Rapha Men’s Pro Team Thermal Base Layer – Long Sleeve review

Rapha’s Pro Team Thermal Base Layer is designed, according to the brand, for “the coldest weather”.

Featuring an in-built ‘snood’, its roll-neck design can be extended upwards to sit just above your nose for extra warmth.

Its polyester and spandex mix (84/16 per cent split on the front, 91/9 per cent on the rear) has a ‘bobbled’ internal texture claimed to trap air and keep you warm.

Rapha says the material’s mix is quick-drying and fast-wicking.

Cut for a low-on-the-bike position, just like all of Rapha’s Pro Team riding kit, it’s shorter at the front than it is at the back.

Although designed specifically for road riding, the Pro Team Thermal Base Layer shouldn’t be overlooked by mountain bikers; what makes it perform well is shared across the disciplines.

My size-large test sample weighed 163g, and it’s available in sizes extra-small through to extra-extra-large.

Rapha Men’s Pro Team Thermal Base Layer – Long Sleeve performance

Figure-hugging by design, the Pro Team baselayer isn’t overly compressive, but I opted for the size large after Rapha stated it runs tight. Riders looking for a tighter fit should pick their usual size, and ones looking for more room should go bigger, especially if they don’t like a revealing fit.

Its race cut is evident; the front is significantly shorter than the back, best suited to the riding position rather than standing.

When not riding, the front was tricky to keep tucked in to MTB shorts or waterproof trousers, but the rear stayed put. This isn’t an issue on the bike.

Even with my large wingspan, its arms are long. The cuffs stop your hands from being swamped, but there’s only enough give in them to roll the sleeves up a few centimetres.

The in-built snood is a great feature.

It ups the warmth on extremely cold days (2-3ºC), insulating around your neck, and can be increased in height when the mercury hits minus figures.

It stays in place convincingly on smoother fire-road climbs or road transitions, but it bunched down on descents, eventually finishing beneath my chin.

At the top of a long climb, pulling the snood over your face slows down the rate of chill impressively; waiting for your mates to arrive or mess with their bikes is less likely to turn your lips blue.

Once soaked in sweat, it works well to maintain body heat if there isn’t a breeze or you’re wearing an outer shell.

Tuning those outer layers to the conditions is key to its performance, and heat can be really ramped up even when it’s saturated.

Worn on its own, it doesn’t protect against wind penetration. Cold air whistles past your skin freely, but it doesn’t claim to be a windproof layer.

Against your skin, it’s soft and smooth-feeling. This comfort remains when it’s saturated in sweat and the dark colour means any damp patches don’t show up.

Rapha Men’s Pro Team Thermal Base Layer – Long Sleeve bottom line

This is a true baselayer designed for the coldest conditions; layer up accordingly and there’s little the Pro Team can’t handle.

The in-built snood is more than just a gimmick, helping improve heat retention when you need it most.

It’s costly, though, and the skin-tight styling might not be to everyone’s tastes.