Assos have added three new bits of kit to their TRAIL roster of MTB kit; this time, it’s for riding through the cold winter months. The Assos TRAIL winter collection comprises new cargo pants and a softshell jacket. They’ve also expanded on their liner bib-shorts to give the liner bib-tights with extended leg coverage. It’s Assos, so we can expect this kit to be top-shelf in quality, to match its top-shelf price tag.
Assos TRAIL Winter MTB Kit
Swiss brand Assos have taken everything they learnt from their summer TRAIL kit to produce a complete winter outfit designed to cover a variety of terrain. None of it would look out of place at an enduro race, or a mid-winter 24hr XC Marathon, or on a quick shred at the local woods.
Assos TRAIL Winter Cargo Pants
These winter riding pants are designed to keep your lower half warm and dry during the harsh winter months. The majority of the outer paneling is composed of Assos’ proprietary RX EVO+ fabric; a tough fabric with asymmetrical stretch to allow the rider a good range of motion while on the trail.
Thanks to a DWR coating, the Assos winter cargo pants should be rainproof. They added their membrane-backed NEOS MILD fabric at the ankle and saddle zones where water, mud and wheel spray is most likely to make its presence known. On the inside, a fleece layer retains warmth but Assos say the new EVO+ material helps massively with breathability.
The cargo pants have a trim and fitted design. The waist has a wrap closure, free from chunky fasteners and buckles. A silicone gripper at the rear keeps the pants securely in place. Two zippered thigh pockets will accommodate your spare gloves and emergency snacks.
Get them in a men’s cut in sizes XS-TIR or a women’s cut in sizes XS-XLG for $210.
Assos TRAIL Winter Softshell Jacket
The Assos TRAIL winter softshell jacket is essentially a warmer, tougher version of their Spring/Fall Hoodie. It is a 3-layer softshell equipped with a PU bonded membrane, which translates to a highly breathable, water-resistant, insulating, and 100% windproof fabric.
The main fabric panel, applied to the front, lower arms, upper back, and collar is Assos’ NEON Medium with a breathability rating of MVP 14,600g/m2/24h.
Assos’ proprietary RX EVO+ fabric is added to the upper arms, side panels, back, and helmet-compatible hood. It’s there to manage moisture too. A scuba-style hood is designed to be worn underneath the rider’s helmet when needed. It features a pass-through section for the helmet strap.
An extended rear panel protects your lower back from wheel spray and mud. The elbows are wrapped in an abrasion-resistant material. A cargo zip along the left side offers access to the contents of your rear pockets underneath. There is also a single stash side pocket for small items on the jacket’s front right.
The Assos TRAIL winter softshell is available for women in sizes XS-XLG, and for men in sizes XS-TIR for $310.
Assos TRAIL Winter bib-tights
The Assos TRAIL Winter bib-tights are simply an extended version of their bib-shorts. Designed to be worn directly underneath the TRAIL Cargo Shorts, the bib-tights are available in a men’s and women’s cut, with gender specific chamois.
These bib-tights feature a mesh panel that keeps you cool while supporting two cargo pockets along the lower back. Assos say these floating pockets have been positioned high enough to avoid contact with the waistband, yet low enough for easy access to their contents under your jersey. You can now leave your pack at home for those shorter rides.
Updated is the waist area which now comprises a soft, highly elastic material to improve comfort and hold at the waist, minus any pressure or pinching. The waist, low-back panel, and backs of the knees are made of an Assos-developed Push Pull warp-knit textile with high UV protection (UPF 50+).
The waist and hems are raw cut, creating a smooth transition between the fabric and skin. The bib-tights are compatible with Assos’ off-road Liner EVO insert (chamois) with a shape optimised for the more upright seated position associated with MTB.
Pick up the Assos TRAIL Winter bib-tights for $200.