dhb Earnley SS Seamless Base Layer – £18.39

This particular dhb Earnely Seamless Base Layer is a short sleeve version of the base layer of the same name tested last year, and offers a few more clothing options with its lack of sleeves.

Like its long sleeve sibling, it’s made from a fabric called Ciba, a blend of polyester and nylon in equal amounts with a dash of Spandex. This last ingredient gives the base layer a great stretchy quality ensuring it hugs every curve and lump of your body which, while perhaps not all that flattering, does mean the material is close to your skin so it can get on with doing its job properly.

And what a job it does. Sweat is instantly swept away and even on the hardest rides, no excessive buildup of dampness was ever noticed. Nor was it ever chilly, coping in the most arduous of temperatures. The lack of sleeves opens up new clothing approaches, with a pair of armwarmers donned and a jersey and gilet on over the top, you’ve got a good setup for less cold days.