At a glance Warm, comfortable, multi-activity base layer made from a Merino wool and Polyester mix. Not a cheap option, but supremely comfortable for all outdoor pursuits and has retro-reflective flashes for night riding, too.
Tested by
Jon Adams, tester for The Bike List
Performance
I’m a big fan of multi-activity clothing, as for those of us who like to indulge in other outdoor sports alongside our on- and off-road biking, it makes a huge amount of sense. Cycle-specific kit is perfect when you’re tucked over your top tube, but drop tails and rear pockets aren’t so handy if you’re walking up a mountain or wearing a climbing harness.
UK manufacturer Montane is well known for its lightweight cycling kit like the Featherlite Vélo jacket and Pants, but its full range covers all the mountaineering staples like down jackets and waterproofs, as well as fleece tops and trekking trousers.
Tucked away in this broad range of kit are four base layer tops, and the flagship model amongst them is the Bionic Long Sleeve Zip Neck. Like most next-to-the-skin layers, this is a close fitting garment, and it feels great, thanks to gentle blend of Merino wool and polyester and the flat seams that are used throughout the construction.
As a bonus for cyclists and runners, the cuffs have retro-reflective inserts that pick up well in car headlights, and the long, half-length zip at the front is handy for venting when you want to stay cool on climbs. At 38%, the Merino content of the blend isn’t as high as some Sportwool clothing, but this doesn’t really show itself in performance terms as the top ‘wicks’ sweat off the skin as well as anything and passes it to the outside world (or next layer, if you have a windproof or fleece on top).
In temperatures above 16ºC or so, we found the Bionic long sleeve was fine when used on its own – hitching up the sleeves and taking the zip down to your sternum gives you a hand in keeping cool once you start pedalling uphill, and it’s only when you’re in a chilly headwind or on longer descents that you need a windproof or gilet over the top.
Overall, this is a fine base layer that works well for cycling duties. The only downside of the Bionic is its price. £60 is up there at the high end of what you can pay for a long-sleeve base, and though you get the warmth and odour-eating qualities of Merino wool included, you can still buy a quality brand’s zip neck for 50-60% of this price. That aside, it is a slick looking and very comfortable top, and when you consider that it can be used pretty much all year round, the price gets a little friendlier.
Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.co.uk
Montane says:
Bionic base layers are constructed from Sportwool – a unique fabric that blends the best properties of both Merino wool on the inside of the fabric and polyester on the outside. Merino wool excels at trapping moisture vapour perspiring from the skin whilst Polyester transports that moisture in liquid form and spreads it out enabling the garment to dry extremely fast.
This unique composite construction and performance results in the wearer:
1. Feeling cooler during exercise resulting in the delay of sweat creation.
2. Liquid sweat is transported to the outside of the garment more quickly result in no clamminess.
3. Wearer stays cooler during exercise.
4. ‘Post exercise’ chill is reduced.
- Fabric: SPORTWOOL® Thermoknit construction, 62% Polyester / 38% Merino wool
- Colours: Ink / burnt orange, Black / alpine red, Steel / burnt orange
- Weight: 215g / 7.6oz (Size Medium)
- Deep zip neck with semi-automatic locking puller
- Active cut for greater body movement and next to skin comfort
- Naturally odour resistant
- Rapid moisture management dealing with both vapour and liquid
- Body line flatlocked contrast seams
- Stretch twist reflective detail on cuff
- Machine wash in warm water at 40C/104F with a mild soap. Montane recommend that you use Nikwax Tech Wash.
- DO NOT use fabric softeners or bleach.
Find out more www.montane.co.uk
