Ashmei is a UK company specializing in Merino wool based running and cycling clothing.

The Ashmei Winter Jersey, formerly known as the "Mid-Layer", is a blend of 38% Merino, 46% Polyester and 16% Spandex. The outside face is very smooth while the inside is somewhat less finished, more like traditional wool garment. Even so, this is clearly a high-end technical garment. It doesn't feel like your grandfather's sweater.

The relatively high Spandex content gives this jersey lots of stretch - more than one would expect of a wool garment and as much as any cycling jersey out there. Generous stretch allows a closer cut if desired and this is my preference. I'm 5'10", 168 lb with a 38 inch chest and size medium fits close. If anything can be described as tight it would have to be the cuffs but only when putting it on. Like the recently reviewed Isadore Long Sleeve Jersey 2.0 however, the sleeves are extremely long, to the point where I would hesitate sizing up for a more relaxed fit.

A size medium weighs 372 grams on my scale. Its heft is immediately apparent, as is its construction and finish which are, in a word, superb. Superb also describes the zipper. Many manufacturers come close but Ashmei nailed it. The zipper can be smoothly manipulated from below the ribs to the top of its run and back again with only one hand.

The zippered security pocket is situated vertically on the right side and accomodates an Otterbox clad iPhone 6 very nicely. There is a well executed and robust cable port on the inside of the pocket and a cable guide on the back of the collar - both quite useless for me but nicely done nevertheless. I've not seen another jersey with the outside cable guide. The three rear pockets have been packed to overflowing without a second thought

Style is subjective but I happen to love the understated simplicity. The racing stripe up the back is on point.

Performance on the bike is outstanding. The garment wicks extremely well and dries faster than ordinary Merino. The thick, tightly woven fabric also blocks more wind than one would expect of a Merino based garment. It has been ridden with a base layer in the 40's and 50's and under various shells down to the 20's. It is very warm, but also somewhat heavy. The best use case is when conditions call for a thermal softshell rather than a mid-layer. Either way it works outstanding and I've ridden it both ways.

The only place I've found Ashmei products other than the manufacturer's website is Sigma Sports.

Summary: Robust, substantial, warm and somewhat wind blocking. When conditions call for a warm thermal jersey on top of a base layer, this is my favorite. Stylish and minimally branded. Price and quality are high - both will make you want to wear it often.

Ashmei has great videos showing their garments being put on and worn on the trainer. They accurately depict how the jersey looks and stretches in the real world. Some closeups are below.




















-Tim-