Mavic clothing seems to be of the ‘less is more’ discipline. They tend to concentrate on the best fabrics with no-fuss but effective constructions that never fail to impress us. And so it is with the Equipe – a baselayer so simple and with no discernible shouty features that it’s actually quite hard to write about, but is still one of our favourites.
The fabric is smooth next to your skin but with a honeycomb knit pattern on the outer surface. This is to wick the perspiration away with maximum rapidity – the honeycomb makes for a greater surface area for it to spread sweat over and thus dry more quickly. And it works – the fabric feels warm when you put it on, but we never felt too hot or soggy even after whole days of hard riding and changing weather.
We can also confirm that the X-Static treatment that’s designed to prevent bacteria build-up (and therefore helps prevent nasty niffs) works for us too. Several wash and intensive wear cycles into its lifespan, the Equipe remains fresh smelling. And unlike many baselayers that are designed to work for several sports, this one is completely cycling-specific in its cut.
The back is long but, thanks to the careful cut of the arm and shoulder, it doesn’t move up when you move your upper body, so you avoid cold spots. The stand-up collar isn’t quite a turtleneck, but it does get quite high at the front when you’re standing. It seems to take on the perfect position on the bike though. Sure, £36 isn’t the lowest price around for a baselayer, but for the performance the Equipe offers, it isn’t an expensive option.
