X-Bionic Energy Accumulator V2.1

The X-Bionic Energy Accumulator V2.1 is a fantastic baselayer. And given the price, that's exactly what you should expect. You won't be disappointed, though, this one really delivers. It's the best winter baselayer I've tried.

There's a veritable book of information on the swing tag of this baselayer, but let's pick out some of the tech. Essentially this is a fully woven synthetic first layer, but X-Bionic uses a big range of different weaves and constructions to regulate temperature and moisture.

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One of the main technologies that X-Bionic uses is something it calls 3D-BionicSphere. It's a three-dimensional weave that sits next to the skin, creating air pockets for insulation along with sweat traps that help to move moisture away from the body. The idea is that if you're working hard then the fabric deals with the sweat, preventing the baselayer from getting soaked, and when you're resting the air channels fill up with warm air to keep you well insulated.

On the shoulders and the elbows, X-Bionic uses a concertina-style expansion weave to make sure that when the fabric is stretched over those bits of your anatomy there's still plenty of insulation available. The Energy Accumulator V2.1 also features air conditioning channels which are created using a raised weave either side of a flat weave. This creates a gap between the baselayer and the outer layer, allowing air to circulate.

Does this all work? Yes. I've used this baselayer for all sorts of activity, and not just on the bike. Under heavy outer layers the Energy Accumulator V2.1 never gets swamped, and at the end of hard rides it's still been dry to the touch. The times you're most likely to feel the chill in my experience are when you've been working hard, on a climb, say, and then you have to stop and wait to regroup. That's when you find that your baselayer struggles to cope with a build-up of sweat when there's no air flow to help with surface evaporation, and the excess moisture can cool you quite quickly. That doesn't happen with the Energy Accumulator V2.1 top, it really does manage the moisture very effectively.

I've also had the opportunity to wear this baselayer while skiing in some fairly low temperatures (around -10°C) and it creates a very stable insulated environment when you're out in the cold but not physically working hard (that pretty much sums up my skiing). X-Bionic is heavily into skiing too, and it has a whole range of ski-specific kit; this baselayer crosses over between the two sports and it did a bang-up job. So if you're looking for something to use for longer, low-intensity riding in cold weather, or just general keeping warm, it should be high on the list for that as well.

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The compression fabric feels great against the skin and the cut is just right for cycling, with plenty of length in the arms and body. The neck is cut to be an effective barrier against the cold air but it doesn't ever feel restrictive. 

It's simple to care for, too: just bung it in the wash at 40°C and it's as good as new. As with anything woven, you need to make sure that you're not lobbing your Velcro-covered gloves in the same load.

It's expensive, no doubt about that. I'm sure there are plenty of people thinking, 'I could go to [insert budget retail experience] and get a baselayer for [insert single-digit price], you wouldn't catch me paying 80 quid for a baselayer'. Yes. Yes, you could. It wouldn't be as good as this X-Bionic one. And this X-Bionic one isn't by any measurable metric 10 times as good as the £8 one you got from wherever. Such is the nature of things, and diminishing returns, and all that.

Would I part with £80 of my own money for one? Certainly I'd consider it. The performance is good enough to warrant it.

Verdict

Best-in-class performance from a top-dollar baselayer