Reviewed: Ashmei KOM Jersey
With striking Merino wool and carbon construction, Ashmei's KOM Jersey is sure to be a hit with the skin, but does our Dan Cavallari agree?
$189
Ashmei
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Chances are you haven’t heard of Ashmei, and I hadn’t either. I’m glad I know them now. The KOM jersey looks fantastic and feels soft against the skin, while the bibs offer the fit and function of high-end race wear. But as you might expect, this kind of performance comes at a high price — shockingly high, when it comes to the bibs, anyway.
The Merino wool and carbon construction accounts for the jersey’s softness against the skin, and it manages moisture quite well. It was nice to avoid that wet kitchen rag feeling during a sustained hot climb. It’s not a super-snug racer’s fit, though, so don’t expect this jersey to hug you throughout. This was most noticeable around the waist, particularly right beneath the rear pockets. We didn’t get any flapping in the breeze, though, so it wasn’t too bothersome.
And it just looks rad. The simple aesthetics stick to solid colors with small design hits like the dots across the chest. It’s not loud, but It’s not boring either. It’s clear Ashmei wants you to reach for this jersey every ride, especially if there’s a mid-ride stop at the coffee shop involved.
If the aesthetics and comfort don’t have you reaching for this jersey frequently, the price tag should. At almost $200, you’ll want to ride this a lot to justify owning it. Still, Merino wool tends to be rugged and durable, so it should last.