Review: Nopinz Pro-1 Mens Jersey

The Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Men is a close fitting garment designed to go fast. It is very breathable and comfortable, and ideal for quick summer rides. However, it is cut particularly short in the front and the hem is relatively loose. Despite this, it is very good value for money – £ 40 cheaper than most comparable offers.

The Nopinz Pro-1 jersey’s emphasis on speed is evident both in its fabrics and in its close-fitting fit. As with most aero jerseys, the Pro-1 has an aggressive cut in the front – which on top of me sat around my belly button.

This means that when leaned in aero position on the bike it doesn’t crease in the front as there is no excess material, but it should be noted (especially if you are tall) that you You may also need bib shorts with a high fit!

> Buy it online here

At the back, the jersey is of a more traditional length, with a large silicone clip on the lower thumb approximately. I’m pretty skinny (and a midrange on the Nopinz size guide), and on some outings I’ve found this band showing up instead of grabbing my shorts.

Fortunately, the rest of the jersey hugs the silhouette so much that, despite the silicone clip not always doing its job, it doesn’t budge. Although tight, it’s quite stretchy and I haven’t found mobility to be a problem at all, whether it’s on the road or on a TT bike.

As with many modern swimsuits, the arms are quite long, reaching about an inch above the elbow on me. They are held in place with silicone bands, which are much tighter than at the bottom.

The sleeves are in Nopinz ‘Pista fabric, which is often found on his wetsuits. Obviously, we cannot quantify the extra speed provided by this slippery substance, as the road.cc wind tunnel is dimensionally suboptimal (or “doesn’t exist”), but the laser cut ends are flush with the skin and appear certainly quick, if nothing else.

Meanwhile, the main body of the jersey is Chrono fabric, which is more breathable. I have used the jersey during the recent heat wave and the Pro-1 has only been comfortable throughout. The fabric almost looks perforated, wicks sweat away as well as jerseys costing double the price of this one, and keeps you feeling both cool and dry.

It’s also more opaque than the sleeve material, keeping your dignity intact even if you choose not to wear an undergarment.

> 30 of the best summer cycling jerseys – tops to beat the heat from just £ 10

For storage you will find three pockets on the back, but no zipped for valuables. I guess Nopinz thinks the extra weight isn’t worth it on a jersey that’s designed to go fast, but for my part, I get a little paranoid with my phone and / or my unzipped cash. That said, the pockets have elasticated tops that hold items well and a good secure stretch.

The central pocket is slightly larger than the two sides; large enough for a small rain jacket or waistcoat.

The Pro-1 also has the details nailed down. There are no massive labels and the one on the collar is rubbery, without sharp edges and does not wrinkle; the full-length zip has protections at the top and bottom to prevent irritation; and there is a large reflective strip on the back pockets.

Value

£ 79.99 may not seem cheap at first for a jersey, but look at the aero-specific competition and it actually offers a lot better value for the money. My favorite aero jersey – the Castelli Aero Race 6.0 – costs £ 110 for example, while famous brand dhb offers the Aeron LAB Raceline jersey for the same price as the Castelli.

Some others may cost even more; for example, the Gore Race jersey costs £ 179.99

Globally

The Nopinz Pro-1 strikes above its weight … or at least its price. The fabrics are excellent, the fit is very good (aside the hem) and above all it is very comfortable to wear.

Unless you particularly need a zippered pocket for your valuables, this is a great choice for quick summer driving, whether short or long distances.

Verdict

Beautiful fabrics and a good price – this is a comfortable and efficient aerodynamic fit jersey