Assos considers the iJ.haBu.5 Jacket to be an insulated, wind blocking, early winter cycling jacket. Depending on the expected temperatures and conditions, the jacket is intended to be worn over various weight baselayers. This maximizes the close to body fit, maintaining heat, evacuating moisture, and delivering pure cycling functionality. Two new versions of Assos primary cold weather fabrics are used: stratagonLight- the super supple windblocking material, and the RXQ fleece inner material that holds heat, releases moisture and has soft brushed surface. Both fabrics have been engineered for optimal performance with as little bulk as possible, giving the iJ.haBu.5 Jacket it's incredible body hugging shape.

No cycling clothing company pushes the extreme of luxury and performance like Assos. Luxury? Yes, because Assos goes to great lengths to research and design or procure the highest grade technical materials. Combine that obsession with impeccable construction and you have the premier line of cycling clothing. The designers focus on the garment, not the cost. The iJ.haBu.5 Jacket represents the brand perfectly. The jersey-like form fit has been optimized for an aggressive cycling position, with a clean silhouette and nary a seam out of place. Every detail is deeply considered, such as the rear 3-pocket structure, which offers plenty of depth, proper retention, and security, with external zip security options on the side pockets. Also consider the arm media pocket with an internal cable routing for wired earphones. Not impressed, both the top and bottom of the main zipper have protective "garages". At the neck, your skin is protected, at the waist the zipper base won't rub on you knickers or bibtights.

The stratagonLite barrier fabric is used on all forward facing zones, chest, shoulders, arms. The level of protection from such a low volume, supple layer is incredible. It also breathes exceptionally well. The Roubaix RXQ fleece is used over the rest of the piece, though in varying constructions. You can see the standard tighter knit throughout, as well as the 3D channel structure (think honeycomb) underneath that traps and holds heat in and wicks moisture off the baselayer out to the outer layer. A more mesh- like version is used inside where the greatest levels of perspiration occur. The iJ.haBu.5 acts like a part of your body, and organism or skin layer that keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable better than your body by itself on the bike. It adapts quickly to your effort level and conditions.

It is always possible to throw around too much hyperbole with Assos, and while their warm weather clothing is strictly impressive, their Fall and Winter pieces are asked to do so much, and fulfill their promise readily. You have ride them to believe it. If you train in temps at and around 40°F, in relatively dry conditions, iJ.haBu.5 Jacket will allow to test your true winter fitness without worry about overheating or getting too sweaty. haBu series garments are always impressive, and Assos keeps improving on perfection. Your turn.