Endura Transrib baselayer review

Endura's Transrib long-sleeve baselayer is a great example of a simple, effective, and hard-wearing bit of kit at a keen price.

Designed to be worn year-round, the Coolmax ribbed knit (96 per cent polyester / 4 per cent elastane) is designed to keep you cool in milder months and warm in winter by wicking away moisture from the skin and trapping air in its ridges when worn under wind-resistant layers.

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The Transrib features an anti-bacterial treatment, which is holding out so far. However, my experience of other such treatments suggests it won't last for more than a few dozen washes, so is likely to suffer from the usual synthetic baselayer pong at some point.

The athletic fit was excellent, if a little snug, but was stretchy and body-hugging in all the right places. It fits easily under thin summer jerseys, and I barely noticed I was wearing it on long days in the saddle – a real baselayer compliment in my book.

The feel of the fabric isn't as nice as Merino wool, it's a bit more scratchy and harsh, but it wasn't terrible by any means.

When I did get sweaty or wet from a rain shower, moisture was quickly wicked away to evaporate.

Living with the Transrib is easy because it can be chucked into the wash with the rest of your kit at 30 degrees. Without fail it came out almost dry from the spin cycle, which is just as well because the care instructions specify no tumble drying.

Weighing less than 200g, the Transrib can easily be packed away for longer overnight trips as a spare or change for the following day in the saddle.

The Transrib is a good, solid baselayer with a light, comfortable fit. It can plausibly be used year-round; wicking moisture from under jerseys during the summer months and performing like a mid-weight layer under winter jerseys and jackets.

It washed and dried well, and felt like it should last a long time. The price is right too. Everyone should have at least one of these in their baselayer collection.