Only Assos, the company whose include questionably named features such as the Kuku Penthouse and the Golden Gate, could get away with producing the . I swear I鈥檝e seen photos of Lady Gaga wearing some close semblance of this minimalist vest to a club.
But the Swiss company doesn鈥檛 shy away from the outlandish if they feel it can better your riding experience. And this miniscule vest, which weighs a scant 2.6 ounces and rolls up smaller than a Clif Bar, is definitely for those days when your ride could be better. It鈥檚 built as a last line of protection for, as the name suggests, emergencies. Just pop it in a rear jersey pocket and if you happen to get caught out in the dark and cold, you鈥檙e covered.
The sV.emergency (their oddball nomenclature, not ours) is constructed of papery wind-stop fabric on front, a stretchy, no-see-um mesh on back, and two-inch elastic bands at every seam that are reflective for maximum visibility. The half-waist design provides warmth to the core of your body but saves weight and bulk by excising the fabric from the torso鈥擜ssos figures it鈥檚 superfluous anyway as you鈥檒l never take wind there in the crouched, riding position.
I鈥檒l be the first to admit that $140 for the riding equivalent of an all-weather brassiere seems excessive. And I was dubious of just how much the crop top would protect. But I鈥檝e used it a handful of times now in on dusky, cold winter nights, and I鈥檝e actually been surprised just how well it works. The moment I start getting frigid, I throw it on and it cuts the chill. Having said that, if I were going to be stuck out much longer than an hour, I鈥檇 probably want something heavier.
All in all, it鈥檚 a highly refined tool that serves a very specific purpose. Whether people are willing to pay $140 for it is another question, especially given that it鈥檚 not much lighter or smaller than most less expensive featherweight vests. However, the trim fit and reflective panels make this higher performance than most floppy gilets. And if you’re especially concerned about the price, remember that the sV.emergency could easily double as a Halloween costume.