Assos has updated or introduced new versions of many of their more popular pieces for 2013. And when we say 2013, we mean it…most of what they showed us won’t actually be in stores until next spring. Consider this your looking glass into the future.
New 151 jersey uses their porous 151 material that’s both super light and super soft. Crazy soft. It’s extremely light, somewhat see thru, making it a great summer jersey. It has antimicrobial mesh pit panels, three standard pockets with an offset fourth zip pocket. Pockets sit above an extra shelf panel that lets it sag over the elastic band without pulling the whole jersey down. Sleeves are about an inch longer than their usual jerseys. Cut is a little bigger than their Uno but not as boxy as the Mille. Two graphics patterns, the solid Mangussta (means Mongoose, named for the Sury animal they’re helping rescue at a zoo in Switzerland) and Corporate (graphics, left), both will retail for $199. In stores in March.
New base layers are blends of polypropylene and polyester that are circular knit so there are no seams throughout the body of the garment.
That also lets them do extensive body mapping in the knit, putting light mesh in key areas for breathability and solid panels where bib straps are. Four models -spring, summer, hot summer and fall- will be available in March 2013. Retail ranges from $89 – $109 – $119.
Recovery socks are new and just $29, a bargain in the Assos universe. Meant specifically for after riding, not during. It’s their first compression recovery piece. It’s quite possible more will come.
For Fall, they’re introducing price point Uno arm, knee and leg warmers. Basic pieces without anatomic shaping, but they have their Roubaix fleece lining and silicone grippers. Available this fall, price TBD.
The Intermediate S7 jacket uses a four-way stretch Stratagon Ultra material with a double windblock laminate. It’s super stretchable and comes in about 25% lighter than the Intermediate Evo it replaces. Three back pockets with a fourth Stratagon zip pocket in the center for a bit of water resistance on that one. $369, in men’s and women’s (shown) versions.
New FalkenZahn insulated vest with RxQ material throughout the upper section that has a micro fleece lining. Bottom third is a thinner material that only stretches horizontally to ease breathing, but won’t stretch up and down so the pockets won’t sag. $369.
New Uno tights with open legs, anatomical cut and available with or without a chamois. Uses their Roubaix material for warmth without any wind blocking. Pared down feature set lets them come in at $269 without chamois, $319 with.
On the flip side of the price equation are the new Zegho Exploit sunglasses. Using the same shape as the others, which we really, really like, the Exploits get a non-transitioning bronze lens. Arms are gold, and Lens tint is a bit less dark then the gray lenses. Retail will be $469. They won’t start shipping until next March, but they’ll have a new Crystal model this winter that have a clear lense and frame with their Klinik blue pads on the arms. Say what you will about the price, but the optics are startlingly clear. Very much want.
