The Assos Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 bring high-performance features and comfort, incorporating technology from Assos’ top-tier models, without reaching the ultra-premium price point. With an excellent chamois and impressive overall comfort, there’s very little to fault.
Despite being less expensive than the Swiss company’s ultra-premium offerings, these bib shorts still arrive in sleek, well-considered packaging that reinforces the brand’s premium feel.
> What are the best bib shorts for cycling? Our top picks for comfort and performance
The first pair of bib shorts that truly impressed me were from Assos over a decade ago, and I’ve continued to repurchase them over the years. The Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 impress too: the fabric and finish are exceptional, and they offer top-tier comfort.
They are part of Assos’s Racing Series, designed to provide comfort in aggressive riding positions, though I found them comfortable for all types of riding.
Material and fit
The Dyora R S11 shorts are made with Assos’ Type.911 fabric. It’s soft to touch and offers compression without feeling restrictive or pinching anywhere. They really did feel like a second skin.
The fit is race-oriented and initially I was concerned that the waistband sat a bit low, especially as someone with a long torso. However, the lower fit enhanced comfort, particularly in an aggressive riding position in the drops. I didn’t have a problem with jerseys covering it, but shorter jerseys may occasionally reveal a bit of base layer or skin when standing upright at the café.
Assos calls this waistband design the zeroPressure waist, and it greatly contributed to the ride comfort. With raw cut edges and no tight elastic, there wasn’t any digging in or discomfort, even during hard efforts. It does a great job of reducing pressure in aggressive riding positions.
Moving to the bottom of the shorts, the edges are raw cut with four minimalist anti-slip grippers. They hold the legs in place well with no unwanted riding up. The shorts use Assos’ racingFit cut, which the brand says is slightly longer than their regularFit. They still finished a way above the knee on me, but for reference I do have longer legs.
The X-Frame bib strap system, borrowed from Assos’ higher-end models, distributes pressure evenly and stays flat against the body, preventing any sagging and ensuring the chamois stays perfectly positioned. The fixed cross at the rear also helps prevent any twisting of the straps.
The fabric also has built in odour control and SPF 50 protection.
Pad
The chamois is one of the most important parts of a pair of bib shorts and the Dyora R S11 deliver exceptionally well in this area.
The pad features Assos’ goldenGate 2.0 technology which means it’s attached at the front and rear but left floating at the sides and centre. This is said to allow it to move with your body.
In use, the chamois performed brilliantly across a range of ride types, ranging from short, high-intensity efforts to longer 3-4 hour endurance rides.
With 9mm of padding and Assos’ 3D waffle construction, if offers excellent support and breathability without feeling bulky. I rate it very highly.
Size and colours
The Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 are available in six sizes, from XS to 2XL. I went for a size M which is my usual size in Assos shorts and was confirmed by the size guide, and the fit was spot on.
They come in three colour options. My test pair came in Secret Blue, a pastel blue shade, and you can also get Edge Green and the more traditional plain black. I initially had concerns about how visible sweat might be on the lighter shade, but even during rides in temperatures in the mid 20s, no sweat patches were noticeable. Assos says the material is hydrophobic and dries quickly to prevent weight gain through lingering moisture.
Crash replacement policy
Assos offers a crash replacement policy in which they will repair or replace the item free of charge if it’s damaged during a crash in the first 30 days following the purchase. After that period, they’ll still aim to repair or replace the item, though they will ‘reasonably charge’ for this service.
Despite not knowing exactly what this cost is, it’s still a useful policy, particularly when investing in premium kit.
Value
At £165, the Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 are certainly not cheap but their performance does rival some even more expensive bibs. They sit between mid-range and ultra-premium offerings.
Santini’s Unico Women’s Shorts are a performance bib-short and are now priced at £152, with an excellent chamois for long days out.
They undercut ultra-premium bibs like the Pas Normal Studios Women’s Essential Bibs which are now £195 and Assos’ own men’s Equipe RS Schtradivari Bib Shorts (£215) while offering virtually all of the same core technology and race-ready features.
Overall
The Assos Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 offer great performance, comfort and premium quality. They deliver many of the benefits of Assos’ top-tier models without the full ultra-premium price tag. The chamois is excellent and the fit and finish are clearly well thought out.
Verdict
Very comfortable high-performance shorts, with little to fault
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Assos DYORA R Bib Shorts S11
Size tested: M
Tell us what the product is for
The Assos website says:
“The core of the Racing Series, a streamlined racing bib short with trickledown technology. Engineered with highly breathable compression in a second-skin fit for daily training and racing, the S11 generation provides ultralight comfort in aggressive riding positions.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From the Assos website:
– race-tuned compression and aircooling breathability with a simpler construction than advanced models like the RSV S11
– raw-cut cuffs, low-volume silicone grip, and lightweight, compressive Type.911 textile
– DYORA R S11 Insert is a race-tuned platform with updated shaping to better support aggressive riding positions
– the goldenGate 2.0 construction returns, ensuring the insert moves with you to eliminate friction during high-intensity riding.
“Main Fabric 80% polyamide, 20% elastane; Padding Insert 85% polyamide, 15% elastane”
Really well made with soft fabrics, minimal seams and leg grippers that stay in place well.
Very comfortable bib shorts, particularly in an aggressive race position.
No issues so far.
Great performance fit. The chamois placement is perfect and the compression is good yet not restrictive. The front waist is cut low but this works very effectively at relieving pressure when in an aggressive position.
True to size, with the Assos website also having a size recommendation calculator. Longer in the leg which is typical of new race bibs but still above the knees.
Lightweight.
Really comfortable chamois and fit.
They are expensive, but the quality is excellent with many features found on much more expensive bibs.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
No issues in a 40°C wash throughout testing and they dried quickly.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
An excellent pair of bib shorts on both short, high intensity rides as well as longer endurance rides.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The chamois and fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
They sit between mid-range and ultra-premium bibs with many bibs from brands like Pas Normal Studios and other Assos shorts significantly more expensive.
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 overall score
These shorts offer great performance, comfort and premium quality at a not-so-ultra-premium price with many of the features of Assos’ top-tier models.
About the tester
Age: 25 Height: 175 Weight: 64
I usually ride: specialised tarmac sl6 My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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