Blog posts of '2011' 'April'

For each of the brands we partner with at Tour Cycling we look for something different better and special that can offer our customers only quality and value in what they select from our store. 

ASSOS of Switzerland is one of the top quality designers of cycling apparel  and arguably the best in many areas of the wide selection of cycling apparel.  If we had to vote what was the ultimate best part of the Assos portfolio we would have to say THE BIBS and SHORTS… Without a doubt. 

At the ASSOS core you will find a bib and short selection that represents quality – and we would have to say one of the best values on the market.   We have heard many folks balk at the price tag that they see on a pair of ASSOS bibs or shorts.  However if you look at it per mile for mile in terms of your ultimate cost and comfort on the bike in most all cases ASSOS would come back as the lowest cost option. We have had many customers note they have gone through multiple pairs of lower cost shorts and bibs --- over the same rate they may have fully depreciated one pair of ASSOS bibs or shorts.  With Quality you really get what you pay for.

What we also see with Assos on their bibs and shorts is confidence in the core models they have selected. You will not see ASSOS rolling out multiple upgrades to their core lines – unless they have truly developed a genuine improvement.  What this means is when you purchase a pair of ASSOS bibs – you can be sure it has earned the right to wear the ASSOS name.
We have been often asked about as to the key differences between the core bibs of ASSOS.  In order to bring this forward here are the main comparisons of attributes for the ASSOS Uno Bib, the T FI. Mille bib and the T F.I. 13 bib so you do not just have to read the fine print in order to figure out what is the difference:  (See Table Below)
Comparison of ASSOS top cycling bibs

The antistatic carbon fiber mesh in the T FI.Uno, T FI.Mille and the T F.I.13 all increase blood circulation in the muscles and allow you to perform better. The opaque mesh construction provides good ventilation when stretched so you will not feel clammed into your shorts when you start to sweat. Performance and comfort are found in all three bike shorts. Yet, while all three ASSOS bibs have this mesh, the level of quality of the rest of this fabric and the varying number of panels gives you quality at different prices and for different types of riding.

ASSOS refers to their FI.Uno S5 Bib Shorts as their "All-around racing and training shorts" because they provide a pair of quality bib shorts for a types of riding of the cost minded cyclist. The FI.Uno S5 has six panels made with the AEPD fabric. One of the differences is welded leg grippers that hold the legs of the shorts in place, but at a lower cost.
The 4-panel design of the T FI.Mille_S5 is made for the rider who is in the more upright position. This is the position of the long distance cycling rider. The fabric of the T F1.Mille_S5 also stretches more, making it more comfortable but at the same time this stretch takes away the compression which you find in the six panel design of the T FI.13_S5 and the FI.Uno S5. The additional panels in these shorts give you a second skin feel and the improved compression helps you to better recover on your bike through each pedal stroke. The AEPD – Advanced Ergonomic Pattern Design of the fabric in both the T FI.13_S5 and the FI.Uno S5 gives you cycling bibs that are not only more aerodynamic, but the material is lighter. These factors are important for the performance minded rider. With the T FI.13_S5, ASSOS upgraded the AEPD fabric and created a cycling bib that is “the world’s technological leader.”  The new, improved AEPD II fabric has 25% less pressure on the genital area, it weighs 20% less and has 20% less volume. It is also 25% more breathable with 20% more compression on the muscle zone. These are the best shorts ASSOS makes for the performance minded rider.

When riding your bike, whether in a short bike race or on long training rides in the mountains, having a good chamois that fits the contours of your body is important. The purpose of a chamois is to wick moisture and to prevent chafing. All three chamois’ do this, but each one is designed for a different type of ride. They all ASSOS bibs also have the next-to-skin softness with the heat-ventilation dimples on the chamois. The varying layers in the areas you need more protection are designed into all three bibs. What gives the T FI.Mille_S5 its long distance chamois is a bigger chamois in the surface area, less stretch and a built in stabilizer which keeps it from moving around when you pedal. Like the FI.13 S5, there is less bulk than in the FI.Uno_S5 and it is also cut at the front of the chamois to reduce the genital pressure which you need especially when you are deep in the saddle. What makes the FI.13_S5 the best bike shorts for the performance rider is that it is cut to perfectly fit your body no matter what position you are in. The core is sewn directly to bib crotch fabric for stability. You can be on the drops in a criterium or on the hoods climbing a mountain. You will stay comfortable. One of the highlights in the T FI.13 S5 is the pro cycling quality chamois which is made with two separate pads and two separate stitchings. The double-layered, wicking polyester moves moisture away from your skin and it dries very quickly.  In the FI.13 S5, the layer next to your skin is softer, so you have more comfort. The A431 fabric has less stretch which keeps the chamois in a more stable position in your crotch giving you a chamois more likely to stay in-tact over time so you will be protected from the abrasion for a longer time. Even though the FI.13 S5 is pricier, these ASSOS bib shorts will last longer so you get what you pay for.