The Sight Shirt SS from 7mesh represents the most performance-driven merino short sleeve on the list, with a cycling-specific cut, durable construction and attention to low-drag details for demanding rides. Technically focused, it competes with Smartwool on performance but surpasses more casual options like Rapha and Ridge Merino in ride-oriented features, though typically at a higher price point. For riders who prioritize on-bike performance and durability over budget, 7mesh offers clear technical advantages.
Technical ventilation (climbs happy)
Durable stretch (trail-tough)
Technical ventilation (climbs happy)
Durable stretch (trail-tough)
Review Summary
"The 7mesh Sight Shirt SS is appreciated for its technical performance, breathable fabric and sporty fit, though some riders find sizing inconsistent and the cost steep. Reviewers report strong moisture management and comfort during active use."
Quick-dry weave (sweat-slayer)
Technical merino-blend construction for faster drying and added durability
Quick-dry weave (sweat-slayer)
Technical merino-blend construction for faster drying and added durability
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Sight Shirt SS from 7mesh represents the most performance-driven merino short sleeve on the list, with a cycling-specific cut, durable construction and attention to low-drag details for demanding rides. Technically focused, it competes with Smartwool on performance but surpasses more casual options like Rapha and Ridge Merino in ride-oriented features, though typically at a higher price point. For riders who prioritize on-bike performance and durability over budget, 7mesh offers clear technical advantages.
Technical ventilation (climbs happy)
Durable stretch (trail-tough)
Quick-dry weave (sweat-slayer)
Technical merino-blend construction for faster drying and added durability
Articulated, performance-oriented cut for unrestricted on-bike movement
Technical ventilation (climbs happy)
Durable stretch (trail-tough)
Quick-dry weave (sweat-slayer)
Technical merino-blend construction for faster drying and added durability
Articulated, performance-oriented cut for unrestricted on-bike movement
$140-190 CAD
The 7mesh Sight Shirt LS blends merino fibers with cycling-specific technical construction—articulated seams, stretch and low-bulk layering—to deliver a high-performance thermal top for aggressive riding. It is a market-leading technical choice for riders who want the merino benefits with bike-specific fit and mobility, offering more engineering for on-the-bike movement than the simpler cuts from Icebreaker and Sugoi, albeit at a premium cost.
Technical fit
Fast-drying
Technical fit
Fast-drying
Review Summary
"The 7mesh Sight Shirt LS earns praise for technical performance, close cycling-oriented fit and lasting construction on repeated rides, with a few users noting the high price and that fit is quite athletic."
Climate-smart design — summit-ready swagger
Technical merino blend engineered for high breathability and rapid drying.
Climate-smart design — summit-ready swagger
Technical merino blend engineered for high breathability and rapid drying.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The 7mesh Sight Shirt LS blends merino fibers with cycling-specific technical construction—articulated seams, stretch and low-bulk layering—to deliver a high-performance thermal top for aggressive riding. It is a market-leading technical choice for riders who want the merino benefits with bike-specific fit and mobility, offering more engineering for on-the-bike movement than the simpler cuts from Icebreaker and Sugoi, albeit at a premium cost.
Technical fit
Fast-drying
Climate-smart design — summit-ready swagger
Technical merino blend engineered for high breathability and rapid drying.
Performance cut with articulated sleeves for unrestricted on-bike movement.
Technical fit
Fast-drying
Climate-smart design — summit-ready swagger
Technical merino blend engineered for high breathability and rapid drying.
Performance cut with articulated sleeves for unrestricted on-bike movement.
$170-240 CAD
Sugoi Evolution Ice Jersey
Sugoi's Evolution Ice is the hot-weather specialist, using highly breathable, cooling-treated synthetic fabrics and a light, ventilated cut that outperforms many in high temperatures. Technically it brings evaporative-cooling performance and UPF protection that make it a go-to for summer riding, offering a mid-range price that undercuts Rapha while delivering more targeted thermal benefits than the Castelli Entrata or Pearl Izumi Quest. For riders focused on keeping core temperature down on long, hot outings, its fabric technology provides measurable comfort advantages.
Ice-cool tech
Sun-smart protection
Ice-cool tech
Sun-smart protection
Review Summary
"Users like the Sugoi Evolution Ice for its cooling fabric, rapid drying and slim athletic fit in hot conditions; a minority report seams, zippers or print wear sooner with very frequent use."
Sprint-ready chill
Specialized 'Ice' fabric blend designed to enhance evaporative cooling and high moisture wicking.
