Purchasing guide: The best technical underwear (Enduro & Cross)

In enduro as in cross, we often think of the bike, the helmet and the boots, but we neglect what is in direct contact with the skin. However, it is the sweat management and the temperature which conditions your comfort and endurance on a long outing.

We've all known this: be soaked in sweat after 15 minutes of “gardening” in a technical stoneworker and then freeze on the rolling link just after. The culprit? Often this is what you wear under your shirt.

The underlay (or base layer) is the foundation of your equipment. Here is our guide to choosing your “second skin” and our selection of the best products on the market for dry riding.

1. The Golden Rule: Banning the Cotton

This is command number one.

• The cotton problem: It absorbs moisture (your sweat) like a sponge and guards it.
• The result: In summer, you are heavy and wet. In winter, this moisture cools as soon as you cut off the gases, creating an immediate "fridge" effect on your skin.
• The solution: Choose only technical synthetic fibres (Polypropylene, Polyester, Dryarn) or Merino wool.

2. Materials: Synthetic vs Merino

The Freeenduro opinion: For the Cross (intense effort, short duration), pure synthetic is king. For theEnduro (long lasting), the Carbon/Synthetic mixture (as at SIXS) offers the best compromise.

3. SELECTION: The 7 Best Tops (Maillots)

We selected the long-sleeved models because they avoid direct contact of the skin with the elbow pads and protect against rubbing of the stonewall.

1. The Premium Versatile: SIXS Carbon Underwear (TS2 V2)

(sometimes referred to as ‘Six2’ on shops)
This is the reference used by many pros.

For whom? An endurist who wants to ride all year round (except for the heat wave) with a single product.
The Freeenduro opinion: Carbon technology is not marketing. Unlike conventional synthetics where bacteria create a ‘biofilm’ (bad, wash-resistant odours), carbon is naturally antibacterial. It doesn't stink, it dries quickly, and the thermal regulation is bluffing.

2. Compressor / MX: Alpinestars Ride Tech V2

For whom? The pilot who is looking for muscle maintenance and a "Factory" look.
The Freeenduro opinion: Alpinestars relies on a very open mesh (bee nest) structure in the back. It is ultra-ventilated, perfect for those who drive hard. Compressive cutting helps reduce muscle fatigue (tetany), but you should like to feel tight.

3. L’Expert Grand Froid (Quality/Price Report): Odlo Active Warm Eco

For whom? The winter hard worker who wants safe heat without breaking the bank.
The Freeenduro opinion: Odlo is the global specialist in sports underwear. This ‘Warm Eco’ range offers excellent thermal insulation thanks to a very soft scratched interior. This is a safe bet when the thermometer is flirting with 0°C.

4. Expert Grand Froid (Premium Moto): SIXS Thermo Carbon (TS3W CU)

For whom? The pilot who makes no compromises for the icy exits.
The Freeenduro opinion: He is the older brother of TS2. It uses the same carbon technology, but with a fabric 45% denser. The difference with the Odlo? It better manages sudden variations in effort (the famous “Stop & Go” of enduro) by avoiding overheating in the technique while isolating on the links.

5. The Alternative Grand Froid (Compression): Dainese D-Core Thermo

For whom? Those who want insulation from the cold combined with muscle maintenance.
The Freeenduro opinion: Dainese uses Dryarn fiber, extremely hydrophobic. It is a very technical product that can keep you warm by -10°C while compressing the muscles to promote blood flow. A formidable weapon for extreme conditions.

6. “Soft” comfort: Fox Tecbase

For whom? The hiker who favors softness and comfort over compression.
The Freeenduro opinion: Designed to be forgotten, Tecbase has a touch very close to natural textile, much less "plastic" than its competitors. Flat seams prevent irritation on long walks.

7. The Malin budget: Acerbis TOP TL X-WIND

For whom? The beginner or the small budget who wants the essentials.
The Freeenduro opinion: For the price of a brake lever, Acerbis offers a simple but effective technical product. It wicks away sweat much better than a cotton t-shirt. This is the best entry ticket.

4. SELECTION: The 5 Best Bass (Leggings)

For consistent equipment, here are the stockings matching the jerseys above.

1. The Versatile Set: SIXS Carbon Underwear (PNX-CB)

The essential addition to the TS2 jersey. It slips under the pants or knee pads without discomfort.
(Be careful to choose the classic CB model, not the windproof “WB” model which is too rigid).

2. The Premium Grand Froid Set: SIXS Thermo Carbon (PNXW CU)

High density thermal leggings. Essential to keep your legs warm on road connections in winter when the wind crosses the cross pants.

3. The Accessible Winter Set: Odlo Active Warm Eco Pant

Just like the top, this tight offers an excellent thermal barrier at a controlled price.

4. The Comfort Set: Fox Tecbase Legging

The perfect match with the top Tecbase. Ergonomic fit and ultra-soft fabric that prevents friction of knee pads or orthotics.

5. The Budget Set: Acerbis X-Body Winter

A simple and robust technical tights to complete your outfit without blowing the budget.

6. The Grand Froid (Compression) Set: Dainese D-Core Thermo Pant

The indispensable pairing of the top D-Core. It is not just a hot pantyhose: it is performance equipment.

The Freeenduro opinion: It combines thermal insulation (effective up to -20°C according to Dainese) with targeted compression on the thighs and calves. In enduro, it is a major asset: compression promotes venous return and delays the feeling of “heavy legs” at the end of the day. The Dryarn fibre ensures that you stay dry even in intense effort.