Assos has a healthy skepticism for rain jackets. Simply put, the people in Switzerland believe that if you're riding hard in a light rain, chances are good that you'll overheat and get sweaty in a sealed rain jacket. Their solution is the sJ.climaSchutz Long Sleeve Shell. This is a light, thin, compactable shell that is wind-resistant, water-resistant, breathable, and possesses a little stretch for comfort.You probably know of the Assos climaJet, a hugely popular rain shell, and the Assos luftSchutz, a super light wind shell. The climaSchutz sits between the two, and, in many situations, can replace both. Wear it on damp mornings, for long descents, when the rain arrives, or when you need an extra layer for the first or last hour of your ride.Up front, you have a full zipper for simple donning and removal, and you'll use it for temperature regulation. On the sides and under the arms, there are breathable panels for venting vapor without exposing your body to the cold wind or rain. The jacket fits close, giving just the right amount of stretch. In back, there are pocket flaps on the left and right sides so you can access the pockets of the jersey underneath. The climaSchutz also possesses its own pocket where you can store a mobile electronic device, identification, or keys. The wrists are sealed with a neoprene-like material, giving both good stretch and an air-tight grip. The waist is snugged with elastic. The rear drops down to keep wet spray to a minimum. The material was specifically designed not to rustle in the wind.As with all Assos tops, it's cut for riding. If you stand upright with the jacket fully zipped, the shoulders will feel narrow, the length short, and the arms long. Reach for the bars, however, and it will feel just right.The Assos sJ.climaSchutz Long Sleeve Shell comes in Transparent White so your jersey and race number can be seen underneath. Sizes run from X-Small to TIR.
Strengths: Function form and fit. It does everything it is supposed to do and does it very well. I so love the through access to my jersey pockets. Great rain jacket for the person who does not like a raincoat
Weaknesses: Cost. Yes they make the same stuff every one else makes better than anyone else does but 3 times as good?
Bottom Line:
I first bought this rain jacket as a replacement for my second Hydra lite jacket from Sugoi. Recently I think I got hit with some kind of solvent or chemical because the last time I wore my rain coat it was in tact and after that it was peeling away all over my left shoulder. This was my second of these really light membrane over Nylon mesh jackets with the first one splitting at the seams.
So I have already spend over 200 on rain jackets in the last 6 years and I am wondering if that new Assos jacket in the local boutique shop is as good as it looks. Local Retail is around $320.00 which is ridiculous plus taxes. It is available from many european stores for $100 less plus shipping,and maybe duty and taxes. My shop knows this so we reach an agreeable number and I am off to ride and looking for rain. I live in the west coast so wet I can get. I don't have to wait too long to find the rain has started and home is more than 15 minutes away so I put my new jacket on and here is what I found. It works very well and better than any rain shell I have used. It does not keep you bone dry as I think any rain coat combined with vigorous exercise will get you wet inside from your own humidity generator. The jacket is good at laying quietly on your body. NO FLAPPING. It fits close like racing apparel. It vents very well and allowed enough cooling to not over heat yet retained enough warmth to compensate for the wet. You can get into your pockets without lifting the tail which protects you from road spray when without fenders. it is light and looks good too.
You need to know that after an hour of steady drizzle I did get wet arms and a little wet along the side vent. Most of the water on the arms also comes along the vent. This is a good thing because totally dry from the rain would have meant totally soaked from sweat and overheated. My torso was not wet and I think a lot drier than if the jacket was totally water proof. This is a hard riders shell. It offers sustained protection from rain so that you can maintain your core temperature and maintain a high level of comfort by accepting that the ventilation must allow some water. It lets you get wet in areas protected from wind chill and in areas the air flow is exiting. This jacket must last for at least 7 years to match the two it replaces and only time will tell if it makes that for double plus the price of comparable products from Sugoi. If I still have service in 2020 I will never again complain about the cost of Assos products. Today I can't say it is twice as good a rain jacket and I am sure it is not 3 times as good but it is the best 1 I have found and am very pleased with it so far.
