Ale PRR 2.0 Strada gilet review

Ale has no less than eight gilets in its range, all serving a slightly different purpose: with the Ale PRR 2.0 Strada gilet the Italian brand has gone down the pocketless, close-fitting thermal, non-packable route.

Construction

Ale says the temperature range in which the Strada is designed to operate is 4°C-10°C. It has a single windproof panel at the front from shoulder to waist that has a shiny outer texture and soft, brushed inside. The collar, side panels and shoulder panels are also made from this fabric while the back is made from a much stretchier, lighter weight, breathable material with a large, reflective 'A' transfer at bottom centre.

The zip has a protective flap behind it plus a 'garage' at the top to keep it away from skin.

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The waist features what Ale calls a J-Stability System hem. It has a silicone gripper at the back to stop it from riding up while at the front it's cut higher to avoid bunching when bent over in the riding position.

Reflectives are well planned and executed: dotted lines either side of the zip and two label-type strips sewn in to the rear of the side panels plus the big 'A' already mentioned for 360° visibility.

Ale PRR 2.0 Strada gilet: ride

The Ale PRR 2.0 Strada gilet fits very well thanks to the very stretchy back pulling the less stretchy front close to the body. It's what you might call a zero-flap fit, but since it's so snug it could do with broader elastic at the arm holes to possibly avoid some wrinkling where the shoulder panels are cinched in. However, there's no feeling of tightness from the thin arm elastic when the gilet is zipped up and you're on the bike.

Compared with the collars of other gilets such as the Assos TiburuGiletEquipe and the Lusso Stripes, the Ale PRR 2.0 Strada's collar is on the low side, only as high as a standard jersey collar.

Although the lower end of the temperature range that Ale designates for the PRR Strada is 4°C, we found that as long as you're not hanging about it is effective over a long-sleeve jersey with base layer underneath when it's even colder than that. Windproofing really is excellent at the front.

We didn't test it in rain, but Ale says it's not waterproof: it's definitely a thermal gilet intended as an extra layer when it's not cold enough for a winter jacket.

It's a pity the Ale PRR 2.0 Strada doesn't have pockets: the close fit and lack of rear zip or opening means you can't access your jersey pockets easily on the fly. No pockets also means you can't take a rain shell with you on a long ride if your jersey pockets are already full.

As for stashing the Strada gilet itself, this is possible but since it's made from thermal rather than shell material you're going to need an entire empty pocket for it.

Value

The Ale PRR Strada 2.0 gilet offers reasonable value for money. The fit is good, the fabrics do a great job of keeping out the chill while remaining breathable, it looks stylish and it's well made.