Assos Thermobooster P1 base layer assessment: The base layer that doubles as a jersey

I acquired very excited after I pulled the Assos Thermobooster base layer on in the beginning of the winter. It’s a brand-new addition to the Assos line for this winter and regardless of trying like a long-sleeved, full-zip jersey, this piece sits within the Swiss model’s base layer vary. 

It’s very modern and classy, shut becoming and light-weight. The single, easy white Assos roundel on the shoulder stood out, and I assumed ‘I can’t wait to get out on this’. 

The Thermobooster is designed to be worn as a light-weight, quick layer over a summer time base layer or jersey for intense driving, or as an extra base layer as a part of your winter layering system, going underneath a heavier jacket or jersey so as to add heat. It is available in one color, black, and has a RRP of £175 / $225 / €200.

As I discussed in my latest Assos LS Winter Skin Layer assessment, Assos is about high-quality, technical equipment that’s typically fairly particular, it’s on the costly facet, but it surely’s often simple sufficient to see or work out the place that further spend goes. 

Head to my finest biking base layers information to see a better of the most effective roundup of winter and summer time base layers multi functional place.

Design and Aesthetics 

The Thermobooster is available in one color; black. Whilst Assos is updating and diversifying its product ranges with brighter designs, that is traditional Assos for me. 

There are minimal logos or wordmarks simply the one white rubber Assos roundel that I discussed on the left shoulder and a small Thermobsooter badge on the neck, the spherical metallic zipper can be within the form of the Assos ‘A’. 

The base layer is constructed from a Polyester / Elastane combine and is skinny and light-weight. I put on a small in just about every thing, however am carrying a medium within the photos. Check your sizing, however in the event you put on a small you’ll in all probability wish to measurement up right here. 

The physique of the piece makes use of what Assos has named ‘Skuba’, which the model says is a extremely stretchable textile that’s mushy and aerodynamic while sustaining breathability. There are sometimes some unfamiliar technical phrases round Assos equipment, but it surely’s simple sufficient to get your head round all of it. The inside the piece is certainly actually mushy and cozy, it’s extremely good to put on certainly. 

Next up are the ‘Sonic-SN’ arms, one other breathable aero textile. In plain converse the arms have an identical end and really feel to some aero biking gloves and even aero socks. They are a few millimetres thick and are each mushy and cozy. The wrists and hem of the Thermobooster have a uncooked lower end, which helps them look further clear and slick.

The final little bit of Assos tech to go over is the ‘StruzzoKragen’ collar textile. You will see within the photos the prolonged neck part – it is much like the fabric on the arms, once more mushy and plush, however Assos claims it should assist regulate your temperature with out the necessity to unzip. This mirrors my colleague’s expertise with the Assos Equipe R Habu winter jacket. 

Finally, there are two good-sized mesh rear pockets for when you’re carrying this base layer as an outer layer. I’ve carried a down gilet comfortably on one facet for instance, however chances are you’ll end up wanting extra space in the event you actually load up with provides and spares, however this is not actually what the Thermoboster has been designed for.

Performance 

Assos cites two makes use of for the Thermobooster; as a light-weight outer layer for intense driving, and as an extra base layer to spice up heat on chilly days. I’ve used it for each purposes and it has carried out very properly. 

I can hear a few of you on the again saying ‘It’s a skinny long-sleeved jersey, Tom, they’ve been round for some time’. I agree, you possibly can name it that, and put on it as such. Assos nevertheless actually examines the small print, and in use, it is apparent what it’s attempting to realize right here with the Thermobooster’s twin function USP. 

In the autumn I wore it for a number of weeks straight on my Saturday morning chaingang over a spread of brief and lengthy sleeve base layers. The experience has an early cool begin, however I work actually arduous on it and have to be mild and aero on the bike. The Thermobooster was excellent for this, I may carry my telephone, pump, gel and keys within the pockets and felt quick (and classy) on the bike, it additionally breathes effectively and was the proper device for the job. Big tick from me there, in the event you’re going arduous, doing efforts, and so on in it, you may be very glad.

I’ve additionally used it underneath a Castelli Perfetto jacket and over a protracted winter sleeve base layer for 3 hours regular at simply above freezing. It’s skinny and stretchy which means it layers effectively with out inflicting restriction and acts as an efficient mid-layer.

There’s a 3rd use for me, which is simply as a skinny, light-weight and classy long-sleeve jersey for no matter you wish to use it for, there aren’t any arduous guidelines right here. Carry it simply in case in a pocket, it folds down effectively, or put on it on a spring or summer time morning since you wish to. It would do very effectively underneath a gilet on cooler days too. 

I’ve had no high quality points, and the Thermobooster has washed effectively at 30 levels for me, it hasn’t put a foot fallacious. 

Value 

This is an costly piece of equipment, however I’d think about most individuals looking for Assos equipment are conscious of the widely excessive costs and know what they need. 

As I typically discover with Assos, relying on the piece, the design decisions, supplies and match add up and end in an elevated stage of consolation, match and efficiency. They could not smack you within the face straight out of the gate, but it surely would not take too lengthy to work it out. 

If you do spend money on the Thermobooster I do not assume you’ll remorse the outlay. It’s a stunning factor to put on and experience in and hasn’t put a foot fallacious for me to date. 

Verdict 

I like carrying the Thermobooster, for me, it actually shines on these high-intensity rides after I wish to be mild and aero on the bike. Aesthetics and elegance are a significant concern for cyclists who do not get given crew equipment to put on, and I like the modern, delicate styling as a lot because the match and efficiency.