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review

Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer

8
£23.00

VERDICT:

8
10
No-nonsense lightweight baselayer at a great price, and one that can be used year-round if you choose
Fit
Comfort
Price
Front graphic may not suit all tastes, but a minor quibble
Weight: 
87g
Contact: 

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The Galibier Echelon baselayer performs extremely well when it comes to comfort and moisture management, and it's a very attractive price.

Galibier claims that the Echelon is a year-round garment, despite its AirMesh construction, and while it is the sort of baselayer I would usually reach for in the warmer months, I ended up testing it over winter so was able to layer it beneath some heavyweight kit to see how it measured up.

> Buy this online here

Pulling on my size medium, it felt immediately comfortable and a snug fit, cut longer at the back than the front to work on the bike, and with no rubbing from the flatlock seams. All of that enables you to quickly forget you're even wearing it.

I paired it with a long-sleeve jersey and winter softshell for most rides, adding an emergency jacket when things turned very cold. As part of that layering system the Echelon did everything I would want. It isn't there to add insulation the way a merino layer might, but it helps to regulate your body temperature by ensuring you don't get too clammy on milder days or during periods when you're working hard.

2021 Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve base Layer - back.jpg

Made from 100 per cent polyester, it doesn't incorporate any 'wonder' materials, but the AirMesh construction allows good air circulation and wicks effectively. I didn't have any issues with excessive levels of post-ride whiffery, and although I was wearing it in colder temperatures that meant I sweated less, Galibier claims the fabric is treated to be odour-resistant and I'd be inclined to believe them.

Galibier's kit is always competitively priced for its quality, and I'd say that applies here too. Fabric-wise there is nothing special going on, which perhaps helps to keep costs down, but the construction and fit make it a baselayer that can compete with more expensive offerings from the big brands.

> Buyer’s Guide: 19 of the best cycling baselayers

It compares well with offerings from the likes of dhb and Craft, both £28, while a similar baselayer from Rapha could set you back twice as much, likewise Castelli.

Although I didn't get to test it in temperatures above 14 degrees or so, I have no doubt that the Echelon would make a good summer baselayer, with its moisture management properties helping to keep you cool on the way up and warm on the way down, wherever you get to ride this year.

Verdict

No-nonsense lightweight baselayer at a great price, and one that can be used year-round if you choose

road.cc test report

Make and model: Galibier Echelon Short Sleeve Base Layer

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

Galibier says: "Mesh garment to be worn next to the skin in summer and manage moisture"

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Galibier claims: "Our Base layer is designed to be worn next to the skin. The main body of the jersey is made from AirMesh, a perforated, polyester performance fabric; which is designed to help regulate body heat in all conditions and all seasons.'

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

It's been washed a few times at 30 degrees and is still a snug fit.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I used this as a moisture management layer under winter wear and it worked well; I feel confident it would perform in summer.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Great fit and competitive price.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The chest graphic is something I could live without.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Priced to compete with offerings from the likes of dhb and Craft, Galibier maintains its reputation for quality and value. A similar baselayer from Rapha could set you back twice as much, likewise Castelli.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

This is a good looking and great functioning product that performs at a level beyond its price point.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 46  Height: 177cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Genesis Equilibrium  My best bike is: Look 585

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, The nursery run!

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
sparrowlegs | 3 years ago
2 likes

I've only just discovered Galibier kit and have their mistral and barrier base layers. Both are excellent in every detail. I'll be buying more from them. 

Avatar
Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
1 like

Is it me does the the picture look like it comes with a built in thong thats not mentioned in the review?

Avatar
Yorky-M replied to Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
0 likes

Yep , had to look at it twice to see was this some ass mesh thing. I own one of their sleeveless base layers which is blue. About 5 years old and still going even if it has seen a lot of Zwift use this winter.

Avatar
OnYerBike replied to Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
0 likes

I think those are the shoulder straps from a set of bibshorts that haven't been pulled up on the manequin.

Avatar
Compact Corned Beef replied to Secret_squirrel | 3 years ago
3 likes

3-1 gets you Assos gives that a go at some point.

...unique GoldenGoochGate construction combines with Ass-Anchor™ technology to keep you smooth and aero all over...

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