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Arm & leg warmers
Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers
Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers

Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers

8
by George Hill
UPDATED Thu, Oct 20, 2016 15:45

First Published Oct 20, 2016

1
£20.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Good looking arm warmers with a strong performance on cold and windy days
Weight: 
61g
Contact: 
hackneygt.com
How we test

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The Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers are a really nicely designed and original looking set of arm warmers. They are well insulated with a heavyweight fleece lining and a decent level of windproofing to keep out the autumn and winter chills.

First off, these are some of the most unusual looking arm warmers I've used. They have what Hackney GT refers to as a 'natty HGT' design, which is like a geometric pattern with loads of HGTs in squared lettering. It doesn't look like a branding exercise, though, just individual and unique. I'm not sure it really works with colourful or patterned jerseys, but I think it certainly adds a bit of flair to more plain offerings.

> Buy these online here

In terms of warmth, they kept me nice and toasty with the fleece lining doing exactly what it needed while not making them too sweaty, and moving sweat away from my skin relatively effectively. Helping this is their decent windproofing, which kept even the strongest gusts out. I tested them under a long-sleeve jersey too, and they worked well, so practical for even the coldest days. They aren't waterproof but do a decent job of keeping out light rain, and if they do get wet they dry relatively quickly.

Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers - cuff.jpg

They are comfortable to wear, and despite the seams not being strictly flatlock stitched, I wore them for several hours at a time and they weren't uncomfortable in the slightest. They also didn't slip down my arms at all, thanks to the silicone gripper around the tops, and despite this strong grip it was still easy to put them on or take them off while riding.

Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers - gripper.jpg

A price tag of £20 strikes me as about right. You can find cheaper, but these are well made and have a unique design you are unlikely to find for less money.

> Read our buyer's guide to arm and leg warmers

Overall I was really impressed with these arm warmers. The design won't work for everybody, but I really like it, especially with plain jerseys. They kept my arms nice and warm without letting them get too sweaty, and their decent level of windproofing kept out the worst of the weather.

Verdict

Good looking arm warmers with a strong performance on cold and windy days

road.cc test report

Make and model: Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers

Size tested: Medium, Exclusive HGT design

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?

An interesting set of arm warmers that look good and perform well.

Hackney GT says: 'Hackney GT made in England Robi Arm warmers. Our Robi design continues. ...This time on the ever versatile arm warmer. Nigh on bullet-proof , high performing and looking good.

'Probably one of the most handy bits of cycle attire you will ever own. For all season from early morning rides to middle of the winter super cold evening commutes . A truly essential item which is worth wearing or carrying on most days. Our warmers are made from a heavyweight fleece lined, windproof polyester as supplied from our Belgium fabric factory. In exclusive natty HGT designs to be either worn with matching jerseys or to liven up what might be a somewhat plain top. '

I agree with this, and think Hackney GT has managed to create a decent set of equal part good looking and practical arm warmers.

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

~ Polyester, windproof, fleece lined.

~ Made in England

~ Exclusive HGT design

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very well made, good material choice and interesting design.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

They performed very well: windproof, warm and fitted well under jersey sleeves.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Very well made, with strong stitching and decent material choice.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

No creases or folds and they sit nicely underneath jersey sleeves.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

The medium size I used were about what I would expect.

Rate the product for weight:
 
7/10

Unlikely to weigh you down too much.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

Fleece lining is soft, fit is good and they keep the wind out.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

About right for what they are.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washed at 30 with no issues at all.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, kept my arms warm and look good.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The design is really unusual and eye catching.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing in particular.

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 score

A good looking and practical set of arm warmers that also perform admirably.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers 2016
Hackney GT Robi Arm Warmers
Hackney GT 2016
Hackney GT
George Hill

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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The _Kaner | 8 years ago
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Qbert goes cycling

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