Rapha Pro Team Base Layer Sleeveless - Data Print

Base layers are rarely seen, except when summiting a mountain climb with jersey flung wide open, which means the bold and subjectively stylish Rapha Pro Team Data Print base layer will be a rare sight to anyone but the wearer.

The new base layer is part of Rapha's latest Data Print collection. A collaboration with a design studio, it's a unique design based on a Team Sky racer's data from a stage race, and features a series of chevrons mapping the rider's distance, elevation gain and Training Score Stress (TSS). It's applied to Rapha's new Aero jersey and Aerosuit. Oh and some socks too. It's a bold new direction for the clothing company, and is unlike anything they've created before. You'll either love the new aesthetic or...

Looks aside, the base layer is constructed from a synthetic mesh material with side panels made from a high-stretch material, with flatlock stitching throughout. It's a very close fit, figure-hugging is the best description, as it should be so the fabric can do its job of wicking sweat away from the skin. There's enough stretch that it's accommodating of any extra bulges, and there are plenty of sizes to choose from as well. As with all of Rapha's Pro Team clothing, it's designed to be a racy fit.

It's extremely comfortable, and the sleeveless version - a short sleeve version is available too - works remarkably well with tight fitting short sleeve jerseys, like the Rapha Aero jersey (well you'd hope - ed) , with minimal bulk around the upper arm area. It's a good length at the waist too so plenty to tuck into your bib shorts.

As it's a base layer designed for 'training and racing in hot conditions' I duly headed to some warmer climes to give it a proper test, and can confidently report that it does a top job of keeping you cool. The material is extremely thin and it's very meshy, and reduces the potential for overheating compared to regular base layers. Some people don't wear a base layer when it's hot but my personal preference is to wear one all the time, even in high heat, I feel a base layer better mops up excess sweat than a just a jersey. And it avoids bib strap chafing.

It's short on details, it's a base layer after rall, but Rapha has found space to add one of its favoured phrases from cycling's history to the chest panel. There are the now trademark Pro Team horizontal stripes at the base of the neck, just to remind others that you're wearing a Rapha base layer.

A £45 for the sleeveless base layer and £50 for the short sleeve base layer, it's the same price as the regular Pro Team versions, but it's right at the thick end of what we'd expect to pay for a high quality base layer. You don't have to look very far to find similar performing base layers for quite a lot less. None are available in this snazzy design though, but as I mentioned at the top, few people are going to see it other than yourself.

Verdict

Unusual looking base layer but excellent hot weather performance, but it's not cheap... but you knew that