Metier Element Race Layer Short Sleeve

Metier has used the latest wonder material, graphene, to control body temperature in its new Element baselayer. The theory sounds plausible but in reality I can see very few benefits over baselayers a third of the price. It does fit nicely, though.

• Pros: Well cut, compressive fit
• Cons: Removes sweat from the body but doesn't dry very quickly, high price

We've seen graphene appearing in all sorts of applications since it was recently 'discovered': things like tyre treads or the soles of high-end running shoes, mostly because of its unbelievable strength and the fact that it is so thin it's also incredibly light and flexible.

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Metier has used it here more for its thermal conductivity though. The pattern you see on the baselayer is the graphene printed to the fabric and the theory is that it engages with your body's hotspots to dissipate heat throughout the circuit, to either keep you cool on hot rides or warming you on cooler ones.

While we may not have the exceptional temperatures we saw back in the summer, it's still knocking around the high-teens to low 20s here. On each ride I've done in the Element it has becoming overwhelmed with sweat quite quickly, making the whole baselayer wet, and even when opening my jersey zip to get some wind flowing through it refused to dry to a decent level.

I like the close cut of the Element and the mild feeling of compression, but with it sitting so close to the body everywhere it means that you feel the wetness every time you move. It wasn't pleasant.

With chillier early mornings it has kept me warm and not been so much of an issue, but whether that heat is being transferred around my body via the graphene is very hard to quantify.

What I'm basically saying is that it doesn't feel to be doing any different a job than other similarly fitting non-graphene baselayers in my collection.

There are things to like, though.

As I mentioned, I like the slim fit, and that compression element to the fabric doesn't feel overly restrictive if you aren't exactly the lightest rider in the group.

The seams down each side have been bonded rather than sewn so you have nothing protruding against the skin, although those around the neck and arms are left as normal.

The fabric is also anti-bacterial so you can wear it a fair few times before washing it, which makes it ideal for a short tour or if you are a regular commuter.

Value-wise, at £80 it is at the expensive end of the market, and as I personally didn't find the whole graphene thing much of a bonus I wouldn't see myself paying for it.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best cycling baselayers

The Ashmei baselayer recently tested got excellent marks for its sweat wicking and quick drying, and even that was considered expensive at £65. Dave tested the £82 X-Bionic Energy Accumulator winter baselayer back in 2016 and gave it 9/10 – but he did say the performance was 'best in class'.

Something like the dhb's Blok baselayer is just £20 and is an excellent performer in the summer. It hasn't got the cold weather capability of the Metier, but for the same money you could buy a separate winter baselayer and still pocket some change (Lusso's Thermal baselayer is £35 and very good according to Mike Stead).

On the whole the Element is a decent piece of clothing when it comes to form and fit, but it just doesn't deliver on its promises for me.

Verdict

Nice fit and ideal for chilly mornings but doesn't deliver on its cooling claims when the weather is warm