Ashmei KoM Jersey

The Ashmei KoM is a stylish, well-made merino jersey with some neat features and excellent attention to detail.

The KoM is made mostly (65%) from merino wool with polyester making up the balance. Pure merino can make good base layers but adding a synthetic fibre increases the toughness and durability for outer garments.

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A 100% wool jersey can also sometimes stretch out of shape when you load up the pockets but that doesn't happen here. I've been riding with my usual 500g pack (containing a spare tube, multitool, pump, levers and what have you) in one pocket, my phone in another, and maybe a windproof or arm warmers tucked away somewhere too, and there was no sagging. That's good news because a saggy jersey isn't just a bad look, it can really get on your nerves, especially when you're riding out of the saddle.

While we're talking about the pockets, you get the three usual ones in the lower back along with a fourth zipped one that features a port through which you can run an earphone lead (there's another guide for a lead on the back of the neck). The middle pocket has a little elastic loop that you can use to stop your pump going AWOL, which is a neat touch. Little tip: putting the pump in there before you put the jersey on is by far the easiest way to do it.

The KoM is cut slim but you get yards of stretch (not literally, it's hyperbole) so that pretty much anyone is going to be able to get inside this jersey. The ends of the sleeves on this medium sized review jersey have a circumference of 26cm but, again, there's loads of stretch for those with Schwarzenegger biceps.

The full-length front zip comes with a chunky, easy to grab metal puller that locks in place wherever you position it. A flap behind the zip prevents any discomfort there and a chin guard does a similar job up top.

All the little polka dots on the chest and rear are reflective and the same goes for the black stripe on the hem binding. In daylight it doesn't look for a second as if it's reflective, but it certainly shines when it catches the light at nighttime.

The only aspect of the design that didn't really work for me is the silicone gripper on the inside of that hem binding. The square dots just aren't grabby enough to hold the bottom of the jersey in place that well. Don't get me wrong, I didn't find the hem moving about all that much, but the silicone is too small and smooth to do much.

You'll probably already know if you're a merino person or not. Some people love it, some people can get along just fine without it. This is fine stuff that doesn't start to feel scratchy after a few washes. Even if you're a sensitive sort, chances are that you'll be perfectly comfortable with it next to your skin.

As usual with merino, this jersey wicks sweat away from your skin well and it remains pretty comfortable even when damp. Personally, I don't like to use merino on the very hottest of rides because it retains more moisture than something like polyester, but for most UK days that's not an issue.

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I was a little worried that all those little polka dots would start to flake after a few washes, making the jersey look old before its time. That hasn't happened, though. Intentionally scratching one off is quite difficult so I think they're staying put for the foreseeable future, at least.

Verdict

Lightweight merino wool with well thought out features and plenty of style