The Fusion AS has all the good bits from every jacket we’ve ridden in, but in the same place. The AS in the name means that it’s made from Gore-Tex Active Shell and therefore already better and more interesting in the breathable waterproof stakes. We’ve worn this for most of the summer, and when rain and warmer temps usually combine to make for an unpleasantly sweaty ride, we stayed comfortable.
The cut is relaxed – very good through the shoulders and with plenty of room for layers, but it’s not baggy and the curved sleeves that narrow at the forearm keep things sleek at the cuff. The back is good and long – we especially like the centrally placed drawcord operation, that with its ribbon tag is easy to locate and adjust, even if you’re riding. It seems to have the effect of holding everything in place too.
The darker panels in the back and lower arms stretch to give just an extra degree of ease where you need it most. The hood packs so discreetly into the collar we nearly missed it, but tuck it under a helmet not over. To make it mountain bike perfect, we would like bigger zip pulls though.
