I’ve been very pleased with my Planet X longsleeve merino top, but have had some crash damage to it. Before I purchase another one, wondering if there’s anything better out there? One nice-to-have, although not necessarily a deal-breaker, is I do like that the Planet X top has thumbholes in the sleeves – keeps them from riding up.

As a cycling base layer? Anything that isn’t merino.

My personal favourite is the Rab Aeon. Ultralight, wicks well, dries quickly, non-smelly. Comes in both long and short sleeved versions.

Decathlon merino £10 Long Sleeve in the sales, 80%wool 20% plastic so has some strength.

Embers merino are mega and currently have extra discount (including on sAle items) just enter FEB16. I’ve had one of these base layers which I wear for everything, it washes amazingly well, keeps its shape and is good value (especially as Planet X don’t do their crazy cheap deals anymore).

Alternatively Sports pursuit often have good deals on merino from random companies of which I have a few. Icebreaker nice but expensive. I’ve also had Lidl ones before but a little bit more itchy!

I have two howies ones. They’re amazing. Every couple of months they’re reduced to £25…so snap them up in the sale.

I used to use merino until I realised they were actually crap for wicking sweat.

If you want something that is in another league then look at the Craft synthetics.

HOWIES One here too, But i but a size up as they always shrink,