$700 dollar Assos Johdah jacket: Is it worth it?

Assos has always been synonymous with premium, high-performance apparel. The quality and durability of Assos garments are the stuff of lore, scan an online forum, and you will usually find someone explaining how incredibly long they have owned and used a single Assos jacket.
When Assos launched its new Equipe RS winter range last Autumn, the prices had most people talking. High prices are nothing new for Assos garments, but the price is usually within the limits of justification. Assos fans will explain how the extra durability, means the higher upfront cost gets balanced by years of additional usage.
However, at £575 for a jacket, Assos brought cycling kit to a whole new premium price tag level. All in the four-piece Equipe RS range would set you back a hefty £1,265. While most baulked at the price, I had the job of reviewing the range and deciphering whether it can live up to its price tag.
I’ll cut straight to the point here; this kit is good, frustratingly good! Of course, I will go into more detail, but as much as it pains me to say it, the jacket and tights are both worth every penny if you are looking to stay warm in extreme conditions. With the price of this range, I really hoped I could report that reasonably priced kit is just as good, but the reality is, this is better.
Having spent six years racing internationally and another six years working with a cycling clothing company, I have tried a lot of kit. It took me just one ride to realise how superior this jacket was compared to anything I had tried previously.
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Full article: cyclingtips.co...

[@KevinMcDteacher]

Not a comment about the jacket, but just how much I really like this style of review. Two (or multiple) users' perspectives in a dialogue format is great! For some reason this feels much more useful in getting a sense of the product, and even though I come away with the "spec sheet" talking points, this doesn't feel like a mix between an advertisement and a review - something that's really difficult not to do on a solo review. Anyway, just some support for this and the "Field Test" style reviews of products. I sure don't mind the solo reviews - CT is my go-to source because I find the content so authentic, but this style really works for me.

[@XX-is7ps]

The price is what it is, no one is forcing you up buy it, and the cost is relative - to other products in terms of performance and to your income in terms of affordability. If it’s the best jacket there is (and they seem to suggest that it is) and the money is affordable to you personally and extends your time on bike or enjoyment of that time on bike, then why not? If it’s reasonable to spend $90,000 on a premium car when a $20,000 car delivers 90% of the functionality, then by comparison purchasing this jacket makes absolute sense.

[@AnTeallach2011]

What a horrible take

[@SergiuSalcau00]

IN TERMS OF PERFORMACE. IT S A PIECE OF CLOTHING.

[@XX-is7ps]

@@AnTeallach2011 I’m not sure I follow you. This is literally how our entire economy works. How is it any different from being able to choose whether to buy a 150k apartment versus a 30million mansion? Or a 20dollar Casio wristwatch versus a 50k Rolex? Or for that matter a 200dollar entry level hybrid bike versus a 15k superbike? In every case the market presents the choices, you get to choose whether the extra functionality/performance/whatever is worth the disproportionately extra expense if it’s within your budget.

[@moto-rambler]

The fact that you even think to ask whether a $700 cycling top is "worth it" speaks volumes.

[@joerauch7021]

Their Equipe RS Spring/Fall shoulder season kit is by far the best I've ever used for those seasons, so I have no doubt this winter version is top o the heap. But yeah, Assos clearly is at the pointy end of things with this one. Highly specialized and eye wateringly expensive.

[@JamesHuxford]

Short answer “no” longer answer nooooo

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

Assos Bibs and Baselayers: YES. Assos Jerseys and Jackets: NO. Assos Shirtless Jersey Shore Douchie Guido Model: DOUBLE YES.

[@St1ff]

I think they're testing us cyclist to see how much we're willing to pay for gear....i'm buying 2

[@santiagobenites]

It's obscenely overpriced.

[@jimhansen5395]

Buy a smarttrainer for that money and ride indoors

[@Foster_B]

700 dollars and it doesn’t even say Rapha on it?

[@chapmag6578]

First :). My Assos bib shorts are the most comfortable I have ever had, Expensive S only use them on 3 hr plus rides. Luckily living in Brisbane I really don’t have the need for such a jacket.lol.

[@zzhughesd]

looks the bomb, definitely looks £200 GBP or more worth , our UK Sigma Sport £575 squids, GBP

[@dilmurodavalbaev1392]

I wonder if the high price tag was meant as part of the appeal. Like any other fancy status symbol. A cycling jacket is probably not the best product for this purpose but I am sure a 725-dollar kit will get noticed in at least some group rides

[@insung9]

Do they make a kids sized one for $350 called Baby Yoda?

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

Underrated comment.

[@palmer3977]

The Castelli ROS jacket is the benchmark & it is £280, so is this Assos jacket twice as good?

[@JFomo]

I'm in Melbourne Australia right now and it's hot as balls. I wish it was snowing.

