The Assos airJack was the jacket that changed the rule book for cycling apparel. Combining a windproof front panel with an exact fit, the airJack was a weatherproof masterpiece that skewed the line between jersey and jacket. Well, times have changed, the competition has gotten smarter, and Assos realized that it was time to step up the airJack's game. Going back to the drawing board, Assos has managed to revolutionize the cycling world again with the successor to the throne, the iJ.bonka.6 Mille Jacket.

Like the older top, the bonka is partially windproof, partially not. That's how it gets the climaRange.6 designation, which is considered to be the above-freezing temperatures of winter. The chest and arm panels that face the wind take advantage of Assos TwinDeckFoiling to keep the cold at bay. It has two layers, one windproof and one insulating. The outer-layer is the strataGonUltra material -- Assos' new waterproof, breathable, and flexible membrane that's less breathable when cold and more breathable as the air directly next to the membrane heats up. This allows it to retain more heat when you're cold and to be more breathable once you heat up and start to sweat. The inner-layer is Assos' RXQ fabric, a lightweight stretch fabric that's smooth on one side and fleecy on the other. The inner-arms are made from strataGonMedium, a lighter, stretchier, and more vapor-permeable version of the Ultra. This material provides both a better fit and more enhanced ventilation. The Medium is also found on the side panels. The back panel consists of the RX fabric, a heavyweight stretch fabric that's alternately smooth and fleecy. And the bottom hem, in the back, has Assos' rear stabilizer to hold the jacket in place.

The bonka also does a few new tricks. There is extra shaping at the elbow for greater comfort. The jacket also comes with a thin turtleneck layer you can either put on or leave at home. However, if the temperature is low, we recommend wearing it, as the turtleneck helps seal the collar from the elements. This touch is doubtlessly inspired by the many cyclists who borrow 'neck gaiters' from the ski drawer to help keep their necks warm on the coldest of days. The difference here, though, is that those are typically bulky and this is thin and designed to fit between the collar and your neck. Assos has longer more relaxed rides in the mindset for the MILLE, incorporarting the regularFit tailoring for this jacket. If you're looking for the over-the-top, skinny Euro fit, try the Cento.

The Assos iJBonka.6 Mille Jacket is available in the colors Black Volkanga, Red Swiss, and White Panther. It also comes in six sizes from Small to TIR. The jacket falls into Assos' climaRange.6, or in non-Assos-speak, winter. By Assos' calculations, you can expect total protection in temperature ranges from around 32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit.