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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE FEBRUARY 13th 2026
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Castelli Flanders 2 High Neck Base Layer
XL 190g Black £110 rrp
The Castelli Flanders 2 High Neck Base-Layer is a winter base layer constructed on racing lines, but with general applications, too. There’s a cheaper version available, the difference being – you may be ahead of me here – the length of the neck. There are other features, too. So, what do you get for you £110 or, at the time of writing, your £66.
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Pros: very long neck, under-arm vents, fast wicking, well-made, tactile seams, light-weight, snug.
Cons: cost, back length adequate rather than great.
Specification
Made from 100% polyester, this is Castelli’s most advanced multi-denier Sottozero fleece. This should provide warmth, but offer decent temperature control, especially with the mesh under-arm vents. Seams are prominent, but very soft, easy to see, but very tactile; given the snug fit, that matters. The stand-out feature, literally, is the length of the neck: a roll neck to keep the draft from shooting down your neck, a buff over your mouth, or an under-helmet wrap. It is intended to be used as part of a layering system with temperatures between -4 and 6C. Multi-denier indicates variable thickness; not so you’d really notice, unless you look carefully. The aim is to put that bit more weight into the fabric where it is most needed by cyclists – e.g. on the front, for descents.
Also available in grey.
Size and fit 4/5
The fabric is stretchy – Castelli are a “sporty” brand. Castelli point out that they aim to give a snug fit, so follow the size guide and the advice given. Don’t just depend on what you always do with other garments. Remember that the size given is the maximum.
The fabric is stretchy – Castelli are a “sporty” brand. Castelli point out that they aim to give a snug fit, so follow the size guide and the advice given. Don’t just depend on what you always do with other garments. Remember that the size given is the maximum.
The neck would probably cope with the Loch Ness Monster. More practically, it was perfect tripled up as a roll neck up to the chin, covering mouth and nose as a buff (thereby improving the scenery (according to my friends) by 50%, and all the way over the head to fit neatly under the helmet.
Care and durability 4/5
Instructions are normal for garments of this type made from polyester. A cool wash, max of 30C and line dry. No bleach, no conditioner, no tumble-drying, ironing, or dry cleaning. Following a spin, drying is quick. I tend to avoid direct heat with technical garments, however drying is very quick. I have found that a couple of hours on the clothes horse near the radiator has done the trick; a couple of hours longer with the central heating off. Weather has prevented outdoor line drying, but I can see this being very rapid.
Having worn this nearly every day for a month, there’s no sign of wear or tear. True, if there were I’d be disappointed, to say the least. There’s no reason to doubt that this will be long-lasting. Having said that, I’ve a few decent base-layers that have been around for longer than jerseys bought at the same time.
Performance 4/5
Setting off, first out, with a brisk pre-dawn ten-miler with the mercury set at 3C, but with a wind-chill taking it down to -1C, I wore the base-layer under a technical Stolen Goat jersey, and a ProViz Reflect 360 Jacket (one with great reflectivity, but not awfully good temperature control. Warm, but not sweaty. Moisture built up occasionally, but nothing that did not disappear equally quickly.
On a colder day – 1C ambient, -7C wind-chill – performance was very much the same. On a full day ride, with added rain, but fractionally warmer (-4 wind-chill), under the Castelli Alpha 150 Jacket and a Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket (waterproof) and bib-tights, things felt comfortably war, but never too hot – even on longer or steeper climbs in the borders of Shropshire and Powys.
Wicking is excellent. Any build-up of moisture is rapidly dealt with. True, this requires technical layer above. I’ve tended to pair it with the Castelli Alpha 150 Jacket, which also has excellent climate control. On that note, the under-arm vents help keep things feeling fresh.
I never thought I’d write this, but I have enjoyed the neck. Triple-folded, doubled-up around the chin, or as a single layer over-the-head buff, I enjoyed the flexibility as weather changed or I just had the whim to change. Needless to say, it will not give the same level of warmth when single-out, but it will fit under any helmet and do that little bit to keep your ears from getting painfully cold. Of course, my spectacles steamed up if I put it over my nose, but that is hardly the fabrics fault. Under any condition, you’ll get very good protection against chills creeping down you neck. Opening the neck of your jersey will solve any over-heating.
My one issue is a minor one. My preference is for a longer back. I’d describe the Flanders 2 coverage as adequate, i.e. it meets the need. I’m pretty much evenly proportioned in terms of body length, but those with long backs may find it harder to get really good coverage. However, this is hardly a deal-breaker and reflects my personal preference as much as any major issue. Moreover, for many roadies, bib-tights, bib-knickers, bib-shorts are the default, so the issue is well-covered, literally.
Value 3.75/5
£110 is a lot of money, but is far from unusual for a base-layer of this quality. You’ll find it discounted, too, if you time it right and look carefully. Indeed, at the time of writing, it is discounted to £66 which puts it in bargain territory. Of course, it is worth considering whether you really need wicking that good. Breathability is not a simple thing and you can end up with more technical a fabric than your activity requires. If you do need excellent wicking, then the Flanders 2 Long Neck, could be the answer to your needs – with the additional advantages brought by quality clothing.
Sportful offer the Sottozero Base-Layer at £90. This is another race style garment. What it lacks in neck length compared to the Flanders 2 (and the neck is perfectly good), it makes up for in body length. Again, it is pricey at the rrp, but can be found discounted.
At £90, Rapha’s Thermal Base-Layer, has a long neck as well as claiming excellent wicking. Rapha don’t give a temperature range, but say the long neck will cover nose and ears.
I’ve also liked the Tucano Urbano Polo Nord Base-Layer, but this was more appropriate for leisure riding and is not designed for racing. Less breathable, but also very warm and, according to Mrs. Steve, perfectly suitable for casual wear away from the bike.
Spatzwear Basez 2 Base-Layer, costs a penny short of £75 and promises a high neck, thumb loops, a drop-back, and wicking: described by the Spatzwear as “the most technically advanced base layer.”
I’ve used base-layers at around half the price of the Flanders 2. They can be very effective, but are generally heavier, wicking is less strong, and don’t go so low on the temperature limbo. Mind you, that may suit you, and if slim fit racing garb is not your bag, you can always add another layer or two.
Summary
The Castelli Flanders 2 Long Neck is a very, very good bit of gear, ideal for speedster, winter trainers, racers, and very good as the base of your layering system for general cycling and touring. To some extent, you do get what you pay for. Your paying here, but you are getting a lot.
Verdict: 4/5 very good base-layer for long days and fast rides.
Steve Dyster
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2026
