This jacket turns into a handlebar bag, and it’s (mostly) pretty good

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Tuesday, 20 December 2022 at 12:00 am

The Assos Mille GTC Löwenkralle Jacket C2 is a cycling jacket that converts into a handlebar bag.

In testing, I have found the Löwenkralle to be a mixed bag (geddit?). The jacket works well in its handlebar bag form and offers an inspired fit, but its water-repellency isn’t up to scratch, the black-only colourway isn’t visible and the pocket placement could do with further refinement.

The Löwenkralle (which translates to ‘lion’s claw’) is the latest addition to Assos’ GTC gravel collection, which also comprises a jersey, cargo bib shorts and baggy shorts. I was particularly enamoured with the Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 bib shorts, awarding them a 4.5-star rating in my review.

Returning to the Löwenkralle, let’s take a closer look at the features of the jacket.

Assos Mille GTC Löwenkralle Jacket C2 details

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So black, so Assos.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

The Löwenkralle jacket balances being thermal, wind-blocking and water-repellent – pretty much everything you need in a winter cycling jacket.

It’s designed for gravel riding, but Assos says it can also be used for commuting. The brand suggests layering it over a cycling jersey should the weather turn or you need some extra warmth.

You can wear the jacket with a hip bag or rucksack. This is notable because some jackets – such as those made from Gore Shakedry – aren’t designed to be worn with a bag due to the material’s fragility.

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The Assos emblem on the zip is a neat touch.
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The jacket is made from a new fabric, which Assos calls a Pave rip-stop woven textile. This is said to be windproof and waterproof, and abrasion-resistant.

The front panel is made from Breath fabric for increased breathability and a Type.OF11 fabric is used for the rear due to its high-stretch properties.

Assos’ RX EVO Light fabric is used for the sleeves for increased insulation purposes and a closer fit.

Reflective stripes feature on the back of the forearm sleeves and on both shoulders.

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The Löwenkralle jacket in handlebar bag mode.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media
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An outside view of the internal pocket the jacket stuffs into.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media
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Simply pack the jacket into this pocket.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

The jacket packs down into an integrated water-repellent pocket. The pocket includes clips that enable you to then mount the jacket onto the handlebar.

In its bar bag form, there isn’t a lot of space to store accessories – you can store a phone or perhaps two energy bars.

The jacket is available in sizes XS to TIR (XL, but wider) and is currently available only for men. A women’s version is in development.

The jacket retails for £290 / $390 / €330 / AU$600.

Assos Mille GTC Löwenkralle Jacket C2 ride impressions

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The new Pave rip-stop fabric was ideal for mild temperatures.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

I’ve used the Löwenkralle jacket over the past six weeks, from an overnight 308km road audax to commuting, gravel riding and even some mountain biking for good measure.

The close and snug fit of the jacket is excellent and it doesn’t flap about in the wind.

The jacket kept me warm in temperatures above 7 degrees – it’s a bit nippy on colder outings. I’ve used the jacket over a road jersey and as a main garment over a short-sleeve baselayer for mountain biking.

The jacket works surprisingly well in its handlebar bag form.

For example, during a recent audax, I was able to store the jacket on my bars, which left valuable pocket space free.

I would, however, recommend you only bring the jacket if you know you’ll use it. If you leave it attached to your bars, it’ll get dirty and you’ll have to wash it, potentially diminishing its DWR coating.

Big cats dislike getting wet

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The neck and sleeves use a brushed fabric.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

The water-repellent coating didn’t stand up to heavy rain in testing.

I received a royal soaking on one of my first rides with the jacket, leaving the sleeves completely saturated and the baselayer drenched underneath.

I tested the Löwenkralle’s water-repellency on four more occasions. These showers were lighter, but the sleeves continued to let in water far too quickly.

Asked about its waterproof performance, Assos said: “The sleeves and neck are made with a brushed fabric, so they are a little bit weaker in terms of DWR performance.” This is because the use of a brushed fabric prioritises breathability.

Any colour you like… as long as it’s black

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While there are a handful of reflective stripes, the black material won’t be particularly visible after dark.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

The fact it’s only available in black is another low point – black isn’t the most visible colour in the dark.

I’m also not convinced about the pocket layout – there is just one pocket to the front-left of the jacket. I experimented with storing my phone and some snacks, but I found it an uncomfortable location having these items close to my stomach.

Close but no cigar…

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Although the jacket has its flaws, the concept is innovative.
Kaden Gardener / Our Media

Assos’ Löwenkralle jacket performs best as an additional thermal layer, providing rain isn’t forecast and it’s between 7 and 10 degrees. Its ability to convert into a handlebar bag is also useful.

However, the fact it’s not waterproof is a real flaw and, sadly, that makes the Löwenkralle an item I’ll likely rarely reach for. That stings considering the lofty £290 asking price.

What do you think? Is Assos onto something with the Löwenkralle, or are jackets that convert into handlebar bags an innovation you don’t need? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.