I now own 4 pair of Assos bib shorts, I ride frequently and rotate through them. I love these shorts! They are the only bibs that actually have space for the male anatomy, the cycling equivalent of a cod piece. I feel secure without feeling like my testicles are being pushed up into my abdomen. In some shorts the chamois isn't high enough in the front and the chamois ends midway across my penis (not a great place for chaffing!), but these are perfect. The rest of the chamois is well padded but not so much padding that I feel like I'm wearing a diaper. They are holding up well, I wash them after almost every ride.
I'm tall and thin. Great sale price for these, and I've wanted to try a pair for a while. But for a tall thin guy, like me, I have found that these, like other Assos bibs I have had, are cut too short. I returned these after trying on, but I also ordered a pair of the Mille GT summer bibs in a long, which I had never seen offered by Assos before. They fit great, so I exchanged the RS S9 for a second pair of the Mille GT's also on reduced price. I am 6'2" 170lbs, 34" waist. Either a large or med fits, but I prefer the compression of the medium, and previous Assos large have gotten looser with use, especially around the leg opening.
So I had been using pearl izumi and Louis Garneau shorts... the most expensive LG pair was 150. Carbon ION. It was recommended that I try Assos, I bought the Evos and the RS( and after trying the EVOs I thought I was going to return the RS S9. Anyway, I thought what the heck they are half off and it was going to be $10 to return so I tried them and I loved them. Both the EVOs the S9s are way better than the LG or Pearl Izumi, I had two warm days in DEC and got 50 mi on each,, I think I like the S9s( better than the EVOs but I only got the one day for each before the weather turned cold again; I wear a L in the Louis Garneau and pearl izumi and an XL in the Assos ,,,,
I have been riding with Assos bib shorts for over a decade. As long as you take care of them they will last you for many years of good riding. I put all of my gear in a pillow case and wash them on delicate cycle and hang them to dry each time. They have lasted me for years in the process. These bibs have a phenomenal chamois in them that is comfortable and keeps the bum from hurting on extended rides. The straps hold the bibs on snugly so that the chamois can do its job of keeping the bum from getting sore. These were on sale for a decent price. Thanks!
Price is what you pay, value is what you get. While these may be on the higher end of the cost spectrum for bib shorts, they are perfection. Fit, finish, chamois construction, placement, leg grippers; all well thought out and perfectly executed. I'm not sure what they call the "pouch" in front with the chamois, but it's magic for any ride over 3 hours. I have the RSR as well, and truthfully I would buy these even if they were the same price. And in comparison to the Rapha Pro Team, MAAP, etc, these are just better. You may wince at the purchase price, but every time you ride in these shorts you'll remember why it was worth it to buy them.
These are the best fitting bibs I own and were my 1st pair of high-end bibs. Found these at a great sale price and decided I needed to see what the hype for this brand was all about. There's not a single thing I don't like about them. When I first tried them on I thought they were just a bit too tight, based on the fit of my other low end bibs & shorts. I've now come to prefer their more compressive fit. When on the bike I quickly forget I'm wearing anything which is the highest praise I can give a pair of bibs.
The bibs are absolutely the best. I've worn many other top end brands and these are the best I've worn to date. I like these better than the higher priced Assos bibs as well. Great purchase and plan to buy others in the future.
Since going to Assos bibs, I have never looked back. The best is the Cento Evo Assos for me.
I train on a road bike about 10,000miles a year, so I put my stuff through the wringer.. Every iteration of Assos bibs has made great improvements - not just cosmetic changes or for 'hype' in order to sell you something 'new', but real strides worked out after miles and years of riders' input.! The S5 version were terrific, then the S7 and now these are yet again a step up from the company that is strides and pedal strokes ahead of all the others. The compression is perfect and the pad never pinches or rides, does exactly what it's supposed to do, which is moisture control (not just cushioning). As for the reviewer with the 'strap confusion', sorry, but this strap design is the best yet .. smooth and never out of place while riding in any position.
The S7 were great, but had some issues. The S9 seems to have corrected my previous complaints. All in these are the nicest bibs I own, I wore them for the Death Ride Tour of the California Alps. 9 hours in the saddle, and they held up to everything, the chamois didnt chafe all that badly (again 10 hour ride in 93 degree heat) and they stay with you as you pedal really nicely. These are a race fit, so there wont be much to hide your body type if youre worried about that. Last the density of the chamois is really nice, it seems more waffled and firmer than Ive experienced with other bib makers or the last genS7. The new strap design is great, easily the most comfortable design Ive used to date. Id rank these higher than the Raphael Pro Team and of the S7 was a 4.55 this is a 5. The chamois wings dont chafe me like the S7 did after 2 hours into the ride.
great fabric and compression and they feel terrific. Only issue is they are cut very low on the torso, which if your extremely fit is terrific, if your not they slide down below any belly you may have which is neither comfortable or attractive, lol . they shouldn't change anything except perhaps design a pair cut a bit higher
Hands down the best I've worn, swapping from PearlIzumi the fit and finish is over the top! I picked the s9 up on sale and I like how it conforms to my profile and the fabric is comfortable hour after hour. Would love to try some cold weather gear here soon enough.
Two noticeable difference I felt straightaway were the compression and the kraterCooler technology of the chamois. The fit was exceptional -- I have worn them to race, on long rides, and even indoor training sessions. I highly recommend.
I like Assos bib shorts. When I saw them on Bikes Tires Direct web site I took a chance and ordered them. It was very easy to place my order and free quick delivery by US mail to my residence in Hawaii.
I find the RS S9 shorts fit a little tighter than my other Assos shorts, however that is simply a little extra support I feel. So not a problem, however if you are "just" fitting other Assos shorts and don't like a support feel its worth considering. So far they feel great, and are wearing well.
The bib shorts are the best. The shorts do not move around and compress muscles to get best work out.
I have been a big fan of the Assos Equipe for many years. The S7 was in my opinion the best in terms of comfort and quality. The S9 is good but does not seem as well finished as the S7 was. I also think the chamois is smaller and thinner. Time will tell if it is as durable as the S7.
Love these. Nice compression. Chamois does the job - very comfortable on long rides, and is very compact compared to other brands. Expensive - yes, but worth it. Wait for a sale if you can. I'm 6ft 200# 34 inch waist and wear a XL (not XLG).
I've got other brands. They're fine for indoor trainer, my 20-25 mile loops, and sometimes on more serious speed or distance rides. When I want to not worry about fit for chafing or other dangers, this is my go-to. Assos runs pro/slim unless otherwise marked. I'm 5'6" 138 pounds but pushing 50 years old and not razor thin just above the waist. I wear size small in most brands but for these, medium works best for me.
This was my first Bib, which I bought at my cyclist buddies recommendation. It really improved my riding experience except for the burn on my nipple. Looking forward to buying the long version of it (although I wish the price would have been a bit lower).
