Craft Active Extreme X Wind SS base layer

The Craft Active Extreme X Wind SS base layer is described as 'multifunction,' but crucially performs very well for cycling. The fabric and windproof panel feel a little synthetic at first, but that's quickly forgotten as it just gets on with keeping out chilling drafts. Oh, and it's a much slimmer fit than it looks!

The polyamide (nylon) chest and shoulder panels provide the wind-cheating defences, while the back and sides are 100% polyester. That's nothing exotic, but I was surprised by how thin the whole thing is.

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It's not delicate, let alone flimsy, but it's tangibly thinner than my usual polyester/polyamide defaults. The seams are flatlocked to keep them perfectly comfortable with the tight fit.

It's a well-shaped tight fit, too (no – that's not me in the pictures! This was obviously too large for our model, who refused to bulk up for the part. Whatever happened to method acting?).

There's ample room around the shoulders, and it's cut very slightly longer at the back – if not seriously dropped – and feels snug without restricting movement at all. I find it stays comfortable and resists bunching no matter what riding position I adopt.

Performance

By synthetic standards, the fabric is very tactile and feels a lot lighter-weight than other short sleeve designs in my collection. That makes it very comfortable indeed under whatever you put on top, from second-skin aero tops such as the Lusso R1 Style Breathe Jersey and Triban RC 500 Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey, to much chunkier, long sleeve jersey/jackets when it's particularly chilly.

The windproof panel is surprisingly effective at blocking chills, even in my coastal test area, yet the Active Extreme X remains comfortable up into mid-teen temperatures. It breathes well, even through the windproof panelling, and I never felt clammy.

In fact it feels comfortably and consistently arid, whether hammering along full pelt for an hour, or indulging in longer, variably paced outings on the tourer. It takes a few successive days' riding to start smelling bad too. Unlike me.

At that point it washes up easily and dries quickly afterwards, probably thanks to its lack of bulk. Like me!

Value

The £55 tag is high for a short sleeve baselayer – let alone a short sleeve one – though not unheard of. The Rapha Brevet Base Layer is also synthetic and slightly more at £60, while the Ashmei Men's Short Sleeve Baselayer is more still at £65, but also 65 percent merino.

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However, there are very capable base layers for considerably less. The dhb Aeron Body Map Short Sleeve Base Layer is £30, for instance, while the Van Rysel Race Short Sleeved Cycling Base Layer is £24.95. None of these offer windproofing, though, so you have to factor in the cost of an extra layer.

Summary

The Craft Active Extreme X Wind SS Baselayer is very competent, lightweight and offers an excellent defense against chill. While it's at the upper end for price, the windproofing can be very useful under fleecy jerseys on rides where windchill is a bigger issue than actual air temperature.

Verdict

Effective, light and comfortable base-layer, but pricey