Assos iJ.shaqUno Jacket

The iJ.shaqUno jacket from Swiss company Assos might have a daft name, but it provides outstanding warmth on those mornings when the cold has the neighbours scraping thick frost off the windscreens of their cars as you set off up the road for a ride.

The iJ.shaqUno provides impressive cold weather warmth due to the two-layer design, which manages to provide insulation without a lot of bulk. Assos calls it 'double-face construction' and it means the company's own RX material, which is soft and fleecy, is used next to the body, while the outer windproof shell is only attached to the inner layer in key places.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

The outer layer is also slightly larger. What this does is create a large pocket of warm air between the two layers that keeps you toasty when it's really cold. Assos reckons the jacket is good down to -4°C, and on a couple of sub-zero rides I tested the jacket in, it lived up to that claim, even with the recommended single baselayer underneath.

The two-layer construction does create a slightly puffy appearance on the arms, and it's a little crinkly too, but it's not noticeably noisy when riding. The upshot is total freedom of movement for you, as the outer layer moves freely too. It also means the jacket feels lighter and less restrictive than other bulky winter jackets I would normally reach for in the cold.

The jacket works well in a range of conditions and temperatures. Despite wearing just a single baselayer, there's enough warmth for colder days. And when the temperature increases, a change to a lighter, or short sleeve baselayer is all you need.

As well as being windproof, the outer shell has a water-repellent treatment. Rainwater just beads off the surface, and it's enough to look after you in a shower.

I found the jacket really comfortable for long winter rides. It has a good shape around the shoulders and torso, and the medium measures up well compared to other brands. The rear drops down to keep your lower back covered, and the arms are a good length as well. It's just a really comfortable jacket with no tightness around the arms, elbows or waist when moving about on the saddle, such as going from a seated to a standing position.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets here

It features the usual attention to detail you'd expect from a company that has long been the go-to choice for premium high-performance cycling wear. A smooth operating full-length zipper has a decent sized toggle to grab when you're wearing thick winter gloves, and the zip is lined with a large flap of material to keep draughts out. The cuff is elasticated to keep the wind from slipping up the sleeves, and the collar is nice and high to keep you snug on a cold winter ride.

Around the back are three regular sized pockets. There are some 3M reflective details dotted around the jacket, including high up on the shoulder and lining the main zip. The waistband features a large elastic band and there are silicone details to help anchor the jacket in place.

It's not cheap, and there's a fair amount of competition at this price, but the iJ.shaqUno does provide the necessary performance to allow you to tackle cold winter rides in total comfort.

Verdict

Excellent cold-weather jacket provides impressive warmth with great fit and comfort