Assos SS.equipeJersey_evo8

Assos' new SS.equipeJersey_evo8 is the eighth generation of the classic Equipe, a racing jersey with a high tech design but at a price that makes it competitive with rivals from other premium brands. It offers style, an excellent fit and superb breathability.

The new Equipe represents a change of style for Assos, with a hazard pattern replacing stripes on the left sleeve and an asymmetric design. It's a bold looking jersey, especially in this yellow option (other colours are available, including a more muted black) and you'll definitely stand out on the club run. (And you could win yourself one – and more – if you enter our competition here!)

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Rather neatly, Assos has given the jersey a black band around the back, covering the pockets, and extending around the sides. This ensures the jersey blends seamlessly with a pair of black bib shorts and provides a smart appearance. The white rear panel has the added benefit of not showing any salt stains on particularly hot and arduous rides.

The Equipe is made from a 3D structure material that Assos claims increases the surface area, ensuring the jersey is better able to keep you dry by pulling sweat away from your body, while offering improved breathability. That large mesh back panel also helps the jersey in expending excess heat.

Preventing sogginess and heat buildup is the biggest challenge for any summer jersey, and on both fronts the Equipe impressed. It remained dry during long mountain climbs under the intense heat of the sun, and moderated body temperature during intense chaingang efforts.

Assos is a performance-focused company, and that shows in the fit of the jersey. It's certainly on the close side, but the smartly shaped panels and fabric stretch ensure that it's not at all uncomfortable on the bike. The jersey sits flush with the body well, especially around the shoulders and arms, and the lie-flat waist and sleeve edges enhance the streamlined fit. There's a full length zipper with a dropped V-neck shaped collar designed to offer a good fit when riding in an aggressive position, which it does.

With summery weather making a more regular appearance, plus a trip to Mallorca last month, I've had many opportunities to put the new Equipe jersey through its paces. It copes exceptionally well in hot weather, providing good cooling benefits, and the material remains dry even during the most sweaty, prolonged climbs.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

The fit is comfortable for long rides, especially around the shoulders and neck. The three pockets are generously sized and you can load them up without negatively affecting the fit or dealing with dreaded saggy pockets, helped by the section of elastic band at the rear to keep the jersey in place. A strip of reflective material is a nice touch for evening rides.

Assos calls it an entry-level racing jersey and that's a fair description; if you're not a member of a club and you race as a private member, the Equipe would be a good choice. It's more likely you'll be using it away from races, where it offers excellent performance for demanding conditions and riders who want the best jersey they can get for their money. It's not cheap, but there's a lot to like.

Verdict

Great style, excellent fit and superb breathability from Assos' eighth generation Equipe jersey