When I was tasked with testing the Assos Mille GT Hashoogi winter jacket and Equipe R S11 Habu bibs, I knew exactly when I would get down to work. OK, tasked is not really the word. Trying out new gear is always fun since it combines two of my favourite things: cycling and writing.
My colleagues at Canadian Cycling Magazine had a ride planned as part of a local group that puts on tough but fun rides on mixed terrain: gravel, singletrack and road. These long rides make your days before the holidays memorable—before you stuff yourself silly, no less.
I wanted to test the Assos Mille GT Hashoogi winter jacket and the updated Equipe R Habu S11 bibs on one of those rides. They aren’t races, but they are certainly not just rides. If you’re like me, riding inside is great, but I have to mix it up with getting outdoors. I even do some pretty quick group rides in the winter, so having a race-fit winter kit helps—hey, every watt counts—and the Assos Mille GT Hashoogi winter jacket is definitely a snug fit. You may even want to size up. I’m usually a medium or, at best, a small, but I’ll go for a large with Assos winter kit, especially when layering with a base layer. The jump in size from M to L isn’t much, but if you’re doubtful, size up.
The front of the jacket uses Assos’s proprietary Airblock-Evo.916 fabric. It’s specifically designed for winter cycling, offering strong protection against wind and a bit of rain. It’s ideal for cold and stormy conditions, with a breathable, stretchy composition that ensures comfort on long rides. The jacket also uses Neos Light material for extra protection on the sleeves and RX thermal textiles for warmth on the inner arms. Neos Light is lightweight, moves well when you reach for the bars and is water-resistant, keeping you dry without adding bulk. My arms felt snug, but there was no bunching at the shoulders or elbows, still maintaining a sleek, but comfortable fit. The back of the jacket uses RX Evo Plus, which aims to optimize breathability.
The Mille line is meant to offer long-distance comfort with a relaxed fit, suitable for racing but not designed for high-intensity use. But the fit still makes layering easy—unlike some bulkier jackets. Bear in mind, it’s a softshell and not specifically waterproof, so if you’re expecting heavy rain or snow—you’ll want to bring a rain jacket or vest in your back pocket.
Three good-sized pockets in the back keep…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…