The best cycling baselayers generally feature some form of, or blend with, wool. Merino wool is usually used because it is less reactive for people who are sensitive to wool, and can be spun much into much softer yarn blends that feature polyester. Naturally, wool fibers hold heat and wick moisture. Nature's technical fabric, if you will. Pearl Izumi's take on baselayers is typically innovative, and the Transfer Wool Long Sleeve Cycling Base Layer is a great example. This form-fitting, next-to-skin design features one fabric blend on the front, and a second on the rear, and has a "rotated" sleeve design, that has mesh under the arm and a continual weave over the top. Sounds interesting, right?

Interesting is great, but all you really need to know is how it is made, and whether or not it works. The front panel has a 86% Merino wool 14% nylon blend yarn, which is warmer and denser, to hold in warmth and protect against air infiltration. The back fabric has a 62% polyester 38% Merino wool blend, for some warmth, but faster moisture release and a little more stretch. The two blends perfectly complement each other and work exactly as you need them to, where they serve the proper purpose.

The sleeves are fully anatomic, and the application of the mesh fabric lies under the arm, then wraps up over the shoulder to create a fully functional heat and moisture release zone. A cool weather base layer has to offer warmth, but once you get riding, temperature regulation is much more about moisture and excess heat management than creating warmth. That is why the arms and back feature this purpose.

Anyone who has ever ridden with a wet baselayer on a cold knows the meaning of the word "discomfort". This impressive merino wool blend baselayer from Pearl Izumi challenges several base layer assumptions, and fully accommodates how much heat and perspiration an active cyclist creates even in cold weather. Pearl add nicely finished edges, thumb loops for best fit and coverage, and a tapered length overall, front to rear. As a side benefit of he wool blended yarns, odor is absorbed and neutralized. If you haven't tried a Pearl Izumi wool baselayer for cycling, and struggle with others that are simply too warm and can't release moisture fast enough, we recommend the Transfer Wool LS Cycling Base Layer be your next purchase. After reading this, you shouldn't be surprised at how well it works, but you still will be.