Sugoi Carbon Long Sleeved Base Layer

The Sugoi Carbon Long Sleeved Base Layer isn't particularly thick, but it's warmer than you'd expect, and it doesn't easily get smelly. Pity it's not more cycling-specific.

Sugoi calls the fabric used for this base layer FinoCarbon. It's brushed on the inside so it's soft against your skin; I'm wearing it right now and it's indeed very soft. There are carbon fibers in the weave which are claimed to deter bacterial growth and in turn stop it from getting smelly quickly.

I can't fault it for either of those claims. It's not quite thick enough that you'd call it 'snuggly', but it feels quite luxurious and it didn't pong after a long ride, the way synthetic base layers can.

The anti-pong qualities of traditional synthetic base layers deteriorate over time. That's because the fibres are coated with a smooth layer that stops bacteria sticking to the surface. But that coating wears off with time and laundry until the whiff seems to start before you even put it on.

This should be less of a problem with the Sugoi Carbon base layer as the anti-niff ingredient is baked right into the fabric.

The polyester fabric — poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate), chemistry fans — is naturally stretchy so there's no Lycra in the mix; it moves easily with your body.

The construction details add to the comfort. The seams are mostly flat for comfort under other layers and the round neck is fairly high, so it helps to keep out the chill, especially combined with a neckwarmer like a Buff.

To stop your wrists getting chilly there are thumb loops to keep the sleeves from sliding up; they also hold the sleeves in place as you pull a mid-layer over the top.

With most synthetic base layers, I tend to feel cold when I stop. They're fine when I'm working hard, but they stop shifting the moisture away when they're less of a thermal gradient between skin and outside world, and they feel clammy. The Sugoi Carbon base layer did this less than most thanks to the brushed surface against my skin, keeping the cafe stop comfortable too.

The sizing is distinctly North American. Our sample is a Medium, which is very flattering for me as I'm a Large or Extra-large in most cycling gear and an XXL in some Italian jerseys. Sugoi offers Small and XS, but if you're very skinny that might still be too big. As you can see, it's pretty loose on our whippet model.

This is intended as a multi-purpose base layer for running, cross-country skiing and the like, as well as cycling. That means it's not a cycling-specific cut. The back is slightly longer than the front, but not by much. I didn't notice this with thick bib tights on as my lower back was well covered by those and a jersey, but I did have to get enthusiastic about tucking in the front.

The asking price is a very reasonable 35 quid. That's a steal if you take part in sports other than cycling and can take advantage of its versatility, and it's pretty good for the quality and features regardless.

Verdict

Warm, soft and comfy base layer that promises to stay niff-free for a long time, but we wish it were a more bike-specific shape.