I have been using this bib short just like the previous version, on road and gravel. The legs are long for protection with good compression and the grippers are wide and hold. The pockets are secure and large enough to hold my iPhone and easy to access while riding. The pockets are close to the thigh when empty and easy to stash wrappers while riding. I actually had to look if my phone was on my thigh because it was so comfortable. This short has everything I need for comfort and ride protection. The chamois is very comfortable and the shorts are abrasion resistant.
My 3rd pair of Assos bibs (3 different models), so it's certain I'm a fan of their products. I'm 6'0' / 137 lbs / pretty old. I've gone with medium in GT Mille bibs before. I really like the fit and compression of the mid thickness Lycra and the mid length (lower than most bibs) front panel (easier than most for quick urination break). These have a similar fit (again I like the compression) but a thinner (summer weight) Lycra. The chamois is different / thinner than Mille GT series but still quite comfortable (the longer the ride the more I'd choose thicker chamois). The leg length is better for me, but I wouldn't consider it long (more like normal in other brands). A go to summer bib.
Let's start with the one issue I see in this piece. The zipper is dead center and hits you right in the adams apple. It should be offset. With that in mind, if you are between sizes you need to go with the larger one, otherwise the pressure on the neck will be more noticeable. How do I know that. I first bought the L and then got the XL. The L fits well, but I feel pressure in the neck. The XL is looser of a fit. I would prefer the large with a redesign on the neck area.
The unfinished sleeves are awesome - providing no bulk when layering. Everything is like a warm hug with this piece. I feel it should fit fairly snug so that you can layer - putting this mid-layer over a skin layer and under a jacket - to add extra warmth. The current Assos jackets are meant more for high intensity efforts where you are cranking out heat. If you are not putting out a lot of effort you need something like the GT mid layer. This philosophy is an exconmical one since you do not need a bunch of different jackets for varying conditions, you just layer in what you need by combining fewer layers to achieve the jacket of the day.
I prefer this over the older style of dedicated jackets. The GT mid layer can be used for other activities than cycling. I use it as a warm compression layer for golfing in colder weather,
I prefer a nice amount of cushioning plus I don't want a short that is too long, such as Rapha, or too short so I tried these C2 shorts and liked them so much i now have 6 of them. I fit a Small even though my waist measures a medium; I find this with another favored short of mine too. I have not had any issues with the wings on the chamois as some other people have complained about. In my experience they are comfortable and hold up well.
