Assos Dermasensor Base Layers worth the cost?

[kode54]

I like some of Assos base layers, but their newest base layer Dermasensor cost as much as their jackets, which is quite a bit! $315 for a winter base layer!

I know there's a thread on inflating cycling gear prices...but this seems way out of line. Has anyone tried or have one? I do hate the extreme cold winters...so I'm curious.

[pushpush]

That sounds ridiculous to me. It is a baselayer.

I REALLY like the Assos skinfoil spring/fall baselayers which at a fraction of the cost are already pushing the limit.

[Matte86]

I have all 3 of them ( summer - fall - winter)
There’s no other way to put it They are expensive. Luckily I bought them when I had a 20% discount
I’m very satisfied and they are extremely comfy
Specifically regarding the winter one I find it is warmer than the winter RS base layer, I feel it’s similar to the winter plus one (blue base layer).. but for comparison I find that the Rapha warmest and most expensive one (I don’t recall the exact name) is warmer and I like it more on the coldest rides of the year
I believe the base layer is the most important piece of equipment and I always feel cold, that’s why I don’t hesitate to put big money into it

[mendiz]

Hello, @Matte86, how compare Dermasensor Spring long sleeve to normal Spring long sleeve in thickness and warmth and ease to put under Spring RS jacket? I want it to use under Equipe RS Spring fall jacket, I have normal Spring long sleeve layer
And the thickness of Dermasensor Winter is same than Winter layer? or is like Ultraz layer?
Thanks a lot

[C36]

Got one from a distributor for 20% of the price

Used the base layer up to -5degC. Long story short it is good but not a single chance on planet earth that it is worth the premium (probably not even worth the 60€ I paid for)

The integrated neck protection is more a problem cause you can’t remove it if you end up in warmer weather than planned.

As of warm and humidity control I see zero differences compared to the Mavic winter and Winter+ I normally use (the winter+ is probably a bit warmer).

The only thing I like better, the arms are a bit sorter than the Mavic ones I found too long.

[Mr.Gib]

A base layer at that price is simpy not necessary. If your pockets are deep, then go ahead. I am sure it's a quality piece. However I have made the point before that IMO a winter base layer must have a half zip.

And if the point of this Dermasensor is that it is warmer than other base layers, then why not consider doubling up. I mix and match various weights of base layers regularely in cold weather to dial in the perfect amount of warmth. Some combinations move water vapour away from the body very effectively.

[Matte86]

I find Dermasensors slightly less thick than their counterparts, but equally, if not, more warmer. Not as warm as the Ultraz. Under fall jerseys or the Jodah they fit quite nicely

They are very comfortable and true to size - I’m 174 / 63kgs - size S

I don’t have the Equipe RS Spring fall jacket so I cannot give you feedback on it

[mendiz]

Thanks a lot @Matte86, I will buy Spring dermasensor

[Britishedgehog]

I have all 3 of them ( summer - fall - winter)

I’m very satisfied and they are extremely comfy

I believe the base layer is the most important piece of equipment and I always feel cold, that’s why I don’t hesitate to put big money into it

Could you say any more about the Spring/Fall and Summer DermaSensor versions? How do they compare?

I'm also curious how Assos DermaSensor base layers compare against Q36.5 base layers, as both are seamless and premium-priced. Assos claims its DermaSensor is odour-resistant, but I wonder if there are other differences

[Matte86]

What do you like to know specifically?
It’s difficult to compare them as one is LS while the summer one is sleeveless
I wish they made a spring/fall SS as well
Winter and summer ones are warmer than their RS counterparts, while S/F is similar
In fact I’m still find myself surprised how warm the winter one is
For sure one of my go-to piece of kit during these past weeks

[kode54]

I plan to wait until to they go on sale and try them out for next winter season. I doubt if they sell out at those prices. I must say that whenever the temps drop, I always reach for Assos baselayer like the blue Ultraz or the regular LS winter base layer. What interests me the most is that Assos makes their winter gear with less bulk without sacrificing warmth.

[Britishedgehog]

I wish they made a spring/fall SS as well

How about this SS option for spring/fall?

https://www.q36-5.com/en-gb/shop/base-l ... -ice-grey/

I wonder how it would compare to the Assos LS for UK temperatures with a thermal jersey.

[Matte86]

I wish they made a spring/fall SS as well

How about this SS option for spring/fall?

https://www.q36-5.com/en-gb/shop/base-l ... -ice-grey/

I wonder how it would compare to the Assos LS for UK temperatures with a thermal jersey.

I haven’t tried q36.5.. it looks more similar to the RS rather than the Dermasensor

[jdecraene85]

At that price... How is this even a question? No.

[Britishedgehog]

I believe the base layer is the most important piece of equipment

I also feel my base-layer is vital, particularly as we're going into autumn.

What do you think of the
Rapha Merino base-layer versus the PNS Mid Base-Layer?

While I'd prefer more discrete branding, the PNS product is among very few fabricated from Polartec Power Wool.