Assos cycle clothing often gets a mixed bag of comments from our readers, mainly due to the Swiss companies choice of advertising. Now’s not the time to discuss their marketing campaign, instead we’re here to see how the short sleeve Assos Lady Ellisse jersey got on in the saddle!
The Assos SS.Lady Ellisse jersey is a limited edition version of the existing Lady jersey, offering the same fit and fabrics but in a variety of funky colours.
While Assos jerseys traditionally come in a range of standard colours, the Ellisse version is available in five bolder colourways, which Assos say are inspired by operas.
That might be pushing it a bit but the jersey certainly stands out from the crowd and I like its feminine touch.
The jersey is made from Assos Plasma fabric, which is a lightweight polyester that felt comfortable next to the skin and proved very breathable. The full length zip at the front allowed me to adjust ventilation at different stages of the ride, according to the terrain or weather conditions. While this is primarily a summer jersey, it continues to get plenty of use as part of a layering system now the autumn weather has set in.
The cut is excellent and meant there was no excess material flapping around when on the bike. However the medium sample was on the small side, as I would normally wear a size small or 8-10. It still offered a very good fit and was long enough in the body to remain in place, but consider ordering up a size.
While most short sleeve jerseys have three vertical pockets, those on the Assos jersey are arranged so the left and right-hand pockets are at an angle, which makes them much easier to dip in and out of. However, that meant the pockets felt relatively shallow but while I did keep checking to make sure everything was still there on the first couple of rides, nothing ever fell out. The middle pocket is covered by a flap to keep valuables safe.
VERDICT
Overall the Assos SS.Lady Ellisse jersey gets a big thumbs up from me, though the price tag means it’s certainly at the pricier end of the market. As a relatively new rider it’s important for me to feel comfortable and look the part so this jersey worked well while allowing me to express my girlie side with the blush colours.
PROS
– Great colour options
– Lightweight, breathable fabric
– Fitted, comfortable cut
CONS
– Acutely aware of possibly losing belonging’s out of slanted pockets
– Sizing is not true, order a size up and try on before you buy if possible
Sizes available: XS (UK size 6), S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14)
The sizes bracketed are our estimated guide for readers.
Colour options: Violetta, Adua, Tosca, Norma, and Callas
Price: £121.99
More information: Assos
What Assos says about the SS Lady Ellisse jersey
(Note: Translation)
It’s the ASSOS celebration of the year 2013! Lady Ellisse was created and designed as a tribute to our female customers and to please the eyes of the entire ASSOS community. Number 13 has a special place in the ASSOS world: it’s level 13, symbolising the manga. Yio state of mind, the perfect ride, ASSOS nirvana.
LTD. Means available only for the summer season of 2013. The featured graphics are unusual compared to what we are accustomed. Let it grow on you. It will all make sense. The colours and names selected have been inspired by great operas, except the Moussa. Its featured colour is what the fashion world and textile industry have established as the colour of the year. This colour of the year decision process is taken by a select group of influential individuals who meet once a year in a secret place in France to discuss trends and technologies. When the day is over, the colour decision is formulated and the colour of the (coming) year is announced. When you wear the Moussa, you show that you are on the cutting edge.
ENGINEERING Every single aspect of this product’s creation was engineered with just one clear objective: provide total comfort when in the saddle. As well, ASSOS equipment is designed to allow you to reach your maximum physical capacity. So, unleash your potential. Let yourself focus on what’s really important: your riding pleasure!
AEPD CAMPIONISSIMO LADY ASSOS Ergonomic Pattern Design. Technically, Lady Ellisse is based on the standard SS.lady, and engineered to offer legendary ASSOS comfort to our female clientele. With its anatomically correct fit and ergonomically pre-shaped components, SS.lady is tailored to perfectly fit the female body when in the cycling position. This shortsleeve jersey features ASSOS Plasma fabric, making it lighter and better contouring.
