'11 Castelli

It seems counter-intuitive at first; adding a layer in order to keep cool. But trust us, it works. Under the hot Nebraska sun (if there's one stereotype about the state that's generally true, it's the lack of trees on the open road), we've kept cool thanks to the Core Mesh baselayer.

It works like this: the open-mesh design allows airflow over your body - which keeps you cooler - by lifting the jersey away from your skin. That means your jersey stays drier (and lighter) and you stay cooler. And that means you can keep the pedals turning longer and faster.