Assos Airjack 851

Price Paid:  $200.00 at online somewhere

Favorite Ride:
anything going up

Bike Setup:
light, stiff and fast

Summary:
Have been using this jacket for about 5 years now - it is simply amazing.

Yes, it is expensive but it is the finest piece of craftmanship you'll find in a jacket, holds up very well (another 5 yrs of use, no problem), great fit, doesn't flap in the wind, high tight-wrap collar really keeps the wind out (I keep mine snapped and simply regulate temperature with the zipper. THis really is a great jacket and if you can find it on sale at the nd o the winter season, grab one.

Strengths:
Fit, quality of fabric, quality of mfg, 5 pockets, high snap collar, overall quality
Simply the best and I've gone thru lots of jackets

Weaknesses:
Price, but you get what you pay for. I'm looking at a 10yr lifespan, min, so cost really does not seem that unreasonable

Similar Products Used:
Bell, Pearl, Castelli, Descente, Giordano

Price Paid:  $325.00 at Competitive Cyclist

Bike Setup:
high end road bikes.

Summary:
I have been using the Assos 851 this winter, and really like it. It fits very well, once you figure out the right size. Assos is variable in sizing in my opinion. For example, I wear large in Assos bibs, XL in their top line jersey, and L in the 851. In most other companies' products I wear mediums. It is worth the trouble to get the right fit, and I find I can wear this in weather from about 25 deg. F to 45 deg. F.

Strengths:
Form fitting, blocks wind in front, breaths in the rear, looks great and fits great in the cycling position.

Weaknesses:
Cost, but that is the way it is for Assos and other top quality products.

Similar Products Used:
Nike and Hincapie cycling jackets.

Price Paid:  $265.00 at Bike World

Favorite Ride:
Paso Robles

Bike Setup:
Schwinn fastback limited (2001)

Summary:
I was looking for a jacket that would keep me warm during the winter months with temps in the upper 20's to 40's. Well this jacket fits the bill perfectly. With a good long sleeve base layer this jacket keeps me warm even when the temps dip down to the low 30's and upper 20's. Without a base layer it works good with temps in the 40's. Any warmer than that and this jacket would probably be too much. This jacket is one of those types of cycling attire that work great while you're riding and creating some internal heat, but once you stop you'll get chilled quick. I like to start my rides feeling a little chilly then warm up. That way I don't have to peel a bunch of outer layers off after warming up. This jacket works perfectly for what I need. Also, this jacket is extremely form fitting. It fits my slimish torso perfectly, but maybe too tight for some people.

Strengths:
Windproof, form fitting and comfortable on the bike.

Weaknesses:
You'll get chilled at the post ride coffee stop.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi.

Price Paid:  $300.00 at local bike shop

Favorite Ride:
North Stonington Loop

Bike Setup:
Cannondale six 13 with Dura Ace

Summary:
Well, after a lot of trial and error I have finally found a good winter cycling jacket. For background I live in New England and we get 30 degree days starting in December and then it goes down from there and back to 30 in late February. Three months of indoor riding is too much, so you need a good balaclava and good winter gear if you're going to ride.

I just got this jacket and my first ride was a perfect test case - a 29 degree day and snow falling. The assos jacket performed great. I was completely comfortable and I only had a summer base layer and a short sleeve jersey under the assos. The jacket is a snug fit, but the wind block works great and the jacket is designed for use on a bike. Try it on standing up and it's not the most comfortable garment - get on the bike and the position greatly improves the garments fit. Good work by assos. The jacket looks good and the pockets are nice and deep. All in all I am happy with the purchase though the neck could be bigger (I am 6'3" 190 and I purchased the XL and I am not going to zip it all the way up) and the zipper strengthened since I plan on having this jacket for at least five years.

Assos is expensive and it pains me to buy this stuff, but it works and looks great to boot.

Strengths:
Works as advertised and fits well on the bike

Weaknesses:
Too much $$$$$$$

Similar Products Used:
Not much, truth be told

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Gearlink

Favorite Ride:
Fast

Bike Setup:
Trek 5500 Dura-Ace 10spd, Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL, Fizik Aliante, Speedplay

Summary:
This is a darn to good cycling jacket, unbeatible fit, superb fabrics, extra-good looking, I'm sure you can wear it for any kind of activity in the right color and nobody will ever notice is for cycling. The front of the chest and arms are made of Airblock fabric the rest is fleece (Rubaix), 4 bags on the back with one of them zippered, if they tell you is waterproof don't beleive them, it is only kind fo water guard but the fleece on the back will get wet really soon and then it will be all sanken. This jacket's got to be use on the right weather, great for chilli (not freezing) if wearing a base layer, on cool days you might want to remove that base layer. The arms are countured to the tuck position and that is where you'll really start to notice the great shape and fit it delivers. About durability which has always been the Achilles heel of Assos I don't know yet, and another not so good feature on all Assos garments is price, I wouldn't bought it if the guys at Gearlink didn't offer it as an upgrade for not having the Element One at the same price and better yet with 15% discount. The extra is on the neck collar, it's long and seals you in.

Strengths:
Extremelly good looking, light, contoured to the tuck position on the bike, warm wihtout being a toaster, it can be really warm with the proper base layer.

Weaknesses:
None yet discovered.

Similar Products Used:
None.