AirJack 851
Alright, I’ll put it out there. I’ve been in love this with this jacket for at least the past decade. I’ve ridden more hours swaddled in the AirJack in horrible weather conditions (horrible by California standards) while wearing an original black 851 than any other jacket.
Thanks to its incredible mix of wind blocking 851 fabric and plush Roubaix insulating textile, the AirJack is equal parts shell and base layer. For our money it’s slightly better than the ElementOne simply because you almost never need to wear a shell over it. If you do need to wear a shell over it, you might think about riding the trainer or going to the gym.
The portions of the AirJack on the forward facing surfaces (chest, arms, etc.) are fabricated using Assos’ exclusive Airblock 851, a three-layer laminated membrane fabric that protects your skin from cold air while still allowing full freedom of movement and good breathability. To compliment the wind stopping aspects of the 851 with incredible warmth and breathability, the rest of the garment is made from RX900 "Super Roubaix" fleece backed fabric. Over the years the Super Roubaix has only gotten softer.
The AirJack’s most prominent feature and one of our most favorites, is the snap closure on the jacket’s collar. An absolute savior in horrible conditions, the snap closure can be popped open while climbing and rejoined for an additional level of protection while descending. I can’t even begin to imagine how many times I’ve snapped up that collar as I’ve started to drop down to Stinson Beach or off the top of a favorite climb up in Somoma County.
Some may say that the AirJack is actually too warm for Northern California’s mild winters and prefer to wear an ElementOne Jacket with an Element Zero vest. That option is a little cooler and, because you can remove the vest and stuff it in your pocket, ultimately work in a wider range of conditions. Both good ways to protect yourself in cool weather, but I’m sticking with the trusted AirJack
If you like to get out there in the fall and winter, the AirJack will become a trusted riding companion for you. After a decade of abuse ours is finally starting to give up the ghost. Could be time for a new one; maybe I’ll go with white this time around?
If you're interested pop into our online store and order up, give us a call @ 415.389.5461 if you're unsure of sizing or color selection, email or just come by the shop.