[@metamurph]

does the job "worth" is always hard look at other sport like Sail Racing you will find similar pricing (actually they are cheaper). Well made, luxury goods...if you can afford a new S Works Tarmac what is 700 for a coat :-) Black...I think it plays into the Assos design spec. I am glad I don't have to deal with that weather.

[@matthewlewis2072]

They've got to pay for that World Tour team somehow!

[@rg807]

I've been riding Assos since 1984 and I'm still not buying this jacket, it's just too expensive.

[@hafajunior8714]

No. There's definitely a cycling specific jacket out there that could get the job done for a tenth of the price. Cycling apparel is becoming insanely overpriced.

[@bluemystic7501]

For $70? You can barely get a quality summer jersey for that price.

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

$700 dollars for a jacket, jesus christ, if spending that much money on a jacket meant i will win the Tour De France, sign me up for one!! Really guys if anyone spends 700 dollars just for a jacket to ride a bike, well they have more money than sense!!

[@swz1986]

Ot they are very bad with money. Noooo one would spend that kind of money

[@siriderkert2172]

Is it worth it? Its actually two questions in one. 1 Its worth what people are prepared to pay. 2 Its a very complicated product that costs a lot to produce. I dont know if this particular jacket is both.

[@sssssmilinggggg]

Purchases a $700 dollar winter jacket, "I'm going going home because its really cold"

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Seriously guys, my Rapha jackets do all that for me already and I never need to take off my jacket. I ride the whole ride with it on, I do take breaks and occasionally take off my jacket but it’s just for my 15 minute break only. Cheers

[@nadsim154]

did you say thank you to Raphael ? Cheers

[@LegSpinna]

Comes with a free sticker that says 'MUG'.

[@jasonwright6823]

A free Assos mug that says MUG :-)

[@Timtimzi]

So like Canada Goose jackets.. But you can only use it on the bike..

[@matthewlewis2072]

Looks like Ronan is talking into his cat 😸😸😸

[@Andy_ATB]

If somebody thinks it's worth that much, and buys it, then yes. It's an Assos, so it will be good. However, really??? For that, I'd expect it to also make great coffee, provide some cakes, etc

[@ayowser01]

Crumpets and biscotti too 😁

[@ayowser01]

I'm still waiting for the rs aero gillet to go on sale...$250 for a windbreaking vest is just too much... as all their gear is.

[@Stoffendous]

Did you get it?

[@davidjones5575]

I wear Assos clothing which is expensive but durability and functionality is the best but l could not afford this jacket

[@chefnigeltv8580]

MY GOD. That's enough!!! $700 bike jacket????? That's half of my rent bro. Come on!!!

[@matthewlewis2072]

Do they do fat people sizes?

[@chriskennedy1076]

If you need any additional product testing done, let me know. I know a guy...🙋‍♂️😂

[@zzhughesd]

Diffuser = Holes

[@swz1986]

No no no no no no. Without even watching. No.

[@iansutton8802]

Cycling has become so commodified. I pull alongside commuter cyclists in London who are riding 5 miles home at night wearing outfits and riding bikes that cost more than some people earn in a year. Then I look back to those old BW films of thousands of cyclists at the factory gate wearing whatever they wore at work that day. They survived. They got home. If you’re a pro and it’s your living and that living is high earning, then fine - buy this sh*t. But stop with this consumerist nonsense. If you NEED it, buy it. But if someone is telling you you need it, be suspicious. They just want your money.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

You can buy an iPhone for that much money. There is more labor and way more tech and engineering that went into the iPhone. Even if the jacket does what ASSOS says it does it shouldn't cost more than $450 US. And even that is Dentists prices.

[@dylanmd7917]

You can buy a really decent bike for that price

[@DaveCM]

I'm sorry, but that is just insanely stupid. There is absolutely no way it cost them anywhere near half that to produce it.

[@thelmaviaduct]

Roadies lol

[@jasonwright6823]

When there's doubt there is no doubt :-). Even if you one could afford it the colour is a deal killer. As Ronan said, why black pockets? Silly dangerous. Dear Assos, a dead cyclist is a former customer.

[@sylvainbernaers]

stupid price; nothing beats a good layering system. This is a costly bullshit story.

[@GustavTang]

Why is it a company the size of Assos continue to create such boring and ugly designs. Just hire someone whom just dont make it matblack, with unmotivated colourpatches and logo. Sorry for the outburst, but is is god damn incredible.

[@jasonwright6823]

That someone left Assos to start Q36.5.

[@CycoWarriorx]

$700 dollars for a cycling jacket... that’s a nonstarter...

[@SergiuSalcau00]

NO IT AIN T FUCKIN WORTH IT, REALLY.

[@chefnigeltv8580]

Looks whack and basic too.

[@darrinschwarz7446]

what a joke