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With temperatures finally dropping and skies turning grey here in the UK, it’s time to start considering wet-weather riding gear again.
With that in mind, ASSOS has just relaunched its legendary Sturmprinz hardshell waterproof jacket, as part of its new range of winter jackets, and I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on one.
Key to its performance claims is the enormous, 42,900 b/m2/24h breathability rating of the three-layer ‘Atlantis’ fabric on the front panel – among the highest available for a proper waterproof cycling jacket.
This is paired with a stretchy softshell fabric on the arms and rear, to improve breathability further and optimise the fit.
As you’d expect of a modern, high-end waterproof jacket, it’s also PFAS-free.
At £410 / $585 / €490, though, don’t expect to see this on our list of the best-value waterproof jackets anytime soon.
Back in grey
The Sturmprinz jacket has been a fixture of ASSOS’ range for a number of years – Guy Kesteven even tested one for BikeRadar back in 2012.
As then, the new Sturmprinz jacket – or the ‘Mille GTS Sturmprinz Rain Jacket S11’, to use its full name – is an unashamedly high-end product.
So far so ASSOS, perhaps, but the Swiss brand can’t be accused of slapping an exorbitant price tag on an ordinary jacket and calling it a day – this is one of the most complex and engineered waterproof jackets I’ve seen in my many years as a cyclist.
Most jacket manufacturers settle on a single fabric for the entirety of the shell, but the Sturmprinz mixes a three-layer hardshell on the front with softshell panels on the rear and underside of the arms.
This is, as far as I’m concerned, a smart move.
All ‘breathable waterproof’ fabrics are limited by the fact there’s usually not enough of a partial pressure gradient for water vapour to ‘breathe’ from inside a jacket to outside when you’re riding in the rain, because the air outside tends to be very humid when it’s raining.
Adding in a woven, softshell fabric on the rear of the jacket, as well as two generously sized vents, should help improve breathability a lot – especially in warmer conditions where you can’t create the chemical potential for diffusion via a difference in temperature.
As such, ASSOS quotes a wide -8°C to >+21°C temperature range for the new Sturmprinz jacket, making it an impressively versatile addition to your wardrobe (in theory).
Fine details
As you’d expect, given the price, no stone is left unturned when it comes to details.
All of the seams are taped neatly, while the hem and cuffs use an “ultra-elastic” coated fabric to create a better seal against gloves and under-layers.
The two-way zipper is also sealed, with custom, oversized ASSOS zip pullers designed to make it easy to adjust while wearing thick winter gloves.
At 240g for a size small, the Sturmprinz jacket is heavier than some competitor options, such as Rapha’s Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket, but I found it can still roll up to fit inside a jersey pocket.
ASSOS also backs its clothing with a two-year warranty against manufacturing issues, and offers a free 30-day crash policy – meaning it will repair or replace items free of charge if you crash and damage them within the first 30 days following a purchase.
Following that period, ASSOS will attempt to repair crash damaged items where possible, to prevent unnecessary waste, although this service isn't free.
If you're wondering about the fit, I'm 183cm tall and weigh around 63kg. The size small fits well, with room for a thicker winter jersey underneath (and a few extra winter kilos, perhaps).
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