Assos iJ.haBu.5

The Assos iJ.haBu.5 has the comfort and lightness of a jersey, but the insulation and protection of a jacket, making it an ideal outer layer for chilly winter and spring rides. It's versatile enough to be a suitable three-season cycling top.

• Pros: Comfortable, lightweight, lots of pockets
• Cons: Pointless arm pocket

The iJ.haBu.5 has actually been a staple of the Swiss clothing brand's range since 2010, but despite its age, it's still a really good jacket for British winter cycling. It's designed for what the company describes as 'early winter', but the quoted temperature range of 6 to 14°C probably gives a better indication of what that means.

> Find your nearest dealer here
> Buy this online here

Assos develops its own fabrics, there's no off-the-shelf stuff here. The iJ.haBu.5 uses Stratagon Light windproof fabric on all the front-facing panels (chest and front of the arms) and a Roubaix RXQ everywhere else. The Roubaix fabric has a fleece waffle pattern, which provides insulation and means it's soft next to the skin. 

The two fabrics are thin and lightweight yet very breathable and insulating enough to make this a versatile top – it can be used in a wide range of temperatures. Just choose the appropriate baselayer, from a short-sleeve one for double-digit temperatures and a chunkier long-sleeve layer for cold rides. In my experience, provided the riding pace is a suitably high effort, it's good down to about 5°C. How low you go depends on the baselayer you're wearing under it and simply how hot or cold you get when out cycling. 

Neither of the two fabrics used in the jacket is waterproof, but the front panels are water-resistant. They'll deal with a light shower, but any more than that and you'll want to reconsider your outfit or throw on a waterproof jacket when it starts raining heavily. 

The jacket fits well. It's generous enough around the torso and shoulders so as not to be restrictive, and the length of the collar, sleeves and waist is spot on. There's enough stretch to provide good freedom of movement, all helping to deliver the great fit. The waistband is lined with a chunky elastic band and it keeps the jacket in place and stops the pockets sagging even when loaded.

Around the back are three regular sized pockets with two extra zipped ones. Together, all five provide plenty of cargo space for a decent length ride. It's always nice to have a zipped pocket to stash the house keys or mobile phone, and two zipped pockets is even better. Nice work Assos.

There's an additional pocket on the right sleeve, which could be used to place an iPod, with the necessary holes and loops for the headphone cable. To be honest, I found this feature a little redundant, and no modern smartphone will fit in it anyway, perhaps a sign of the jacket's age. 

The iJ.haBu.5 is a versatile jacket that copes well with a reasonably wide range of weather. It provides enough insulation for all but the coldest rides, and it's breathable and light enough to work well into spring, with careful adjustment of your baselayers. It's an ideal three-season jacket and the sort that can get a lot of use throughout the year. When it comes to performance, keeping you warm and protected from the wind, it's not showing its age, and stands up to competition from newer rivals.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best winter cycling jackets

It's available in a wide range of sizes and a choice of colours if black isn't to your liking. It certainly commands a high price (though shopping around reveals some decent discounts), but it delivers excellent performance on cold, dry days. Others to consider would be the (slightly) cheaper Shimano S-Phyre Windresistant Jersey, which would save you £40, or Sportful's Fiandre Ultimate Windstopper Jacket; that's £185 at RRP, but you can find it discounted online.

Something a few clothing brands offer, but perhaps not enough people are aware of, is a crash replacement policy. Assos offers a crash replacement policy that means if you do damage it within one year of purchase and the garment can still be repaired, it will do so, free of charge (with the exception of damages to inserts and lenses). 

Furthermore, Assos will replace any garment within the first three months if there is any manufacturing defect, no questions asked. If the garment is older than three months, Assos will evaluate a case individually in terms of repair.

Verdict

Excellent three-season jacket with good comfort, insulation and breathability