Versatile Cycling Top

[ZeroDarkBivi]

Was looking at one of these in Cotswolds yesterday:

https://rab.equipment/ww/mens/softshell ... -pull-on-1

Seems like a really flexible bit of kit for 3-season bikepacking. I usually use a short-sleeve 'sports wool' marino/synthetic mix top, but I find long sleeves work better across a wider range of conditions, protecting from sun and cold. Arm warmers plus sunscreen also work, but are a bit of a faff and . Long sleeve merino is a bit warm in hotter temps, and not so windproof in the cold. This looks like it might be a better fabric,lightish, wind resistant, breathable, comfortable next to skin, and an under helmet hood for when it gets a bit chilly. It even has some anti-odour treatment for multi-day use. It could be worn as a base, next to skin, or over a light wicking t-shirt (the Rab MeCo is particularly good) in cooler temps. Looks like it could cover a wide range of riding conditions, and work well under a shell when the rain arrives.

There are lighter wind-proofs, but they are not nice to wear next to skin. The only problem with this design is the lack of back pockets, as a traditional cycling jersey would have, which I find are particularly useful for carrying phone, money, card, passport (the stuff you want with you if you wake up in hospitable!), plus a load of trail snacks, etc. I often carry more in my pockets than a stem cell holds.

I don't suppose anybody has found something with similar qualities to this garment, but with back pockets?

Perhaps I am just trying to talk myself into buying yet another stylish garment that I do not need...

[ianfitz]

One of my favourite tops to wear for running or biking in the colder months was a mountain hardware transition top. It similar to that apart from the hood. Very wind proof. A little water proof and pretty breathable.

Great but does need to be cold to wear it

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'd be interested to know how the anti-bacterial treatment works, I always find synthetic tops soon start to stink, especially as they get older.

I like merino and have an old backpackinglight.com long sleeved, hooded top which is great but sadly no back pockets and no longer available. However, I also like bamboo and was very impressed with the Trail 42 T shirt I wore on the T-N. I only took it off twice in 8 days and I slept in it too, yet was able to sit next to people on a plane without offending anyone ... given the amount of sweating involved in that ride, I think that's a blinding endorsement

[voodoo_simon]

Seen those a few times but I wouldn't want to use them. Would think a base layer and a wind proof jacket would offer a lighter and much more versatile option.

Never thought of that top as a base layer but more as a mid layer (perhaps why I'm not keen on it as it would pack down bigger than a wind shirt)

[Matt]

I've got one and it's great!

I wear it all the time, be far too sweaty for the bike though.

[benp1]

It's a very popular top with climbers

I've just order a Mountain Hardwear Super Chockstone for biking. I often wear a Rab Vapour Rise Lite for biking and it's truly excellent, but I wanted something I cooler than that

I have a Montane Dyno Stretch but don't want to get it caked in mud so haven't worn it biking. I've worn it round town quite a bit but it's first real test will be up a mountain this weekend (I'm taking the VR too). I reckon it would work great on the bike, 4 pockets too!

[akak]

You could get around the pocket problem by wearing Specialized swat bib shorts...I don't think I would want to wear that Rab as a base layer though.

[Al]

Had one for a few years - wear it loads for biking, usually over a thin merino. No water resistance to it at all and not fully wind proof but very breathable and comfy.
It thin so you don't over heat, and the sleeves push up nicely.
I rate it.