Sprint-ready chill
Specialized 'Ice' fabric blend designed to enhance evaporative cooling and high moisture wicking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Sugoi's Evolution Ice is the hot-weather specialist, using highly breathable, cooling-treated synthetic fabrics and a light, ventilated cut that outperforms many in high temperatures. Technically it brings evaporative-cooling performance and UPF protection that make it a go-to for summer riding, offering a mid-range price that undercuts Rapha while delivering more targeted thermal benefits than the Castelli Entrata or Pearl Izumi Quest. For riders focused on keeping core temperature down on long, hot outings, its fabric technology provides measurable comfort advantages.
Ice-cool tech
Sun-smart protection
Sprint-ready chill
Specialized 'Ice' fabric blend designed to enhance evaporative cooling and high moisture wicking.
Laser-cut ventilation panels and an athletic cut for maximum airflow.
Ice-cool tech
Sun-smart protection
Sprint-ready chill
Specialized 'Ice' fabric blend designed to enhance evaporative cooling and high moisture wicking.
Laser-cut ventilation panels and an athletic cut for maximum airflow.
$120-160 CAD
The Sugoi MidZero Zap Long Sleeve is a versatile midweight synthetic thermal that emphasizes a balance of warmth, stretch and everyday visibility with reflective 'Zap' accents for commuter safety. It matches the moisture‑wicking performance of higher‑end pieces at a typically lower price and offers more everyday versatility than race‑focused Craft or heavy Castelli tops, making it a strong midrange technical option.
Thermal stretch
Moisture-shedding
Thermal stretch
Moisture-shedding
Review Summary
"Users find the Sugoi MidZero Zap a warm, comfortable midweight baselayer with good breathability and reflective details for visibility; some buyers note sizing inconsistencies and moderate wear after extended use. It is generally seen as a reliable performer for regular cold-weather rides."
Zap-bright reflectors
Midweight thermal knit that provides warmth for a wide range of cool conditions.
Zap-bright reflectors
Midweight thermal knit that provides warmth for a wide range of cool conditions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sugoi MidZero Zap Long Sleeve is a versatile midweight synthetic thermal that emphasizes a balance of warmth, stretch and everyday visibility with reflective 'Zap' accents for commuter safety. It matches the moisture‑wicking performance of higher‑end pieces at a typically lower price and offers more everyday versatility than race‑focused Craft or heavy Castelli tops, making it a strong midrange technical option.
Thermal stretch
Moisture-shedding
Zap-bright reflectors
Midweight thermal knit that provides warmth for a wide range of cool conditions.
Strategic ventilation and stretch panels for mobility and heat management during hard efforts.
Thermal stretch
Moisture-shedding
Zap-bright reflectors
Midweight thermal knit that provides warmth for a wide range of cool conditions.
Strategic ventilation and stretch panels for mobility and heat management during hard efforts.
$120-170 CAD
Sugoi RS Base Layer Long Sleeve
The Sugoi RS Base Layer Long Sleeve rounds out the list as a technically capable seamless compression top that offers solid thermal coverage and balanced compression at a competitive price, appealing to riders who want performance without premium-brand pricing. It compares favorably to Rapha and Castelli by delivering durable fabrics and reliable fit while often undercutting them financially, and it provides more coverage than Pearl Izumi’s sleeveless mesh for cooler conditions. Overall, Sugoi’s RS long sleeve is a practical choice for cyclists seeking race-ready features with sensible value.
All-season warmth
Compression hug
All-season warmth
Compression hug
Review Summary
"The Sugoi RS Base Layer Long Sleeve is appreciated for its lightweight performance, effective moisture wicking and comfortable fit for longer efforts, though a few users report seam durability concerns over extended use. Overall it’s regarded as a reliable, performance-oriented base layer."
Stretchy ninja moves
Seamless RS knit provides balanced compression and thermal regulation across the torso.
Stretchy ninja moves
Seamless RS knit provides balanced compression and thermal regulation across the torso.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sugoi RS Base Layer Long Sleeve rounds out the list as a technically capable seamless compression top that offers solid thermal coverage and balanced compression at a competitive price, appealing to riders who want performance without premium-brand pricing. It compares favorably to Rapha and Castelli by delivering durable fabrics and reliable fit while often undercutting them financially, and it provides more coverage than Pearl Izumi’s sleeveless mesh for cooler conditions. Overall, Sugoi’s RS long sleeve is a practical choice for cyclists seeking race-ready features with sensible value.
All-season warmth
Compression hug
Stretchy ninja moves
Seamless RS knit provides balanced compression and thermal regulation across the torso.
Soft-touch fabric wicks moisture and resists odor for multi-hour comfort.
All-season warmth
Compression hug
Stretchy ninja moves
Seamless RS knit provides balanced compression and thermal regulation across the torso.
Soft-touch fabric wicks moisture and resists odor for multi-hour comfort.
$80-120 CAD