Assos T.Equipe_S7 Bibs

Assos says these shorts are “tailored to fit a racing type cycling body.” That’s a vague description, but we’re pretty sure that means skinny and hunched-over in the race position. Try standing up straight in these bibs and you’ll feel like a backpack is trying to strangle you. And that’s perhaps not a bad thing, because that means everything falls in line when you’re in the heat of a race. The unique fit is immediately noticeable: lots of room in the crotch to prevent friction and rubbing, a low-cut front, and a forward-positioned chamois specifically for road riding.

The chamois is sewn to the bibs at the front and rear, but not in the middle. Our best guess is Assos does this so the chamois moves more freely with your body, but it also creates the risk of unwanted movement that can lead to chafing. We didn’t experience any chafing, nor did we feel like the chamois moved with our bodies any better than any other bib shorts.

The flat, wide bib straps are supremely comfortable in the riding position. They don’t feature any perforations yet they feel airy on hot days. The wide two-inch leg bands with minimal grip material keep the shorts in place comfortably.

Consider these a reliable choice for race-day bibs, especially if you’ll be in an aggressive riding position for long stretches (think crits, hard sprints, and pacelines). If your ride is more of a casual affair with a stop at the coffee shop, you might find these a bit constricting.