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review
Arm & leg warmers
OneTen Knee WarmerOneten Knee Warmer

OneTen Knee Warmer

4
by Liam Glen
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Nov 26, 2011

0
£24.99

VERDICT:

4
10
Knee warmers that don't keep your knees warm aren't really knee warmers
Weight: 
47g
Contact: 
www.hotlines-uk.com
How we test

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The OneTen knee warmers are manufactured using a circular knitting process much like their arm warmers, although these do have a seam running down the side (despite OneTen's claims to the contrary). The seam itself lies flat against the surrounding material so it shouldn't pose any risk of irritation. I also liked how OneTen have refrained from adding any annoying labels to the inside of the knee warmer, printing the care requirements on the hem instead.

The number of different weaves used is particularly impressive - I counted 6 including the hems. As a result, the knee warmers are right and left leg specific as well as pre-bent. A synched down weave behind the knee should help prevent bunching while a more open weave on the front helps it flex as you pedal.

Given this shaped fit, it's somewhat surprising that OneTen have chosen to go with a one size fits all approach, given the range of human body shapes. Upon first putting them on though, I was pleasantly surprised by their fit as they were long enough, but also tight enough to suit my lanky frame. The stretchiness of the fabric also means that they wouldn't squeeze the life out of someone thicker-thighed either.

Unfortunately, in use the lack of silicon leg grippers means that they begin to ride up behind the knee almost immediately. For those with shapelier calves, this effect is likely to be even more pronounced. The upper hem doesn't grip that much better and I found I had to continuously pull them up while riding. Due to the open weave, these aren't the warmest either which limits when they can be used.

The white colour tested was pretty much a no no when the roads were even the slightest bit wet, but they are also available in a much more UK friendly black. At £24.99, these are pretty much middle of the range in terms of price, but their below par performance and lack of warmth makes them poor value for money.

Verdict

The OneTen knee warmers' tendency to bunch behind the knees makes them uncomfortable to use and their lack of warmth seriously limits when you could wear them anyway.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Oneten Knee Warmer

Size tested: White

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 describe the knee warmers as a "simple and versatile solution to staying comfortable in changing conditions - perfect for year-round training as well as leisure and competitive events and designed to fit snugly in a jersey pocket when not needed."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Seamless, circular knitted construction;

Blend of polypropelene and polyamide microfibres;

Fast-drying, heat- and odour-resistant;

Stretch fit with upper and lower grippers;

Soft feel next to skin;

Available in black or white.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

The knee warmers feature an impressive array of different weave styles but there were some loose threads around one of the hems

Rate the product for performance:
 
4/10

They bunch up behind the knee almost immediately and don't grip to one's thighs that well either. Their open weave makes them draughty too.

Rate the product for durability:
 
4/10

After only a couple of washes, some of the elastic threads around the hems have come loose.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10

Although these are very light, that does come at the expense of warmth

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
4/10

The fabric is nice and soft on the skin, but they don't stay in place when riding.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Their poor performance makes them poor value even though they aren't the most expensive out there

Did you enjoy using the product? no

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Overall rating: 4/10

About the tester

Age: 20  Height: 190cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 2  My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF7

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, sportives, mtb,

 

OneTen Knee Warmer
OneTen
Liam Glen

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

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