I’ve only used them for 3 going in 4 winters thus far. Besides that they’ve been diecent. Occasionally they get sweat soaked after a while but The wool has been better than the synthetics I used before getting them.

Does anybody have something wool or synthetic that they would recommend? I’m considering Trying a Gore baselayer but it’s a lot of money to experiment blindly.

Thanks fellow winter cycling entheusiasts!

delbiker1 

They are not cheap, but real silk base layers are great. Terramar makes base layers with "silk like synthetics" that are reasonably priced and work well. Sierra Trading Post usually has a good selection, some at deep discount.

Trakhak

I still have some Italian wool long-sleeve jerseys from the early 1980s that I used to pair with a wool undershirt, but they just collect dust these days. Current synthetics work just as well for me and never seem to show any signs of wear.

wolfchild

I use Under Armor.

wipekitty

I like wool as well. My favorites are the super-thin shirts from Ibex (now out of business).

Woolx stuff is a bit more budget friendly than some; I get the regular merino long-sleeve shirts rather than spending extra to get a label that says 'base layer'. Sometimes they have sales, as well as special prices on old colors.

'02 nrs

thermal Patagonia-best base layer have found to date & it is tested in Mich.Winters.eBay may have used,check around.new are mostly the same $$$.https://www.patagonia.com/shop/mens-...0&sz=24#tile-2

Flip Flop Rider

any performance/wicking shirt, the thinner the better. doesn't have to be expensive

AU Tiger

My favorite is Champion C9 Varitherm with a brushed back. Comfy and warm, wicks well.

noglider 

Are any of the synthetics or silks as good at avoiding odor as wool?

Flip Flop Rider

not sure. I usually wash them after riding

noglider 

That's what I'm trying to avoid. I only wash my wool shirt once a week, and I don't even need to wash it that frequently. This shows what a good value it is, because I don't need many.

'02 nrs

Odor resistant,merino wool & on sale,if they have your size.https://www.sierra.com/product/index...ode=712KX-01-M

caloso

I use an old moth-eaten sweater. Throw it in the wash and shrink it to snug fit.

at_hiker59

I use Layer 8 brand found at Marshalls for less than $20. They have held up fine for 2 years now. When it gets really cold or I know I will be sweaty I put wool over the Layer 8 to keep sweat from chilling me.

I still have silk baselayers but now I only use them for normal dress layers. It does not stink like polypropylene does.

wolfchild

I try to keep sweating to a minimum. On some rides I can get away without breaking any sweat at all... I can usually wear synthetic base layer for a few rides before it needs washing. Sometimes I give my base layer a quick wash while taking a shower.

Ghazmh

Thanks for the thoughts all! I do enjoy the ability to hang dry my Merino wool shirts to wear a few times while they smell fresh for at least 3 rides at a time. I like the idea of trying Gore Windsopper baselayer but if they’re anything like my Gore Windblocker jerseys they downright stink after each ride.

DomaneS5

Under Armour base layer underneath Aerotech Designs Jacket works well for me.

bpcyclist

I only use base layers on top. I like whatever's cheap. I used an old tie-dye tee the other day. It worked fine. Temp in mid-thirties with a fleece jersey.

AU Tiger

I don't know how it compares to wool because I've never worn a wool base layer. But the Champion C9 shirts resist odors well enough that I can get 2 or 3 rides (around 15 miles each with lots of hills) before needing to wash them. I hang them up when I finish a ride, and they're good to go again by the next day.

CliffordK

I like synthetic Fleece. I keep my eyes out for good ones fairly cheap. Usually nothing under them, although sometimes either a cotton or synthetic T-Shirt depending on how I'm feeling.

With the fleece, if it is warm enough, I can ride without a jacket, but I do like a single layer bike jacket over the top.

Grey ones seem to wash better, but lately I've been keeping my eyes open for bright colors.

79pmooney

The Patagonia T-shirts made from CoolMax are really nice! I'm wearing the long sleeve one now as I head out for 50. Very, very close to silk for feel and I'm guessing will last many times longer. They cost $40 each. I have oly been wearing them for a couple of years maybe, but if previous experience with Patagonia means anything, I'll probably still be using these a decade from now.

Ben

Chris654

I Use Armour