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Alé PRR Ponente Jersey

7
£115.00

VERDICT:

7
10
A comfortable and smart looking jersey that provides a good fit, provided it fits
Weight: 
303g
Contact: 

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The Alé PRR Ponente is a comfortable and smart looking long sleeve jersey ideal for the transition from summer to winter, ideal over a short sleeve base layer on warmer rides or paired with a windproof vest or jacket for chillier days.

There comes a point, and it's different for every cyclist, when the transition from short sleeves and arm warmers to long sleeve jerseys is made. That change happened a couple of weeks ago for me (I do feel the cold, though) and the Alé PRR Ponente has been the ideal accompaniment for brisk early morning training rides and longer club runs when the temperature isn't looking like it's going to go that high. (We tested the short-sleeve version last summer – read the review here.) 

Find your nearest dealer here 

Buy this online here 

Temperature recommendations are best taken with a pinch of salt, but Alé's 10 to 15 degrees proved about right. It's breathable enough that you can wear it when the sun is out and it's unseasonably warm without fear of boiling, yet it provides adequate insulation to go into single digits quite comfortably.

Ale PRR Bering Long Sleeve Jersey - on bike

It's made from a thermal and fleece fabric and is quite thin between the fingers. The high stretch factor contributes to the good fit and ensures it doesn't feel restrictive around the shoulders. Alé has developed a 'J-Stability System' comprising a double-layer fabric around the lower half of the jersey. It's intended to keep the jersey from moving about and rising up when riding, and it works well.

Ale PRR Bering Long Sleeve Jersey - rear

There are nice details like the angled cuffs, which don't come up short, and the raised collar to keep your neck snug. The full-length zipper has a little protective flap to stop it irritating your neck, and there's the typical dropped tail that ensures your behind is covered when you're in the drops.

Ale PRR Bering Long Sleeve Jersey - chest

Three rear pockets are joined by a fourth zippered one, and a smattering of reflective details gives a low-light boost.

Ale PRR Bering Long Sleeve Jersey - zip pocket

You can tell this is an Italian jersey when you pull it on. The label says it's a medium, but the fit suggests it's closer in reality to a size small. It compares quite well actually to a small from two other Italian cycling brands, Castelli and Sportful. The size range does go up to an XXXL, but I'd definitely try it on before you buy if you possibly can. It's definitely a racer's jersey.

>> Check out our guide to the best cycling clothing to keep you warm in winter here

There's no shortage of choice in the long sleeve jersey market and the Alé PRR Ponente is at the pricier end, but the quality of construction, the very good fit, attention to detail and durability all help to make it a worthy choice if you're shopping for a warm and comfortable autumn jersey.

Verdict

A comfortable and smart looking jersey that provides a good fit, provided it fits

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Alé PRR Ponente Jersey

Size tested: Medium, Blue

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Alé says: "This long sleeve jersey has been designed for Spring/Autumn conditions. It features an ergonomic cut and fleeced stretchy fabric, providing you with just the right amount of warmth and comfort. Ideal for a modern and eye-catching look."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Features:

Suggested for Spring/Autumn conditions 10-15°

Thermal and stretchy fleece fabric has been used to ensure maximum comfort

Full front zip with cover and anatomical cuffs

J-Stability System™ in the bottom hem to keep the jersey in place

3 rear pockets with a fourth zippered pocket with reflective detail

Ergonomic fit

Light and breathable fabric

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Evidently a very well made jersey.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

For keeping the chill at bay on cold and dry autumn and spring rides, this is a very good choice. No wind protection in the torso means you might want to add a windproof vest for tackling windier days.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It's been just the right weather for this jersey recently and so it's been getting loads of wear, with no noticeable wear, as it were.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

The fit is snug and aero and feels great on the bike, with no restriction of movement.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

You can pay a lot less and get similar performance, and the lack of any rain or wind protection might be a deal-breaker for those cyclists seeking the most function for their spend.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

For keeping you warm without getting sweaty, it does a sterling job.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Looks good and fits well, nice soft fabric too.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Sizing comes up small.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Maybe

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe

Use this box to explain your score

It's a lovely jersey with great performance but you can get similar performance for a lot less money.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180cm  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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2 comments

Avatar
velo-nh | 8 years ago
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Aren't Castelli and Sportful owned by the same company and run out of the same factory?

I'm a bit on the slender side, but I don't see any sizing difference between Castelli and Alé.  They both tend to be comfortably snug.  These are a nice jersey, perhaps a bit expensive if you can't find a discount.

 

Avatar
TypeVertigo replied to velo-nh | 8 years ago
0 likes
velo-nh wrote:

Aren't Castelli and Sportful owned by the same company and run out of the same factory?

Yes they are. They share some fabric-level tech, but they're still competitors essentially.

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