Nalini's Gara Agnedo windproof jacket is essentially a windproof short sleeve jersey with separate arms that attached by zips on the shoulders.
I've deliberately described it that way around, as opposed to a jacket with removable arms. For me, this is down to the fit. The jersey part, without the arms, fits like a relatively tight jersey. It has short sleeves with gripper hems and a gripper hem around the waist too. The arms are a looser fit, more like a waterproof jacket, with enough room to fit a long sleeve jersey underneath.
According to the label, the Nalini Agnedo is made from no less than seven different materials, the most interesting of which is Mantotex, a light and elastic thermo-regulating membrane that is fairly waterproof, very windproof and wicks away sweat. Mantotex panels are used for the front and sides of the jersey and a strip down the back. The removable arms are also constructed from Mantotex. The material performs really well, but is not that nice next to the skin, so you'll be wanting to wear a baselayer (and armwarmers if you're using the removable arms).
One downside to these different materials is that the Mantotex hi-viz yellow loses its intensity at a different rate from the other materials after a dozen or so washes, so the jacket now has different shades of hi-viz yellow going on.
There are four pockets. Three, as you'd expect, are on the back. They're OK, but not great – a bit too loose for my liking. You wouldn't put a loose tenner in the pockets without worrying that it might make is way out. The upside of this is that you can stuff loads in there, if you're that way inclined. The fourth pocket is on the inside of the jersey where the outer pockets are, across the full width. This is designed to stow the arms when not in use. Things get a bit bulky with the arms in there, and stuff in the outer pockets as well. I found that either the weather warranted wearing the arms, and then they'd stay on, or not, and they stayed at home.
I could compare it to the Castelli Gabba or the Stolen Goat Orkaan jerseys we've reviewed, but they're not really aiming at the same market. The Nalini does not have the aero fit. It's probably a bit more waterproof and a bit less breathable. It comes in not-so-fashionable hi-viz (as well as in black). It's got removable arms.
So where does the Agnedo fit in to your wardrobe? You could argue that it's a jersey and windproof gilet in one, and you'd not be wrong. Where it shines is on rides where you're not quite sure about the weather (or you are sure, and you don't like it) but you want or need to ride anyway. Could be an Audax, could be a commute, could be a training ride. Choose the yellow one, and you'll be seen. With the removable arms, its temperature range is greater than a jersey and gilet combo.
Overall, I like the Agnedo. I'm not a big fan of the yellow, but actually the rides where I reach for it are those where I couldn't care less about what I look like. I've ended up using it loads over the winter, and will continue to do so on windy days.
Would I buy one? I'm not sure. There's no doubt that it's expensive. You could see it as a combination of jersey, windproof gilet and waterproof. You could say that it's cheaper than the combination of those. But I like being able to remove windproofness on some days. The Agnedo is not waterproof enough (no taped seams) to replace a proper waterproof either.
Having said that, if you're looking for one garment to do it all in changeable weather, it'll probably do you in most circumstances; it's just not quite as flexible as the constituent parts.
Verdict
Good wind/waterproof jersey/jacket for changeable weather, but a tad expensive
road.cc test report
Make and model: Nalini Agnedo Jacket
Size tested: Large - Fluo
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 Nalini Pro Gara line is inspired by Italy and its sporting traditions with classic designs. Made of a medium weight stretch fabric, the Agnedo windproof combi jacket features removable sleeves so it can easily be converted into a short sleeve design. The sleeves can be stored inside the internal back pocket.
Made of MantoTex thermoregulating material, the jacket offers outstanding protection from water and wind, and also wicks sweat. The slim fit jacket features a full length zip, three external back pockets and a reflective logo on the back.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Removable sleeves
Raglan sleeves
No. 3 reverse front zip
4.5 cm wide elastic leg gripper
3 external back pockets
Pocket for storing sleeves
Large internal pocket on back
Reflective logo on back
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
The different panels on the jacket discolour at a different rate after washing, so it now has different shades of fluoro yellow going on. The fabric still functions well though.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
The fit is good, but not as good as the Gabba, against which it is decreed all windproof jerseys shall be judged.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
It's a decent jacket but not in the same league as the Gabba, which can be had, with the Nanoflex arm warmers for roughly the same amount of money.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Nalini Agnedo has worked well for me this winter as a go-to top for days when it's a bit windy or when you're not quite sure if it's going to rain.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
It's a good fit compared to a fully waterproof rain jacket.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
For me, the fit is not quite good enough to warrant the price tag.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Probably not.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly, depends on what they wanted it for.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The Nalini Agnedo is a decent enough jacket, though not outstanding. I've enjoyed using it, and you will too if you're looking for one garment to do it all in most conditions that involve wind and/or rain.
Age: 36 Height: 1.78m Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
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1 comments
Not too sure with the sizing of Nalini, I am L in bib shorts, but I suspect I could have gone with a M with my Nanodry S/S jacket. I went with a L, and although it fits well everywhere, the length is way too long on the torso. I could sit on the bottom half and then there is still a storm flap of length, the front comes down over my crotch, rather than raised higher like other branded tops.
I'm 5ft, 10.5" and 74kg. Chest 37.5" and Wasit 30.5"