When ASSOS announced their all new skinFoil baselayers and SS.mangussta jersey for summer 2013, I was more than pleased to be given the opportunity to test them out.
First, a little about the new items:
The new skinFoil baselayer system replaces ASSOS interactive series, and utilizes a completely new template, with seamless, tubular construction. The new construction method is less expensive while offering a less restrictive, more comfortable fit. Still, the performance was intended to be just as good, if not better, than the previous interactive models, thanks to the meticulously calibrated choice of the custom-designed yarn matrix.
The skinFoil line comprises seven models that pair up with the ASSOS’ ALS climaRanges, from spring.1 to winterPlus.7. Each is designed to ideally complement your second layer of ASSOS jersey or jacket, making them a perfect match.
The SS.mangussta jersey also represents a new design pattern for ASSOS. From a fit point of view, it is situated between the “race” fit SS.Uno and the looser SS.Mille. So, not too snug and not too loose. I liked how it had a good snug fit without being the ‘extreme’ fit of some ASSOS pieces.
The SS.mangussta jersey is constructed mainly with a brand new ASSOS Textile Lab development: Type 151 (also put to use in the new Mille jersey). It offers both lower volume and faster-reacting body climate regulation. When you perspire a lot, it reacts by speeding up moisture transfer. When you cool down fast, it slows the evaporation process, using your body’s moisture to retain warmth.
In addition to the new fabric, it also offers reflective rear visibility stripes and a covered full front zip.
On the road:
The first item that I had the opportunity to wear was the SS.skinFoil_spring base layer. It just happened to arrive on an incredibly muggy spring day. I was planning to go out for a casual ride with the friend that evening, so I popped it on under a short sleeve ASSOS DB.1 activityPolo (a great choice for rides when you don’t want to wear full race kit, by the way).
The skinFoil_spring did its job, keeping me cool and my skin dry even at lower speeds than my regular training pace. While I was expecting to have a sticky evening, my torso stayed pleasantly cool, unlike the rest of my body. I should add that the skinFoil fits very snugly. The first impression is that it’s going to be too tight, but it quickly disappears from immediate thought and goes straight to doing its job. No chafing, no fabric bunching up where it shouldn’t either.
Temperatures and humidity continued to climb and plenty of opportunities presented themselves to try out both the skinFoil_summer and the SS.mangussta jersey. Recently, a rarely free summer evening opened up and I took the opportunity to get in a couple of hours of riding. Temperatures had been pushing well into the nineties all day, but I knew that I had to get out.
The SS.mangussta is a very lightweight jersey, by the way. You’ll want to save it for the warmest weather, but I’m sure you’ll appreciate the lightness when the heat is on.
I pulled on both pieces along with a pair of ASSOS F1.13_S5 bibshorts and hit the road. In desperate need of some hillwork, I headed for one of the longest hills in town and began the upward slog. My legs were burning, but my body was pleasantly cool. I’m pretty sure that I can say that I wouldn’t have made it all the way up without a break had I overheated.
I had just switched my bike computer over to Wahoo Fitness’ new RFLKT system, so I’m now riding with my iPhone in my back pocket. The Mangussta’s zippered rear pocket held the phone just fine without sagging and was easy in and out.
I enjoyed my ride so much that I ended up coming home right at dusk. I definitely appreciated the reflective stripes on the rear for that little bit of extra visibility.
Conclusion:
It’s been said before and will be for time immemorial: ASSOS is too expensive.
It is expensive, but it earns its place in your closet with every use. Of all the gear that I have, I know that when I pull out an ASSOS piece, its going to work and I’m not going to regret it.
I have other gear that approaches ASSOS in price that I can’t say that about.
ASSOS skinFoil_spring and skinFoil_summer baselayers: $110
ASSOS SS.mangussta jersey: $199.99
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.