IF you think the worst of the winter is over, you don’t live where I do.

Only recently I was up on the North Yorks Moors with the wind blowing a hoolie and horizontal snow gusting across the road.

On occasions such as this, it goes without saying that you need to be wrapped up.

However, if, like me, you are intent on getting out on your bike what you wear needs to be conducive to cycling.

That, of course, starts with the baselayer.

To that end, I have been testing Assos’ latest piece of kit, the long-sleeve skinFoil (£80).

The Swiss company has been making clothing for cyclists for more than 40 years – when I say clothing, I should say ‘equipment’ as they prefer it to be described.

Billed as an early winter garment, I have found the Early Winter EV07, to give it its technical name, more than acceptable well into the season.

When I removed it from the packet I could have sworn they had sent the wrong size. It looked tiny. 

I’m not big by any stretch of the imagination, but I couldn’t see how it was going to fit me. Held up, I seriously wondered whether it would actually be a better fit for my five-year-old.

Stretch, however, was the appropriate word because, once on, it fitted like a glove.

The top simply glides over the contours of your body – and believe me I have a few – and fits snugly and comfortably.

Though tight to your skin, it is not in any way restrictive, in fact if anything it feels like it is part of you.

Rotate your arms, reach out and the top goes with you, there’s no riding up, no having to constantly adjust to get back comfortable.

In addition, almost as soon as you get it on, you begin to feel warm.

Whether it’s psychosomatic or not I am not sure, but put it this way, heading out into single figure temperatures, I felt better with it on than without.

Assos say the top is spun on tubular machines, which is said to increase comfort levels.

Not only that, but it is designed to be incredibly breathable. Any cyclist will tell you that regardless of the weather it’s not long before you break out in a sweat – well I certainly do. And there’s nothing worse than having to stop to wring out your top.

Well, there’s no doing that with the skinFoil. Thirty miles in, my clothing still felt as fresh as it did when I set off, even if I didn’t. 

In addition to the top, I was also sent a pair of cycling knee EVO7 warmers (£25).

Made of the company’s RX Light material, they are ideal if you head out on an early morning ride when the sun has not been up long. 

Once up to speed or the rays have had their desired effect you can simply peel them off and shove them in your back pocket, Bob’s your uncle.