Endura Translite II base layer evaluate: Strong efficiency at a worth worth

The humble biking base layer is a chunk of biking equipment that’s usually missed. They not often obtain a lot fanfare or function in shiny press pictures, however they’re at all times there for us, quietly doing a stable job and holding us comfy on the bike.

The Endura Translite II short-sleeved base layer suits the invoice completely as one in every of these unsung heroes. It’s a easy, white, short-sleeved biking base layer. It’s a well-made and well-executed design that is moderately priced. It additionally options in our greatest biking base layers patrons information. 

In the UK, the Translite II retails at £29.99 and is comprised of a Polyester combine. A complete of 38% is a recycled polyester positive gauge mesh. The relaxation is common Polyester. 

There’s one color choice, white. It is accessible in short-sleeved or sleeveless choices in an excellent vary of sizes. There can be a barely dearer windproof Translite choice within the vary if you’re eager about a bit extra safety. 

Design and aesthetics 

I do know this isn’t a evaluate for a brand new groupset or set of fancy carbon wheels. It’s for a short-sleeved, white base layer. However, we’re within the enterprise of reviewing biking equipment right here on the Cyclingnews tech crew and admire that discovering a evaluate for a product you might be contemplating shopping for could be thrilling and helpful. With that in thoughts, you are going to get a correct job right here. 

And so, to the Translite II. Designed by Endura in Scotland, and manufactured in China. The Polyester mesh it is constructed from could be very positive, virtually translucent. Endura says that is to help breathability. 

The model additionally claims to have included forward-facing, cycling-specific sleeves, to accommodate the place we assume when sitting on a motorbike, although I am unable to say I observed something notably totally different about them. 

There’s one other bike-specific nod concerning the panelling, there is a barely dropped again and flatlock seams that are neat and unobtrusive. There are extra seams right here than on some extra premium base layers, this is without doubt one of the areas your further spend goes on once you have a look at the highest finish of what is in the marketplace.

There is a silvery gray Endura brand and model title on the chest, and a small rubber label bearing the Endura ‘E’ brand on the hem. The inner labels are pretty massive and could be discovered on the hem and neck, although you possibly can at all times neatly minimize these out should you desire – they haven’t induced me any points although. 

Performance 

Lots of base layers are polyester or polyester blends, nothing new there. But the Translite II’s make-up could be very mild and really comfy. The positive, mild mesh appears to appear to convey a number of consolation in its design and the bottom layer definitely doesn’t lose out within the consolation stakes to dearer choices. It’s really in all probability one of many comfiest base layers I’ve pulled on. 

I’m about 65kg and examined a measurement small and sizing is in step with different manufacturers, so you possibly can belief the Endura measurement chart. The base layer is fitted, however definitely isn’t tremendous tight and has a great deal of stretch. To offer you an concept, it’s nearer to a extra fitted t-shirt really feel than a brilliant tight, cycling-specific garment. 

It sits properly below biking jerseys usually. If you are sporting a tight-fitting or aero street jersey I’d counsel going for the sleeveless choice, it will remove the possibility of the marginally looser arms driving up below your tight jersey sleeves, particularly if they’re elbow size. This seems a bit unpleasant and could be annoying. With that mentioned, having tried it with a tighter-fitting jersey and arm heaters on a couple of events, the sleeves did not notably get in the best way for me. 

For extra common use with a spread of jerseys together with looser becoming ones or for layering, go for the quick sleeve choice. Although it’s cycling-specific, the match is such that you would be able to additionally put on it off the bike. I’ve discovered it comfy for working, and even lounging round the home. 

It’s stored me comfy and dry on a spread of rides, I’ve discovered it to get ever so barely sweaty when the temperature is into the mid-twenties and above, however that is fairly subjective. The equipment you might be sporting, situations and the way arduous you are driving will all have an effect on this. 

Verdict 

The Translite II affords sturdy efficiency for the worth and doesn’t actually have any main weaknesses. Mine has worn and washed properly. It’s picked up a mark on the chest that appears immune to washing, however this doesn’t trouble me within the slightest. The labels could irritate you, they haven’t me, but when they do, simply neatly snip them out. 

For the cash, this base layer affords nice consolation and efficiency in numerous totally different situations and can work properly with a spread of biking equipment and driving kinds. What’s to not like?