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review

OneTen Intimo Short Sleeve Base Layer

8
£27.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Very good base layer for cooler rides, with a little extra wind protection at the front
Weight: 
94g
Contact: 
www.hotlines-uk.com

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The OneTen Intimo is a good, well thought-out base layer for cooler rides.

OneTen is a new British bike-clothing brand that concentrates on 'thermophysiological interactions'. Do what? They've used thermal body mapping in the design process - looking at where you produce heat and where you sweat - to decide what fabrics to use and how to use them.

The Intimo base layer is 100% polyester throughout, but in very different weaves. The back, shoulders and the underside of the arms are made from a mesh. It's not quite an open mesh - you can't see through it - but it's lightweight and very breathable. It's textured so that it sits off your skin slightly for extra ventilation and it wicks sweat away fast.

The front panel - which loops around the sides too - and the tops of the sleeves are made from a denser weave. These are in no way windproof, but they do provide more protection from cold air. The Intimo is similar to many jerseys and gilets in that you get solid panels for the exposed areas and mesh panels for the more areas that are more sheltered from the airflow.

I've had base layers with front panels that are windproof in the past and they've not worked well for me. The windproof areas are never breathable enough and I've ended up with them sticking uncomfortably to my skin as I sweat on the first big climb. I'd rather have the windproofing further away from my body.

The Intimo's front panel isn't like that. It's simply a bit denser than the back to keep the chill off your chest and even out the temperature between the front and rear. This base layer doesn't add as much insulation as a full-on thermal, but it's a good option for autumn and spring, or worn under two (or more) other layers in the winter.

It does a good job of drawing moisture away from your skin as well, so you stay comfortable. Work hard enough and any base layer will eventually become waterlogged but the Intimo puts in a good wicking performance and it dries out quickly enough.

The rear of the Intimo is slightly extended so your back always stays well covered while the arms and the neck hole are slightly forward to sit properly when you're in your riding position. There are no internal labels to irritate you, the care label being printed on the outside of the fabric, round the back where it won't be seen.

I guess I'd prefer flat-lock seams over conventional seams for the ultimate in comfort but that's really not a biggie. The seams here aren't prominent.

The Intimo is also available in sleeveless (£24.99) and long sleeve (£29.99) versions

Verdict

Very good base layer for cooler rides, with a little extra wind protection at the front

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Oneten Intimo Short Sleeve Base Layer

Size tested: Grey/White - M

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?

OneTen say, "We've designed the Intimo base layer for riders of all levels and disciplines, and it's as practical on the daily city commute as it is essential for high-level competition.

"Used as part of a layered clothing system it will make sure you stay warm and snug on the coldest of winter days; while its ability to help your body regulate heat and moisture will also keep you cool, dry and comfortable in milder conditions.

"Simple, durable and versatile, the Intimo is an essential element of your cooler-conditions cycle wardrobe."

Yes, that's all fair enough although it seems more useful for the performance-type rider than for the city commuter.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

I've got on well with it. A little extra protection from cool air at the front without sacrificing breathability.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 190cm  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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6 comments

Avatar
rbx | 12 years ago
0 likes

Thanks Tony.

I'm in Wandsworth, London. Checked out websites for the stores you mentioned but they haven't listed this item online as yet.

Looking forward to seeing it in a store nearby soon.

Cheers.

Avatar
antonio | 12 years ago
0 likes

Will someone tell the model he can breathe in now.

Avatar
Noggster | 12 years ago
0 likes

mmm snail trail, what a nice pic

Avatar
Tony Farrelly | 12 years ago
0 likes

OneTen has only just launched so they're still building up their dealer network. Not sure where you are rbx, but the places you can buy it off-line so far are:

Cyclelife Doncaster
Cyclecellar
Melksham Cycle Centre
Primera Sport

Hotlines tell me there are a lot more dealers on the way, and if the rest of the range is as good as this baselayer I'm sure you'll be spoilt for choice for places to buy soon enough.

Avatar
Tony Farrelly | 12 years ago
0 likes

Hmm… yes, don't see OneTen in the Hotlines dealer locator yet so have dropped them a line to ask

Avatar
rbx | 12 years ago
0 likes

Hey, where can I buy these?

Google only shows CRC and I've sworn off them since my last sad experience. Anywhere else?

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