Assos - worth it?

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Wobblers

Euthermic
Location
Minkowski Space
Just how good are Assos shorts? I'm pondering getting a pair of Assos F1 Uno shorts, but how much better / more comfortable are they than the Gore Power III shorts I use now?

Given that Assos seem to be about twice as expensive as most other shorts, would it be silly to expect them to be twice as comfortable, or last twice as long? Or are you paying for a name?
 

TijnUK

New Member
Location
Brighton
Assos are very comfortable but won't last long in my opnion. I bought the Assos FI Mille S5 white version, which were see through after about 5 washes. I still use them for spinning but with shorts over them. I rode the 65miles Burges Hills Rumble in them when they were brand new and didn't have any problems at all. Like a comfortable sofa. I have had lots of different bibs and they are by far the most comfortable but for me absolutely not worth the money and will not buy them again.

I now did a 100 mile ride in brand new Nalini endurance bibshorts for half the price and had no problems either. That chamois is a lot thinner and on my Klein bike alu bike which feeds every little bump through, it was still very good.

So be careful what you buy but if you want comfort, Assos is good.
 

gavintc

Guru
Location
Southsea
My wife swears by them and will only wear Assos on long rides. Personally, I am not that convinced. I have a pair, they are OK, but I prefer my Santini bibs.
 

Keith Oates

Janner
Location
Penarth, Wales
I have never used or bought Assos shorts but they do look good. However having said that I think that we all have different 'rear ends' and what is comfortable to me may not be to others, so it's very much a try it and see situation. I have some fairly expensive shorts that are OK but some cheap ones I bought in the Philippines, that have very little padding, seem to be good for me on longish rides!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

yello

Guest
TijnUK said:
Assos are very comfortable but won't last long in my opnion.

That's true. And, in fairness to Assos, they're not designed that way. Assos are quite open about that. Their stuff is designed for comfort and performance and not longevity. I think it says as much on their website.

Their bibs are, however, extremely comfortable to wear. Certainly the FI Mille S5s that I have are the most comfortable bibs I own. If money were no object, then I'd buy another pair.

But I personally have decided that they are not intended for the likes of me! Too expensive for my needs. Certainly when considering their lesser life expectancy. I simply can't afford that kind of dosh every 3 years. I personally found that the £60ish that I spent on Santini King GXT bibs to have been better value, as I said here.
 

yello

Guest
So, to answer the question!, 'are they worth it?'

Imo, the answer contains an 'if' or two.

IF you are a committed cyclist, IF it's your passion (and IF you can afford it of course!) then, yes, Assos kit is worth it. No question in my mind. Or simply if you're awash with cash then why not have the best?

If, like me, you ride for pleasure and perhaps pootle 2 or 3 times a week (or commute). Cycling's not your life's focus nor raison d'etre, and you just throw your sweaty kit in the wash for doing once a week then maybe, just maybe, Assos doesn't have you in it's customer demographic! Doesn't mean you can't buy it mind but you'd probably appreciate more having the cash difference to buy coffee and cake!

My big brother used to spend top dollar on hifi kit. I could never hear the difference from my cheap stuff but it was his thing, his money to spend. I can get my head around that. Pays your money etc.
 

giant man

New Member
Location
Essex innit?
Well as far as 'won't last long' goes, my last pair lasted over 5 years so of course they're worth it imo. Wouldn't buy anything else quite honestly ..... it's the design of the insert and quality of the kit you're paying for.
 

trailstar

New Member
what counts as "long"

I have two pairs of Assos shorts, Assos 3/4s, arm warmers, leg warmers and socks..

Oldest shorts are 2years, and the newest were the 3/4s bought in January. I've ridden loads and loads of miles in them, and they generally get washed after every second ride in them.

They are insanely comfy, the quality of the lycra is fantastic and the fit is perfect. Really really like them.

For your average non-pro cyclist they are going to last fine.. :smile:

Check out raphas bib shorts as well, ive heard they are amazing also.
 

gavintc

Guru
Location
Southsea
trailstar said:
)

Check out raphas bib shorts as well, ive heard they are amazing also.

I do not think you are allowed to mention Rapha in a complementary manner on CC. There are too many hair shirt socialists who will decry your affluence in a sneering manner. :smile:
 
About 18 months ago I treated myself to a pair of Assos F1 Millie shorts ( not bibs ) and whilst I would hesitate to say they weren't very good I was not over impressed.

They didn't fit very well around the bum region and were quite baggy so if you got off the saddle,when you got back on the point of the saddle got caught in the shorts.The waist fitted fine,but perhaps I would have been better with a Medium rather than a Large so I would strongly suggest trying a pair on first especially considering the price.

As for comfort,they were nothing special,certainly no different to shorts half the price.

One thing I did find irritating on a supposedly quality garment was that at the back on the inside were two labels which were irritating as you got sweaty.I considered cutting them off but presumed that it would leave a more stubby label which would be even worse.

So my verdict would be a poor fit ( but that could just be me ),no more comfortable than cheaper versions,and try before you buy.

I don't think I would invest again.

I have just sold them for less than half the price I paid for them.

Ian
 

Tynan

Veteran
Location
e4
I paid £65 for a pair of their bib shorts, just second hand, the mille I think and love them, very comfortable and very smart, they're certainly in a league above anything else I've worn, very well made indeed

it's like almost anything, worth it if you can afford it, the people you see riding in a pair of football shorts would say £20 is too much

how can someone buy white skin tight shorts and complain about them going see through?
 

yello

Guest
Tynan said:
how can someone buy white skin tight shorts and complain about them going see through?

:laugh: I can complain about other peoples bibs going see through! Not a pleasant sight at all! e&oe of course :ohmy:

But, yes, I'd agree. Assos are a league above and that comes at a price. And, yes, also like anything else, ymmv.

If you follow the washing instructions to the letter on Assos bibs, you will prolong their life, of that I'm sure.
 

redddraggon

Blondie
Location
North Wales
yello said:
That's true. And, in fairness to Assos, they're not designed that way. Assos are quite open about that. Their stuff is designed for comfort and performance and not longevity. I think it says as much on their website.

giant man said:
Well as far as 'won't last long' goes, my last pair lasted over 5 years so of course they're worth it imo. Wouldn't buy anything else quite honestly ..... it's the design of the insert and quality of the kit you're paying for.

Aye mine for a good few years and they still look pretty new. Longevity seems to be better than cheap stuff.
 

yello

Guest
from the Assos website

ASSOS use performance oriented fabrics to construct highly technical garments which are light, low volume and sensitive. Not rigid, “bullet-proof” stuff. ASSOS apparel is precious: functional, high-tech and, yes, it can be more delicate than ordinary cycling gear. All this, for the increase in your wellbeing and enjoyment when cycling, be it for fitness or competition. ASSOS equipment is engineered to handle high mileage in different climatic conditions, garments that are made for true cycling, to last many kilometers.

Because of its high performance DNA, ASSOS equipment is not made to last forever, but by following a few simple but essential guidelines, you can extend your garment’s lifespan and take full advantage of what ASSOS is capable of doing for your wellbeing.

Read into that as you like but my take is performance over longevity.
 

Russdee

New Member
Hi There,

I think they are great - have two paires, one four and the other two years old. Both wearing well. The trick is to follow the washing instructions to the letter, including temp.

I do not have any other make of shorts now. Find them very, very comfortable. I rode 110 miles on Sunday, no sore bits or issues at all.

Cheers

Russ
 
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