This article was produced in association with ASSOS
If there was an award for the most underrated piece of kit in a cyclist’s wardrobe, it would go to the humble base layer. It’s a garment that normally stays hidden, concealed under layers, outshone by the bright colours and bold patterns of jackets and jerseys. But, like a loyal, reliable domestique, or a dependable lead-out man, the base layer is always there. Despite not being in the spotlight, it does one of the most crucial jobs of them all.
In the summer months, the base layer serves its purpose as a delicate piece of thin, mesh material that separates the jersey from the skin, wicking sweat and keeping things fresh on hot days. In the winter, it becomes even more of a necessity as an extra layer of insulation that pulls moisture from the skin while, at the same time, holding warmth near the body. Cycling is a sport that can be especially cold when the temperature drops: training is done out in the elements, and high speeds mean that riders are exposed to huge levels of wind chill. When the frost sets in, a good base layer providing a comforting hug around a rider’s core is a must.
If there’s one brand that knows plenty about facing inclement weather, it’s Swiss brand, ASSOS. For decades, ASSOS has been at the cutting edge of cycling clothing, using some of the most technical materials on the market to create kit which sets a new standard of innovation. ASSOS’s approach to making cycling apparel means that no corners are cut, with attention to detail at the forefront of what the brand does, whether that’s making jackets, jerseys, bib shorts, socks, or, of course, base layers. The ASSOS Skin Layer range is a fundamental part of the brand’s offerings, made up of base layers specifically created to manage moisture and heat, delivering unparalleled comfort and ensuring riders are dry and protected no matter the conditions. ASSOS offer a base layer solution for every type of weather condition imaginable, whether that’s the changeable temperatures of spring and autumn, or the freezing temperatures of the deepest winter.
Across all its base layers, ASSOS uses a circular seamless construction that’s free of any side seams, helping to achieve a tight fit and avoiding any risk of uncomfortable rubbing. The Swiss brand understands the base layer’s role as the first contact with a rider’s skin, so using materials that feel soft against the body is of utmost importance.
For the darkest winter conditions, ASSOS offers the ULTRAZ skin layer, made of a wool blend composition to trap heat around a rider’s neck, torso and arms. The ULTRAZ layer is all about maximal thermal protection in the harshest weather, blocking out the wind with meticulous mapping to ensure insulation where it is most needed.
When the temperatures are slightly more favourable, the ASSOS Winter LS Skin Layer fits the bill. It’s made from a blend of carbon and polypropylene yarns that insulates a rider’s core but also helps to regulate temperature. The tall collar adds another element of warmth, while the Winter LS Skin Layer also has added stretch to allow full flexibility – acting simply like a second skin. Then, for when the sun begins to creep out again and flowers start to bloom and signify the beginning of spring, ASSOS offers the Spring Fall LS Skin Layer, with lighter insulation made from a medium weight knit construction. Whatever the weather, there’s an ASSOS Skin Layer to match.
So, next time you scan through your cycling kit drawers and consider your most important piece of apparel, spare a thought for the base layer. As ASSOS rightly highlights, it’s a crucial part of any cycling outfit and it deserves the attention to detail that it gets from the Swiss brand.
