Assos is well known for its high-quality premium cycle clothing, but it is fair to say the prices often make it unobtainable for many cyclists. Aiming to address that, these are the company's most affordable shorts and while £120 ain't exactly cheap, if you're in the market for bib shorts in the £80-140 price bracket, these are worth a serious look. They're seriously good.
What you're really interested in knowing is if the padded insert is any good, so we'll cut to the chase. Yes is the simple answer. It's one of the best not just at this price but even compared to more expensive shorts. Assos has been perfecting its chamois design over the years and that expertise really shows in the comfort of these shorts, and you get pretty much the same chamois technology as higher up the Assos range, albeit in short with a simpler design.
The S7 padding is made from 8mm thick memoryFoam with multiple layers including a waffle and dimpled construction that provides excellent cushioning, for the shortest and longest rides. Breathability is similarly impressive, ensuring the pad remains dry even during sweatier rides.
A feature unique to Assos is 'goldenGate,' whereby the middle section of the padding isn't actually attached to the shorts. The idea, and it does work, is that the padding is allowed the freedom to move with the body, which reduces the potential for chafing and discomfort.
The surface fabric of the pad is very soft next to the skin, and there are no edge seams to eliminate the potential for chafing. The shorts proved comfortable everywhere from lunchtime rides to longer weekend adventures. You don't need any chamois cream with these shorts.
The shorts are made from the Swiss company's own Type.429 fabric. Breathability of the fabric is good and performance in hot weather impressive. The fabric is also supportive and I've found them to be very durable, even during off-road excursions through some very overgrown trails and paths.
Assos hasn't skimped on the key details of the shorts, so you're getting a chamois that's similar to the ones found on its more expensive offerings. It has kept the price low by the simpler construction of the shorts. And it's an approach that works. These are every bit as comfortable as more expensive bib shorts and compare extremely well to other bib shorts in the £100-140 price bracket.
They are exceptionally well cut and shaped, and the fit around the legs and waist is excellent. The cut is simpler than the company's more expensive shorts, but thanks to the smart cut and fabric stretch, the fit doesn't suffer unduly. I certainly found no complaints with the fit and comfort compared to the more expensive Assos shorts I've tested previously.
Assos has moved the bib straps outward compared to other bib shorts, and that does appear to result in slightly improved comfort as the bib straps sit flush to the torso with less pressure over the shoulders when hunched over the drops. The straps are wide and flat and spread the pressure across the top of the shoulders nicely, and the back panel is constructed from a mesh material to aid breathability. A low waist band reduces pressure around the lower torso area and also makes toilet stops a little easier.
Verdict
Exceptionally comfortable bib shorts
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Make and model: Assos T.neoPro_s7
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Our new entry-level shorts are attractively priced and feature a regular, all-around fit.
They're ASSOS, so they use the exact same high quality materials and technologies as the higher levels. But they have a simpler construction, they're more essential, though plenty good enough for most applications. T.neoPro is the spiritual successor of the Uno _s5, just better, offering less weight and more performance. Simply an amazing pair of shorts! You need them!
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
For frequent riders, T.neoPro is ideally suited for your daily lunchtime ride or, if you are a young avid cyclist and new to ASSOS, these are the shorts you should start off with to enter the ASSOS total comfort universe.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
There are certainly cheaper shorts but if you want a premium short packed with design that delivers supreme comfort, these are worth a look, and possibly worth saving up for
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
A very comfortable short for short and long rides, the padded insert is the jewel in the crown with these shorts
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
High-level comfort from the padded insert, wrapped in a simple but effective bib short
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
I can't think of anything to fill this box with
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
They're worth saving up for as they offer superb comfort and a great fit, better than most rivals at or near this price
Age: 31 Height: 180 Weight: 67
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
Sort of misses the point of being able to actually breathe through my nose!
Love this. Hopefully trickle down ecomomics will mean all our clothing will have a lower impact on the environment
Being pedantic? I spent too long getting my cleats right, so Im not going to move them for wellies.
Never need to pay full price with LeCol there is always a code available if you do a quick google.
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Well done