Mavic Echelon Base Layer review

This Mavic base layer seeks to provide top quality thermal insulation under jerseys and jackets, to keep you comfortable whilst riding on colder days.

Cycling Weekly Verdict

This is a good base layer. It is light weight, comfortable and performs well in a wide range of temperatures. Whilst the wicking characteristics of the polyester fabric may be superior to merino wool, some cyclists (our tester included) may prefer a natural textile against their skin.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Keeps you warm

  • +

    Excellent moisture wicking

  • +

    Comfortable stitching

  • +

    Lightweight

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Be careful with sizing

  • -

    Polyester doesn't feel as nice as merino wool

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

A quality base layer can significantly enhance cold weather riding comfort. In order to do this it needs to tread the fine line between keeping you warm, whilst preventing you from overheating and wicking sweat from the skin.

>>> Take a look at our Winter clothing guide.

MIP_046611

There is a 3/4 zip on the front. Pictured also is the matching thermal skull cap

At 6'1 and 70kgs we found that the medium Mavic Echelon base layer came up quite large so you may need to go down a size to achieve a close fit. The warmth of this base layer was enhanced by Mavic's 'Air Dry' fabric which did a great  job of wicking sweat away from the skin.

>>> For more base layer reviews click here.

We never felt cold whilst wearing this and it worked well in a range of temperatures. We have had some mild days this December, that resulted in us being slightly overdressed on some occasions. Above 10 degrees this base layer can get rather sweaty, but it remains comfortable and we didn't feel too hot.

MIP_046614

The cut extends down the lower back and is designed for an on the bike posistion

>>> For 7 of the best winter gloves, click here.

We like the logo details, that are consistent with other Mavic kit and the rear of the base layer is cut lower to ensure your lower back remains insulated, but at £45 this base layer is not cheap. Although this base layer is comfortable, we still prefer the feeling of merino wool against our skin over the synthetic polyester used in this garment.

Visit the Mavic website for more details.

>>> For more buyer's guides, click here.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.