Gravel jerseys tend to land in one of two camps: road jerseys with an extra pocket, or mountain bike-inspired pieces that sacrifice fit for features. The Assos Tactica Jersey T5 takes a different approach, building from their road jersey expertise while adding the storage and durability that off-road riding actually demands. It's the kind of piece that makes sense when your ride involves pavement, gravel, singletrack, and maybe a coffee stop in a small town you've never visited.

The construction uses Assos's Type.511 double-face woven fabric across the body, which handles the abrasion concerns that come with loaded bags, frame contact, and occasional brushes with trailside vegetation. The fit follows their regularFit profile—more relaxed than their racing cuts, allowing room for a base layer underneath without feeling sloppy when you're out of the saddle. Three rear pockets handle the usual cargo, but the addition of a zippered security pocket addresses the reality that gravel rides often involve cards, keys, and cash in situations where you're far from your car.

The collar design runs lower than typical road jerseys, which matters when you're spending hours in a more upright position or dealing with temperature swings throughout a long day. UPF 50 sun protection across the fabric handles the exposure that comes with all-day efforts, and the full-length zipper provides ventilation control when climbs heat up. The overall aesthetic runs understated—these aren't jerseys that announce themselves, which fits the practical, utility-focused nature of gravel riding.... Read More