The Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey is a figure-hugging, high-performance design that's great for summer rides – if you get on with the sleeves. Aero fabrics are used, and if you believe the hype and want all the marginal gains, this is one of the cheapest out there.
Made in the UK, the highly stretchy Chrono fabric is partnered with a form-hugging race fit throughout. It's cut fairly short at the front, but the rear still drops down a good length.
> Buy this online here
As well as following the body shape well, the jersey stays put nicely thanks to the gripper at the bottom. Tucked away on the inside of the wide elasticated band is a hexagonally shaped silicone gripper. This whole band spans 4.5cm wide at the front and 7cm at the rear.
Being narrower at the front means it's not uncomfortably bulky there when you're leaning forward in the riding position, which is great.
The stretchy sleeves are made from Nopinz's self-proclaimed 'super-slippy' Pista fabric with laser-cut ends for a great flush, and aero, finish.
Inside the ends is a 1cm thin silicone band for holding them in place, but I found the band dug in – to the extent that it caused discomfort on endurance rides.
Up top, the collar is cut high. For a summer jersey I would prefer a lower collar so there's less material flapping when you want to unzip to cool down on prolonged sweaty climbs or efforts.
Wicking and temperature regulation delivered by the perforated fabric throughout the main body is impressive for a jersey under the £100 mark.
Although there is no zipped valuables pocket, there are three rear pockets. The two on either side are quite narrow, but the centre one is a very good size for stowing bulkier layers such as a gilet or wind jacket. The middle pocket is also the only one big enough for carrying a smartphone in a protective pouch, and so I used the others for a mini-pump, tools and nutrition.
The elasticated top helps with security and it doubles as a reflective trim for enhancing your visibility when you're caught out as it's turning dark.
The same fabric used across the back of the jersey is also used for the exterior of the pockets. This is a massive help with keeping things breathable and it effectively reduces the build-up of sweat in this area.
> Emergency essentials: 10 things to take with you every ride
There's a choice between four good-looking plain styles, with a mix of brighter and darker tones: black, orange, teal and white.
Priced at £79.99, compared with some this is reasonable for a close-fitting aero jersey. For example, Pactimo's aero short-sleeve jersey, the Summit, is £100, and 7mesh's Skyline is £200!
Bar a penny, La Passione's Duo Jersey is the same price as the Pro-1, but I did find the Duo was better breathability wise, even though the Pro-1 is still very good compared to others, such as Velocio's Foundation Women's Jersey.
> Read more road.cc reviews of women’s jerseys here
The Foundation uses 100 per cent recycled fabrics and is a touch cheaper at £74, but its sleeves aren't as flush as the Pro-1's, and they're also a little short, which makes arm warmer pairing tricky.
Overall, the Nopinz Pro-1 is a great performance-orientated jersey with a fantastically-close fit. You might want to check the sleeves, though – the silicone bands on the ends do help ensure the flush aero finish, but you may find they're uncomfortable on longer rides.
Verdict
Very good form-fitting perforated jersey made from 'super-slippy' fabrics
Make and model: Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women
Tell us what the product is for
Nopinz says: 'This aero jersey gets you from A to B with the minimum effort and maximum comfort thanks to our Pista fabric on the arms that makes it super-slippy combining with the massively breathable 'Chrono' fabric on the torso that keeps things dry and cool. Add in three deep feed pockets, zip guards top and bottom plus some rather appealing colorways, we think we've got summer riding covered."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Nopinz lists:
A mix of Pista, Chrono, and Speedscalez™ fabrics.
Comfortable and aerodynamic
Laser-cut Sleeves with low profile silicone hem.
Lightweight and breathable.
Three deep rear pockets.
YKK Zipper.
Made in the UK.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
The fit is fantastic and flush, and breathability is very good for the price.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Great figure-hugging fit, though I found the silicone band at the sleeve ends a little tight and caused some discomfort on longer rides.
Rate the product for sizing:
9/10
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
6/10
The close fit is comfy, although the fabrics used aren't the softest and you may find the silicone bands on the sleeve ends uncomfortable on endurance rides.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Compared with aero jerseys from the likes of 7mesh and Pactimo, the Pro-1 is pretty good value.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
All good when machine washed at 30 degrees.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Nopinz aero jersey has a fantastically close fit and provides good breathability.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Low-profile gripper at the bottom.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Tight silicone arm bands.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Cheaper than other good aero short sleeve jerseys such as Pactimo's Summit, which costs £100, and 7mesh's £200 Skyline.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The Nopinz Pro-1 is very good: a great performance-orientated jersey with a fantastically-close fit. Just check those silicone bands on the sleeve ends are comfy enough for you, though.
Age: 23 Height: 177cm Weight: 62kg
I usually ride: Road bike 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, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, Gravel riding, indoor turbo and rollers, track
Dare I say, "Haar, haar?"
What's the fine for parking in the cycle lane ?
"I am selling...I am selling..."
Looks like some Barton Hill residents don't want the Liverpool Neighbourhood or at least not Marsh Lane to be a no-through-road:...
Total demolition job in Maulden Some Before pictures for Woodthorpe: https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/175683/
"After a two-hour long meeting, the panel voted 9-2 to resolve that the majority of the panel supported the introduction of the charges but was ...
It's just easier to "negotiate" when both parties are much more similar in vulnerability, manoeuvrability, speed, width, etc. than those in motor...
Done - caveat that a) the entire width wasn't used for the cycle lane and b) not in the UK....
Hmm, not a word about BMX bikes. My sons graduated in turn from the little Raleigh and went onto a BMX with an 18" wheel bought from (the horror)...
I've just read that is someone with 217 points.