Assos SS.cento_evo8 jersey

The Assos SS.centoJersey_evo8 is one of the nicest and most comfortable jerseys I've tested this year. It combines top-end fabrics and construction with a fit that is a little more relaxed than some, superb breathability and some nice details, making it a lovely jersey for long summer rides.

Assos has developed its own fabrics for the jersey and uses one with a high stretch factor so it's a little more accommodating than some, ideal if you're no Chris Froome weight weenie. It's still close fitting but it's not exactly racing fit constrictive. The mesh back panel helps breathability and stretches horizontally but not vertically, to prevent the pockets sagging.

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The Swiss company could probably be accused of obsessing over details, but one area where this pays off is in the sleeve design. Without a doubt, these are the best sleeves I've come across. A stretchy fabric with a seamless laser cut opening, with no silicone tape or stitched hem, provides phenomenal comfort and, best of all, the sleeves stay put. Pay attention, other clothing brands, this is how you do it.

The three rear pockets are reinforced and their mesh material aids ventilation. You can load them up as much as you want, they aren't going to sag. They're generously sized, too, providing enough space for all the food and spares you need for a 100-mile ride. There's also a fourth zipped pocket, something I'm always pleased to see on a jersey.

The waistband has silicone gripper tape lining, and the small reflective stripe is a nice extra detail for summer evenings. The neck sits a little lower than some jerseys, so there's less material around your neck, and the zipper is a high-quality item that works delightfully.

It's a jersey that Assos says is focused on comfort and it certainly lives up to that billing. Fit and shape are excellent, with the stretch of the fabric ensuring that it hugs the body perfectly, with no restriction or tightness. It still fits flush to the body, so it's reasonably aero if you worry about such things.

Tested in the heat of Majorca, the jersey provided adequate breathability to manage heat buildup on some of the testing climbs on the island. It wicks sweat well too, and remained dry during longer rides. It's a comfortable jersey from the moment you pull it on to the moment it gets pulled off after six hours in the saddle.

Style is a subjective thing, but I think the new design direction for the latest Assos range is a winner. Gone are some of the crazier patterns, replaced by a more understated and, to my mind, classier look, with the single coloured sleeve adding a splash of colour. It's also available in yellow and black.

> Too much? Eight of the cheapest summer jerseys

And then there's that price... How much are you willing to pay for a summer jersey? Everyone has their own maximum limit, and there's no getting around the fact that this jersey is expensive. The design, fit and performance go a long way to justifying a premium price tag, but is it really that much better than other high-end but less expensive designs?

The SS.equipeJersey_evo8 from Assos I reviewed offers much of the performance for £30 less and is certainly one to consider, while a Rapha Pro Team Lightweight saves you £20, and the Castelli RS Superleggera – recommend by Jez – keeps £35 in your pocket. If price isn't a factor and you just want the best, be sure to check out the Assos SS.cento_evo8. It really is very good.

Verdict

A superbly designed and extremely comfortable jersey ideal for mild to hot conditions, with just the best sleeve design