OneTen Intimo Short Sleeve Base Layer

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