Cycling produces a number of challenges for a base layer to overcome. It has to keep the ride cool on long hard descents and help keep warm when going down hill at speed. It has to wick quickly stay comfortable through a variety of positions and not irritate or distract a rider. Ok other activities face these challenges but I'd contend that not with the speed or intensity of cycling.
During a trip with the editor to Ireland a few years ago we experienced some might say challenging conditions. It rained a lot and one base layer did the job for 4 days. I'd gone with Merino and it was outstanding and was perfect for multiday camping and trekking. However pure Merino has some drawbacks. It doesn't wick very well, although unlike cotton it retains its thermal properties, it has no elasticity which doesn't lend itself to a body fit or compression and it's delicate. None of this is good for the demands of cycling.
To counter these issues many manufacturers have been combining Merino with synthetic materials such as Montane and Primino which I reviewed a few years ago an still use. Polartec have come up with a new take on this with Power Wool. This is what they say
Polartec® Power Wool™ is a revolutionary, bi-component knit fabric that combines the best of both natural and synthetic fibers, all without blending.
The industry standard of blending wool and synthetic yarns together often hinders the greater performance qualities of each material. Power Wool™'s advanced knit construction places each distinct fiber where it can work to its highest potential. This hybrid design is made with a soft, odor reducing, merino wool base and a highly durable synthetic exterior.
Advanced synthetics on the outer surface of Polartec® Power Wool™ transfer moisture out while enhancing durability and resilience.
Merino wool next-to-skin delivers on classic comfort, warmth, and wicking. Power Wool™’s patented bi-component knit optimizes base layer performance in more diverse conditions and levels of activity.
Well this sounds all rather promising but does it work on a bike?
When the Pas Normal Control Mid arrived I was impressed by a quality piece of kit. It felt and despite being quite fit was very light. Here's what it says on the website
The ability to effectively layer is an absolute necessity when cycling throughout the winter. As an alternative to our innovative Heavy Base Layer, the Mid Base Layer offers all the benefits of the Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric, only for less cold days. The Mid Long Sleeved Base Layer provides the ideal foundation to your winter layers. This sleeveless version is extremely versatile and is easily incorporated in your summer and your winter apparel wardrobe.
This base layer has been constructed using the innovative Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric. With a merino wool interior and a synthetic fibre exterior we have developed a hybrid base layer with a distinct surface, created to optimise moisture control, breathability, and durability. The premium merino wool makes this piece naturally odour resistant while a high-efficiency grid backer traps warm air and aids in moisture transfer for quick drying.
- 51% polyester, 42% wool, 7% elastane
- Polartec® Power Wool™
- Superior wicking action
- Fast drying
- Highly breathable
- Naturally odour resistant
Putting the Control Mid on it felt a little strange. It has a very short cut at the front and felt like it was riding up a little. Of course this was partly due to a little post accident and lock down belly but it put a doubt in my mind. First ride I teamed it up with a Castelli Gabba top and went for a little cross ride (not gravel that's a marketing ploy) I was expecting my issues with the cut to be an issue but once on the bike it was perfect. Like a lot of quality kit it makes sense when riding. A drawback of this is it's hard to model it for a good picture even with a model as photogenic as myself. Yes I'm a poser I know it, you know it.
However on that first ride I was very aware I was wearing it. After years of using synthetic base layers I felt a little damp. I was warm and I was comfortable but I knew it was there and as I say the mark of good kit is you forget you're wearing it.
Then there was a problem, the weather got too hot for a mid base layer so I couldn't give it a fair test in action so I threw it in a washing basket and did the odour test. 3 weeks later I took the unwashed item and had a good sniff. It smelled fresh so then I put it on. It felt clean and this is impressive. We forget to wash stuff, we have so much kit we may not use things for months but we when we do we want them to work.
I then washed the Control Mid using base layer wash and conditioner I had for review and got ready for a real test. The 100 mile Virtual Ride London.
It was one of those stupid humid yet cold, over cast wants to rain but won't sun comes out for 30 seconds and is 99 degrees days we get in South Wales. Obviously in this part of the world there aren't any flat routes and my 100 miles was undulating to say the least.
The Power Wool was outstanding. The wash and treatment had sparked it into life. It still didn't wick as well as my lightweight synthetic options but dried quickly on descents and it happened I forgot I was wearing it for long periods. In a day of changing conditions it performed well it really was a jack of all trades but master of some.
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The Control Mid feels beautiful to wear, it is so nice next to the skin. It's perfect for turbo training in the house. It has a little bit of compression without being restrictive and blends well under a cycling jersey. For me it's a valuable addition to my collection of base layers (currently about 15) and will be a go to bit of kit unless it's very cold or hot. At approx £50 it certainly isn't cheap but I think it will last, The Polartec Power Wool is instrumental in that and it'll get it's use so it's an investment. Oh one more thing that really appeals to cyclists. It's quite exclusive and there will always be bragging rights.
Further details on the Polartec Power Wool technology can be found here
https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-wool
Details on Pas Normal Studios Control Mid Base Layer
https://www.pasnormalstudios.com/commodity/1593-pas-normal-studios-control-mid-sl-base-layer-off-white
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