Assos jacket sizing...

hopper1

I want an Assos 851 jacket, but I'm a little concerned about buying one on the 'net, as
I can't try before I buy, I don't live anywhere near a stockist.
I have an Assos Gilet, which is fine with just a jersey underneath, probably get a base top below that, too.
With the 851 jacket though, I'd like this to go right through the winter, with varying layers below to counter the temperatures.
Am I likely to need more than a L/S base and jersey under the 851 to combat the winter cold, or will that be sufficient?....

giant_man

The Airblock 851 is a warm jacket and you will probably only need a L/S base layer underneath. The sizing is, you are right, VERY specific and it's very easy to get the wrong size. You don't want something too bulky base layer wise.

Yellow, the Assos distributors are very good though, and a jacket I bought from Ribble was changed without any fuss when I bought one a size too large. Could have changed it via retailers but I left it more than a month. Obviously original packaging and all relevant tags are needed.

You don't live in Scotland so you won't need the Fugujack, the 851 wil be fine. I don't think you'll need layers and layers underneath tbh.

akkers

Or you can order 2 and send the wrong one bck?

I have the 851, and for me personally its a great jacket, but when it gets down close to zero I need the Fugu, as I dont like wearing layers and layers.

851 is tops, but when it gets really cold, you do appreciate the quality of the Fugu - but then I feel the cold more than most.

hopper1

I'm not one to feel the cold too much...
I have a fair selection of close fitting base layers, that shouldn't bunch under other garments, but, I wont wear any more than a L/S base with a S/S jersey under the 851.
If I still feel the cold then it's time to pedal harder!

Will order 851 later.

giant_man

I don't think you'll regret it, they are a lovely bit of kit.

redddraggon

If your Assos Gilet fits right get that size.

I've got an Gilet (XLG) and an 851 (XL) - the 851 fits perfectly but the gilet is a bit baggy.

If it's really cold I wear the gilet on top of the 851, but it's generally not that cold.

BigG67

All my Assos kit is the same size (XL) and I'd always plan to use that as my guide.

I do live in Scotland and even in -degC I'm good with my 851 jacket, a base layer and VERY thin fleece.

Slow Downcp

I have an XL Gilet and XL 851 - both fit perfect. As already stated, you'll only need one layer beneath the 851 in all but absolute Arctic conditions.

hopper1

Thanks for all the posts, I'll order one tonight, after I get hold of my credit card! :shock:
Is the 851 waterproof/ showerproof, too?

Slow Downcp

Not waterproof, but will handle showers. Most importantly if you get wet, it will keep you wam. I tend to only bother with a waterproof jacket if it's absolutely lashing down.

mrc1

The 851 is really good in cold weather. I normally ride with that and a short sleeve base layer in the winter and it is fine. If it is the sort of weather when your bottle starts to get frosty then a thin fleece or thin wool jersey etc will be more than fine.

Annoyingly I seem to fall just between assos sizes though as my L size jacket is slightly too short but the XL was far too baggy..... Still a great buy though.

NWLondoner

Hmm i want to get an 851 but i really feel the cold. I'm now wondering if i should go for the Fugu instead :?:

I know we don't get a really long cold winter but i still remember last January one cold saturday morning when BOTH of my drinks bottles froze solid :shock: It was about 0'c but with a wind chill and freezing mist that brought it down to around minus 5/10. I have never been so cold, thought my toes were going to drop off.

cjw

I've the 851 jacket as well (and airprotect bib tights) and was out riding in the snow in the winter. Temps below 0 - all I had underneath was a baselayer and was nice and warm, every now and then had to drop the zip a little to cool down - have also worn a medium weight long sleeve jersey as well but that was too hot. I did look at the Fugi but seemed overkill for the UK to me.

BigG67

NWLondoner - I've never been too cold in my 851.

I layer up underneath (as I mentoined above) depending on how cold, but never never more than a base layer, s/s jersey and a very thin fleece in anything. In fact I've turned back 'cos the roads are iced up before I've been cold.

You can always wear less under the 851 when it gets warmer but with the Fugu you'd be screwed.

Definitely worth getting good bibtights as well...and a buff....and gloves.....and winter boots/overshoes....and warm socks....and....and....and....

BigG67

Hopper1 - with waterproofing you'd need to think what you're using the jacket for.

If it's communting at an easy pace then the 851 might not be the best bet for wet weather, get a good waterproof shell with lots of reflectors and hi-vis.

If it's for fast communting/training and weekend runs/racing/sportives then it's the dogs bollocks.

If you're going fast/hard you'll be sweating so if it's raining or not you'll be wet on the inside of the jacket. That's when really good wind blocking/insulation in the right places and good venting/breathing in others comes into it's own....and the 851 does the job.

NWLondoner

In that case the 851 is the one for me. Just hope I can the right size in yellow.

hopper1

BigG67 wrote:

Hopper1 - with waterproofing you'd need to think what you're using the jacket for.

If it's communting at an easy pace then the 851 might not be the best bet for wet weather, get a good waterproof shell with lots of reflectors and hi-vis.

If it's for fast communting/training and weekend runs/racing/sportives then it's the dogs bollocks.

If you're going fast/hard you'll be sweating so if it's raining or not you'll be wet on the inside of the jacket. That's when really good wind blocking/insulation in the right places and good venting/breathing in others comes into it's own....and the 851 does the job.

No commute, OI work on Drilling rigs!... Too far for my kayak
It's for training and club runs, just about to order it, probably through Ribble, again...
Thanks for all the valuable input, guys, very much appreciated.

hopper1

Ordered Now the wait...

Not too much of a hurray, 'cos I'm not even at home, yet!

giant_man

cjw wrote:

I've the 851 jacket as well (and airprotect bib tights) and was out riding in the snow in the winter. Temps below 0 - all I had underneath was a baselayer and was nice and warm, every now and then had to drop the zip a little to cool down - have also worn a medium weight long sleeve jersey as well but that was too hot. I did look at the Fugi but seemed overkill for the UK to me.

The Airprotecs are lovely arean't they. The knee area is so much more padded and designed than the Airblock tights.

hopper1

They'll be the next luxury purchase.... :roll:

BigG67

I got the ones with full length (waist to ankle) wind protection. I'm not sure they even make them now but they are brilliant.

I can't fault anything I've got from Assos, though the styling is a bit '80s Star Trek. Also like Rapha (Assos and Rapha, I know.....but cycling is my only vice) just wish that there was a make as stylish as Rapha and a bloody amazing tech wise as Assos.