Good, inexpensive, form fitting (lycra) base layer?

[Lewis Moon]

I have an early season TT coming up. Can anyone suggest a form fitting base layer that won't make me "Cap'n Flappy"? I have several base layers and they are all loose in the shoulders/upper sleeves. I got no guns.

[Davist]

Depends on how cold you need, I get cold. I have this from Columbia that's very warm and almost compressive/tight:

http://www.columbia.com/mens-midweight-stretch-baselayer-long-sleeve-shirt-1638591.html?cgid=technology-omniHeatReflective&dwvar_1638591_variationColor=053#prefn1=productCla ss&prefv1=Baselayer&start=0

I like it better than the various cycling and under armor/nike combat variants I have. I've worn with legwarmers and short sleeve team jersey/kit for comfort around low to mid 40*s if moving quickly.

[sandyrs]

I have an early season TT coming up. Can anyone suggest a form fitting base layer that won't make me "Cap'n Flappy"? I have several base layers and they are all loose in the shoulders/upper sleeves. I got no guns.

$12 Uniqlo airism t's sized down two sizes from what I wear for casual purposes do the trick pretty nicely. Not lycra, but some sort of polyester that seems to wick sweat well enough. 6% spandex too!

[buldogge]

Craft Active Extreme base layer...or...Icebreaker 200 LS.

PBK and Backcountry both have sold the Craft piece for ~$20 in the past...dunno current prices.

-Mark in St. Louis

[makoti]

Craft Active Extreme base layer...or...Icebreaker 200 LS.

PBK and Backcountry both have sold the Craft piece for ~$20 in the past...dunno current prices.

-Mark in St. Louis

+1 for craft. Really nice stuff.

[azrider]

Under Armor cold gear. It'll keep you warm and it comes with compression.

I believe Jimcav has a L for sale in classifieds. Only reason I didn't snag it is cause I wear M. It's good stuff.

[echelon_john]

Craft is really nice and snug without being compressive. Warm too!

[eddief]

luv that thing, not cheap, but good.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/craft-zero-windstopper-crew-long-sleeve-mens?skid=CRA0365-BLAA-L&CMP_SKU=CRA0365&MER=0406&skid=CRA0365-BLAA-L&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc014&mv_pc=r101&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&CSPID=0914&mr:trackingCode=31A2130D-1C6E-E511-80FA-0050569475F3&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=81822462421&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:tid=pla-120325109341&mr:ploc=9032078&mr:iloc=&mr:store=&mr:filter=120325109341&gclid=Cj0KEQiAq920BRC8-efn57XrotYBEiQAlVlMQ4LgP1BtmUc0fW69vLLKoSADGtIQJgc lDOG7qjLbuzoaAhoX8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

[livingminimal]

The Rapha softshell is on sale right now. $60. No doubt that is still expensive for a base layer.

but. it. is. effing. amazing.

[shovelhd]

C9 compression from Target. Under $10. The anti-Rapha.

[franswa]

C9 compression from Target. Under $10. The anti-Rapha.

I use those from time to time and they seem to work well in my climate(TX). Great for the price, in my opinion.

You should also keep an eye out here:

http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-cache/layer-up-with-baselayers-and-fleece

[Seramount]

Under Armor cold gear. It'll keep you warm and it comes with compression.

+1 for the UA cold gear.

mine is several years old, has been machine-washed many, many times, and still works great.

[Lewis Moon]

Under Armor cold gear. It'll keep you warm and it comes with compression.

I believe Jimcav has a L for sale in classifieds. Only reason I didn't snag it is cause I wear M. It's good stuff.

I take a medium jersey....

[azrider]

Ditto....search for M


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[Brian Cdn]

I have been using "Layer 8" long sleeve and short sleeve compression lycra for some time. I usually find them at Marshalls or TJ Maxx anywhere from $7 to $12 per.

The winter climate up here means lots of layering. I pile on a couple of these under my winter jacket. They have held up to lots and lots of use and have kept their shape.

[jmoore]

Nike Pro Combat fitted tshirts are my go to base layer. Keep an eye on the sales at Sports Authority and you can find them for $20 or so.

Really any of the fitted t's are good. UA, Adidas, Champion, etc.

Here's a decent Champion version:
http://www.sportsauthority.com/CHAMPION-Mens-PowerTrain-PowerFlex-Solid-Short-Sleeve-T-Shirt/product.jsp?productId=23049116&cp=830656&pg=2&parentPage=family

[weisan]

I know this may not fly with everybody....I got all my baselayers this year at Goodwill - they are good, inexpensive and form-fitting...and yes, some are USED but still great shape!

Nike, Champion, UA....you name it.

$3.99 each.

[jmoore]

You might try Ross, TJ Maxx or Marshalls as well. They always have lots of workout gear at good prices as well

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[shovelhd]

I know this may not fly with everybody....I got all my baselayers this year at Goodwill - they are good, inexpensive and form-fitting...and yes, some are USED but still great shape!

Nike, Champion, UA....you name it.

$3.99 each.

That's how I started out when I sold my vintage bike, bought a race bike, and had no money after that. I was paying $3 for a base layer and $7 for a jersey. I sold the jerseys as they were all club fit but I still use the Goodwill base layers on the trainer and on the road.

[gmcampy]

Check out the stuff Lou sells at www.foxwear.net. US made high tech gear with GREAT customer service!

[cv1966]

C9 compression from Target. Under $10. The anti-Rapha.

Yes. Snug fit. Warm and cheap. Just don't wear it under your Rapha, Assos, etc.

[JeffWarner]

C9 compression from Target. Under $10. The anti-Rapha.


I'll second that suggestion. I just sized down one size to get it "extra" snug. Warm, wicks moisture and fits under jerseys and Arm warmers.


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[chiltonp]

another vote for the Craft baselayers....I own four and seriously love them.

[ptourkin]

C9 compression from Target. Under $10. The anti-Rapha.

I get these in boys XL - even cheaper.

[rnhood]

I get these in boys XL - even cheaper.

I get them in an outlet store here, for between $7 and $9. Fantastic quality and fit. It takes you by surprise as one would not think this type quality can be had so inexpensively.