Ashmei cycling clothing - anyone used?

[TonyHetherington]

I found this company, Ashmei - famed for running clothing but now gone into cycling stuff too. Love the look of what they have, and seems very similar to Rapha in its approach; high quality, technical fabrics.

Considering the £95 Cycling Jersey; not least because it matches my new bike well, but I fancied trying what they have.

Does anyone have experience of them?

http://www.ashmei.com/shop/jerseys-ride/cycling-je...

[tobinen]

Blimey, £235 for bib shorts

[anonymous-user]

tobinen said:

Blimey, £235 for bib shorts

That's why he likes it.

[ewenm]

I've got a bit of the running kit - I actually find the merino too warm so the value isn't there for me for the extra cost. The comparison to Rapha is apt I think.

[anonymous-user]

They've not been making running stuff that long I don't think.

I remember seeing them having a stall at triathlons selling gear.

I thought their stuff looked good and thought they ought to branch out into cycling where tony raphalot lives.

[TonyHetherington]

el stovey said:

I thought their stuff looked good and thought they ought to branch out into cycling where tony raphalot lives.

That's me I'm a sucker for this marketing approach; "expensive, but awesome". I'm a marketing man's wet dream.

Feedback seems not awesome....so I'll hold off then I think, especially at £95! (all my rapha stuff I've bought at discount; normally end of season ready for the next one)

[yellowjack]

I just had a quick look at the website.

I am, quite frankly, insufficiently hirsute, and nowhere near skinny enough to pull off that look, never mind the astro-bloody-nomical prices.

I'm happy, nay, proud to announce that "Ahm oot!"

[ewenm]

TonyHetherington said:

That's me I'm a sucker for this marketing approach; "expensive, but awesome". I'm a marketing man's wet dream.

Feedback seems not awesome....so I'll hold off then I think, especially at £95! (all my rapha stuff I've bought at discount; normally end of season ready for the next one)

I've heard some very positive reviews of the running and cycling stuff but for me, the functional difference does not justify the price difference. That said, I find Rapha stuff too expensive too, so the value:cost judgement may be different for you.

[craigthecoupe]

unless you have everything in life, how the fk do you spend £235 on some lycra and foam, and feel you have value for money?

[stripy7]

Saw them at Bike show, asked the price of a jersey and got a comment along the lines of "if you have to ask then you cant afford it". Nice.

[stongle]

Hmmm, well if its so good, why are they doing bundle deals.... Looks a bit meh.

If you want something more unique try Brandt Sorenson. Some of it looks a bit Foska, but there are some great pieces. I have some of the multi-cam stuff and the quality is really good. Its never going to enter the value for money stakes, especially now given cable(GBP:USD rate) but it was hovering around Rapha pricing (same as the Brevet Jersey / vest combo).

[Gruffy]

I've spent a bit of time with the designer. The shorts are quite impressive but they're simply more expensive than I would feel comfortable paying. If I were the sort who had a £5k bike (or competed in triathlon) then I'd probably have a pair though. If they ever crop up at sale prices I'll be very tempted.

[tobinen]

I'm in the market for some new bib shorts as I've nearly worn a pair out and my others are uncomfortable in the groin area for longer rides. I'd happily spend up to £100 for a pair if they were comfy and well-made, but for £235? They'd have to be amazing.

[TonyHetherington]

I've spent £150 on the Rapha ones and compared to some £80-100 Castelli ones I've tried, I can really see the value. £235 would have to be another step up though!

Gruffy - of course I totally forgot you had mentioned that!

I do love the style, just nervous about the cost, especially if too warm. I assumed the merino would be good during hot days - but maybe not?!

[ewenm]

TonyHetherington said:

I assumed the merino would be good during hot days - but maybe not?!

I've not worn my merino Ashmei running top on hot days, but I think I run a bit hot anyway - people look shocked at me for racing in shorts, vest and gloves when it's snowing, and the gloves often get removed mid-race. Others in the race would be in leggings and long-sleeved top under their club vest, so I'd take my "too warm" assessment with that caveat.

[TheInternet]

TonyHetherington said:

Considering the £95 Cycling Jersey; (...) because it matches my new bike well

I was expecting a hard-to-match turquoise, copper or puce, but red/grey/black? Scraping the justification barrel a bit.

[Gruffy]

tobinen said:

I'm in the market for some new bib shorts as I've nearly worn a pair out and my others are uncomfortable in the groin area for longer rides. I'd happily spend up to £100 for a pair if they were comfy and well-made, but for £235? They'd have to be amazing.

I'm a big fan of my Rapha Classics at £160 RRP. Expensive, but amazing. They're always my go-to shorts for long rides and the difference is quite noticeable after 3 hours or more compared to Castelli's KISS3 pad.

The thing with the Ashmei shorts is the amount of water they (don't) retain. Something like 25% of the retention of competitor shorts. That would make a big difference to a triathlete. Their chamois has similar properties so you avoid the soggy nappy feeling by the end of a ride or at the cafe. The basic material feels lovely too.

I've not looked at the jerseys in any detail because I also run hot and a merino jersey isn't the best buy for me.

[TonyHetherington]

...and plain in design, which I do particularly like also. You're right, it's not exactly a killer reason though I grant you.

[Jorrocks]

I'm kinda tempted to try the shorts..... They're based in Tring, am going to see if I can try them on in person rather than mail ordering.

[Gruffy]

They have beautiful offices too.