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review

OneTen Pioggia Shell

7
£109.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Light, compact and does keep you warm and dry, but check you like the cut before buying
Weight: 
176g

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To combat the elements in the last few weeks I've had the Oneten Pioggia Shell jacket, the in-house clothing brand from distributor Hotlines. Don't be deceived by first impressions - despite its lightweight construction and minimal feel, the jacket is fit for purpose.

You want a jacket that fits without making you feel bulky, I felt this had been cut too short in the front. It has to mould to your body so as not to ride or bunch up when you're on the bike, but off the bike it shouldn't look or feel as though you are wearing something that has been shrunk in the wash. In addition to this the sleeves are a little on the long side. These are concerns that spoil an otherwise impressive piece of kit.

The first time I used the jacket the temperature was in single figures. It felt comfortable and other road users can easily spot the extended tail. This is a neat touch. The zip is secure and closes firmly, giving you a sense of shutting out the elements. Within a few minutes, the chill air inside the jacket had turned to something warmer. Even with a short sleeve jersey underneath, I was impressed with the texture on the skin.

The material is waterproof and windproof with the main body fabric designed for ultimate weather protection, with a superlight polyamide shell. This is an ultra-breathable PTFE membrane to ensure optimum moisture management, thus preventing sweat build-up next to the skin. There were occasions when the inside of the jacket felt clammy on the skin, but this may have been more to do with the rain constantly forcing the jacket onto my arms and not having time to breathe properly. With a long sleeve layer underneath this wouldn't be an issue. I arrived at my destination dry and warm.

Additional features packed into the garment include a waterproof zipper crucial with rain or headwinds, and some reflective trim for increased visibility in low light.

That's a lot of features in such a lightweight jacket. The cut proved to be ideal for the cycling position and the lack of seams increased the comfort.

Given the cost this is a well-priced addition to your cycling wardrobe. It is light enough to stash without worry, but a jacket you can rely upon when needed. Just be sure the fit is right for you.

Verdict

Light, compact and does keep you warm and dry, but check you like the cut before buying.

road.cc test report

Make and model: OneTen Pioggia Shell

Size tested: Medium, Black

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?

The product is aimed at those who are determined to get out regardless of the conditions. If you want a lightweight jacket to keep you protected but easy to stash as an emergency item, this could be what you're looking for.

The manufacturer's say: There's no such thing as bad weather, goes the old saying – only the wrong clothes.

If you're the kind of rider that stays in the saddle no matter what the elements throw your way, then the Pioggia shell is just what you need to keep on pedalling.

A super light and packable weatherproof jacket that maintains breathability and performance even when working hard, the Pioggia shell is the latest addition to the oneten stable of technical cycle clothing.

On most points I agree my only reservation would be the cut of the jacket will not appeal to everyone.

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

The lightweight nature belies the effectiveness of the jacket. The manufacturer's notes on the technical aspects, list a range of capabilities:

Waterproof and windproof eVent main body fabric for ultimate weather protection, with a superlight polyamide shell;

Ultra-breathable PTFE membrane to ensure optimum moisture management, preventing sweat build-up next to the skin;

Waterproof RiRi front zipper, meaning no need for additional storm flaps;

Fold-down tail for extra protection from road spray.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It is made and finished well, the seams are not intrusive and the 'tail' is a nice addition.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

The jacket kept the elements out and the warmth in.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

No negatives so far.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Excellent.

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

The jacket is light and you soon forget you are wearing it.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

The jacket is well priced given its capabilities.

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

The Oneten Pioggia Shell did exactly what is says on the tin.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The weight or lack of.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The cut seemed at odds with the rest of the jacket. The arms were quite long and disproportional to the body.

Did you enjoy using the product? .Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Not without alterations to the length at the front.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Only if they checked for size before buying.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 0  Height:   Weight:

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for:   I ride:   I would class myself as:

I regularly do the following types of riding:

 

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2 comments

Avatar
nowasps | 11 years ago
0 likes

With most jackets, the waist is down by my knees and sleeves end just past the elbow. This could be made for me...

Avatar
dodgy | 11 years ago
0 likes

Looks ridiculous.

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