Price: £105 / $135 / €120
Weight: 155 grams - Size M
Material: 91% Polypropylene, 6% Elastane, 3% CF (carbon fibre yarns)
Available sizes: O, I,II
Colours: Black
I'm testing winter cycling kit with determination at the moment. A lot of it is very good, but there are some pieces I actively miss using when I have a pile of new kit to test and work out. The Assos LS Skin layer is one of them.
The Assos LS Skin layer base layer is not a new item, it's been in the Assos line for a few years, but this autumn it did receive an update, and it's been one of, if not my favourite base layer for a while now, mainly thanks to its warmth and incredibly comfortable fit. It's a luxury product and isn't cheap, but it is very, very nice.
This is an update to my previous review, looking at the updates it has received and helping you make a buying decision on the most up-to-date model if you are interested or considering investing. I'll take you through what's changed and how I have found it. I acknowledge that this is a base layer, it's not one of the best bike computers, flash piece of training software or one of the best road bikes, but it's still your hard-earned cash you may be spending and this isn't a cheap item.
The Assos winter base layer range is about 6 pieces strong, and the LS Winter skin layer is one of eight long-sleeve base layers in the range. In the long-sleeved winter category, it sits underneath the Ultraz Winter LS Skin layer, GTO Winter LS DermaSensor Base Layer and a couple of others, one of which, is the 'Thermobooster' which I am testing at the moment.
The LS skin layer P1 is priced at £105 / $135 / €120 meaning it has increased in price by around £15. It's a winter-weight, warm comfortable base layer that you could use from autumn to spring too, making it rather versatile.
You can also head to our best cycling base layers buyers guide if you want to take a deep dive into the best of the best guide to winter base layers.
Design and Aesthetics
So what has changed exactly? Well, not a massive amount if I'm honest. Assos as a brand is about specific refinement. This was already an excellent base layer and if you aren't familiar with Assos, everything it produces is very specific, and the differences are often quite fine.
That being said, here's the top line: Assos has reduced the sizes on offer from four to three, this is already a stretchy base layer and I assume it can cover all bases with three options (and probably save a bit of cash).
The construction remains exactly the same. To be specific it's a polypropylene, elastane mix. The back of the base layer is where the biggest change has occurred. Assos has aimed to increase breathability and employed a thinner, mesh-like back panel. This boosting of winter breathability is something I have seen from several brands this winter and is a theme at the moment. The kit is already warm and capable, but the brand seem to be looking at breathability right now, which increases the useable range for a base layer.
There are pictures below, where you can hopefully see the new the change. At the front, insulation has been boosted to keep you warmer. The raised neck is slightly higher and Assos claims to have improved the fit. A hard ask if you ask me, because the previous model was very good already. Finally, I made the new one 3 grams lighter on my scales. This doesn't make a blind bit of difference, but I am in the habit of weighing everything.
Those are the changes and the key things to know about the update. Otherwise, this is an all-black, largely seamless base layer that looks really stylish, though you're unlikely to see it, given it will be buried under multiple layers.
There are no labels to potentially irritate you, the specifics are printed onto the bottom of the hem, and very minimal seams, again reducing any potential irritation further. The torso is one tubular piece of material with the arms and raised neck stitched on. You can also see where the blue torso line (which is purely aesthetic) is stitched down the front, and that's it. Assos calls this the circular seamless construction and it's meant to promote a full range of movement under winter layers. It all just adds up and when you pull the thing on you think, 'Ah ok, this is a bit more special than your average base layer'.
Assos sizing is a little different. A 0 through to III sizing guide is used, I'm always a size small in base layers but my size is 'I' in the skin layer which is equivalent to a small in other brands. Either way, the website has a useful and easy-to-use sizing tool to help you find the right fit, and I'd probably recommend just checking before you buy.
Performance
Pull the skin layer on before a ride and instantly it feels very good. It's noticeably more comfortable and luxurious than pretty much every other base layer I've worn, the cut is fitted but the added stretch from the elastane means it just hugs you and fits really well in all the right places. It may sound a bit over the top when talking about base layers, but it really does feel that good.
The higher neck is a nice touch and aids warmth, and it's a similar sort of height as the one found on the Galibier Barrier base layer. It feels ever so slightly tighter than the old one. Sweat-wicking and warmth haven't been an issue at all for me down to around freezing temperatures and the LS skin layer has performed brilliantly. Slipping a jacket or jersey over the base layer makes you feel ready for anything.
Can I feel a difference in breathability? No, and I doubt few honestly can. But what I will say is that after a lot of use, this piece just seems to be able to do the right job for you no matter what you are doing or wearing, and I've found this to be the case with Assos summer layers as well. Whether it's with a jersey and arm warmers or layered under a hard shell jacket it performs well across a wide range of conditions.
The base layer, like its predecessor, has washed and worn well (30-degree synthetic wash) with no defects appearing over a winter of use. You are also supported by the Assos two-year warranty, and free 30-day returns policy should you need them and a crash replacement policy.
Value
I fully appreciate this could be a controversial one but despite the high RRP for a base layer I actually don't think it's terrible value. This is a lot of money for a base layer, but I'm sure some people wouldn't flinch at buying two and I'm also sure there are those who would be outraged at the price, as with most premium products.
The great thing is that you can be perfectly happy, warm and comfortable with a more affordable base layer, no problem at all. However, if you do want to invest, and treat yourself I'm willing to bet you too will have that 'ah, this is really quite special moment.'
I do think the performance and comfort make it a good value buy. You won't be disappointed and it will only put a smile on your face.
Verdict
This is still one of my favourite base layers, and I've enjoyed getting to grips with this updated version. For winter riding it's brilliant.
The price is high and has even increased with this latest update, though I will also mention that Assos has base layers for over double this cost again in the range. If you make the purchase you won't be disappointed and I'm willing to bet LS skin is a piece of kit you would keep going back to, like I do.
I have £10 base layers in my kit bag and they perform well, however, for a huge range of colder winter riding this base layer provides you with an advantage in comfort, warmth, and morale.
