The Mille GTO LS Jersey C2 sits in Assos' top-of-the-range GTO line, a pinnacle of quality. The Mille line is Assos’ focussed endurance performance and comfort line. As with all Assos products, it is made from an array of proprietary fabrics, in this case, to make a jersey that optimises temperature regulation during spring and autumn rides.
On the body section of the jersey, a Sens S fabric is used, which is the brand's lightest, softest and most breathable textile. It’s UPF 50+ rated for added sun protection on long days in the saddle. Stabilizator V9 material is used at the rear around the pockets to reduce sag even when they're full. Finally, Push Pull fabric is used on the neck and sleeves, to ensure comfort against the skin with zero added pressure. These areas are finished with Schoeller's Cold Black technology, which the brand says helps cool the body in warmer temperatures.
Additional details include high-vis reflective strips across the rear of the jersey, just above the trio of large pockets. There's a smaller zip-up valuables pocket too.
At the base of the jersey, at the front, is a guard to prevent the zip from damaging your shorts. Sizes available are XS up to 3XL, while there are four colour options.
The Ride
The Assos Mille GTO LS jersey C2 is an interesting one, as it’s definitely a more transitional season piece. Testing it in Spain in January there was a nice range of temperatures, ranging from 2-18˚C to put it through its paces. Being part of the brand’s Mille line, comfort is the primary focus of this jersey, and to that end, it really excels. The brand’s Sens S fabric is incredibly supple and comfortable against the skin while being exceptionally light. Sleeves are raw cut, which means no thick seams near the cuff to dig in when a snug fit is achieved. The jersey is thin, so it can be chilly as the temperatures drop below 10˚C, but pairing it with a long-sleeved base layer solves that.
Assos use its c2 AEPD regularFit which results in zero spare material when in a riding position but no strain across any part of the body when more upright. Additionally it is cut lower at the front of the neck and higher at the rear, which aids UV protection and enhances breathability.
This close fit also likely helps when riding at speed to be that bit more aero. I can’t comment on fabric friction when it comes to drag, but the limited bunching or flapping of material does help.
A particularly interesting feature of the jersey is the Cold Black treated material used on the back, sleeves and neck. It’s designed to dissipate heat more effectively, and when riding more intense efforts at lower speeds up climbs was greatly appreciated and highly effective. To combat excess heat loss when it came to the descents a packable gilet kept me warm as the effective temperature dropped from mid-teens down to high single figures.
Another super feature is the pockets or rather the construction of them. I do find a common issue with some jerseys is that once the pockets are stuffed full, there can be a fair bit of movement in them especially when out of the saddle. There was no such issue here, with the Stabilizator V9 feature working wonders to keep pocket content in place with no sagging under load. The pockets also use Assos’ Triple Ramp feature, which has a fabric flap over the top to prevent anything from falling out of the pockets over rougher surfaces. Despite this feature, it remains very easy to remove items from the pockets.
The final small smart addition is the lower zip guard. A problem I have with some jerseys is that the base of the zip causes fabric pilling on my shorts. The small fabric zip guard on the Mille GTO prevents this, especially nice if you happen to have the nearly £300 Mille GTO bib shorts to match. It’s a small feature, but one that should boost kit longevity.
Value and conclusion
Value is where the Mille GTO jersey begins to falter. The fact of the matter is that £245/$325 for a long-sleeved jersey is a lot of money. The Rapha Pro Team Windstopper Jersey, for example, is £220 with great breathability and high levels of weatherproofing, while the Castelli Espresso Thermal Jersey is a far cheaper £140. Even the comfort-focused Le Col Hors Catergorie LS Jersey is £180.
What the Assos Mille GTO does have are lots of small but brilliantly effective features that make it a more rounded and comfortable performer for long days in the saddle. The question is whether those features are worth the cost. For some that answer will be yes, and they won’t be disappointed. But if you are shopping on a budget, there are more cost-effective options that still do a fantastic job. Even Assos’ own Mille GT LS or Mille GT Spring Fall jerseys benefit from a lot of trickle-down features. The reality is that the GTO line is the brand’s super-premium option, much like Dura-Ace ranks above Ultegra.
To sum up, the Assos Mille GTO LS Jersey C2 is an expensive garment, but one that packs some impressive tech. It’s not the best value, and there are cheaper alternatives that will do almost as good a job. But those who want supreme comfort for spring/fall weather, will not be disappointed. Just ensure you bring a packable jacket or gilet with you for changing temperatures.
