Affordable, comfortable and versatile. This is the kind of base layer that becomes a cornerstone of cyclists' kit drawers
Pros
+
Soft and comfortable
+
A good amount of stretch
+
Excellent fit and true to size
Cons
-
Colours may run when new
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I have recently reviewed some of the best base layers on the market, and when I do, I sometimes mention how winter base layers are a tricky prospect. There isn't always a direct correlation between price and comfort or warmth. You can be just as warm in an affordable base layer as you can in one that costs three times as much.
Enter the Van Rysel (deep breath) Long-Sleeved Cycling Base Layer Racer 2. I've no idea who came up with this name but I will refer to it as the Racer 2 from here on. It's a great, affordably priced long-sleeve base layer that punches well above its weight.
It's a thin, comfortable number that's available in three colours and is priced at £29.99 / €29.00. I've been testing it out for several months now.
Design and Aesthetics
I've been testing the burgundy colour option (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)
There are a lot of black base layers or undervests out there, but this isn't one of them. You can choose between grey, blue and the burgundy you see here. There is a Van Rysel wordmark on the right-hand side of the chest and that's it for branding. The burgundy colour is only broken up by some lighter pink coloured dots and different material weaves and micro perforations, it's a good-looking piece all told, people won't see it much, but it's always nice to pull something on that you like the look of.
The Racer 2 is comprised of Polyamide and Elastane. It's thin with a lot of stretch which means it's fairly versatile. It's also true to size, my size small fits me perfectly, I'm 176cm tall, for reference.
What's also nice to see is that Van Rysel has changed the weave of the base layer in places, such as incorporating more flexible elbow sections. They also seem to have had a similar idea to Spatz and added some ridges and waffles in places which I assume are there to try and add a bit more warmth, something the Basez Extreme takes to the next level. At this price point, this could be a standard base layer, but I think these inclusions add value for customers.
This isn't just a stripe, the weave is different down the length of this middle section (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Performance
Performance from this base layer has been very good. The stretch is a strong point for me, helping it fit nicely and feel very comfortable when you are wearing it. The cut is also excellent, the arms and torso are just the right length, and it hasn't caused me a single comfort issue in use.
It's not as thick and warm as some deep winter options like the Pas Normal Studios Thermal Long Sleeve base layer. But nothing is stopping you from wearing it on the coldest days with more layers on top. Into warmer weather thanks to its thin construction it will pair nicely with a range of long or short-sleeve jerseys and arm warmers and generally lighter kit selections.
Before I had first washed it, it sat slightly damp, with other wet clothes in our washing basket and the burgundy colour seeped onto the white t-shirt it was on top of and stained it slightly, I'd recommend washing it first before using it to avoid any colour running. Decathlon recommends washing inside out and on a 30-degree synthetic cycle.
There's a waffle-like weave on the body of the base layer (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Value
This base layer represents solid value for money, it fits and performs as well as more expensive base layers. If you would rather save your cash for summer bike upgrades, pick up one of these.
Just make sure you wash it before you wear it to avoid colours running onto your Other Half's white t-shirt, like my test piece did. Aside from that mine is still like new.
The weave changes at the shoulders and elbow, not the smallest seams, but they are soft and haven't irritated (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Verdict
This is a well-made and well-priced base layer that you could use for a bit of everything. It will suit harder, more intense use, and if you want to use it in the cold, wear a bit more on top.
Overall it's another well-priced and strong-performing bit of kit from Van Rysel.
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Testing scorecard and notes
Design and Aesthetics
A nice design that just works, some nice bright colour options too, wash it first
8/10
Value
Very good, as comfortable and well fitting as plenty of more expensive options
9/10
Sizing
True to size, my size small test piece was bang on
9/10
Warmth
Good, depends on what you wear it with, not as warm outright as more heavy duty layers
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
