Assos T.neoPro_s7 bib shorts

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.

Buy Assos T.neoPro_s7

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.

Read more: The best cycling bib shorts

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