Best Winter Cycling Jackets 2026: Warmest Layers Tested
Summary of the Assos EQUIPE RS Johdah Ultraz Winter Jacket S11 Review
This text reviews the Assos EQUIPE RS Johdah Ultraz Winter Jacket S11, positioning it as the best winter cycling jacket on the market, despite its high price ($800). Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Performance vs. Price: While expensive, the jacket offers only a small performance increase over cheaper alternatives (around 95% performance for half the price, even within the Assos brand). However, if you want the absolute best, this is it.
* Materials: Assos’ materials are comparable to Polartec, offering excellent breathability and warmth, with improved rain resistance (though it’s not a rain jacket).
* Key Features:
* Shoulder Vent: Builds upon the design of the Assos Equipe RS Spring Fall Jacket S11, but improved for colder weather.
* Inner Vest: Features an attached inner vest with its own zipper, enhancing warmth and versatility.
* Diffuser Vents: Vents positioned above the inner vest layer for better cold-weather performance.
* Pocket Design: Pockets are designed without outer seams to prevent leakage into the jacket’s interior.
* Drawbacks:
* no double Zipper: A missing feature the reviewer would like to see.
* Zipper Type: Prefers larger plastic teeth zippers over the smaller metal ones Assos uses.
* Not Waterproof: Requires a separate rain jacket in wet conditions (the Equipe RS Alleycat Clima Capsule Targa is recommended).
* Overall: The jacket is incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of temperatures, and performs better in damp conditions than other softshell options. The reviewer consistently chooses this jacket over others.
The article also briefly touches on how to choose a winter cycling jacket in general:
* Changing Winter Cycling: Indoor training options are becoming more popular, and winters are becoming warmer with more extreme weather bursts.
* Weather is Key: The type of weather you expect to encounter should drive yoru jacket choice (cold/dry vs. wet, duration of rides).
* Hardshell vs. softshell: the article notes a trend towards fewer hardshell options.