We’ve already published the full announcement for ASSOS next generation of bibshorts, the S7, but Thursday was our first opportunity to see and feel them in person.
After being whisked up to the top floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, I was warmly welcomed into ASSOS’ suite, where the focus this year was solely on these game changing pieces of cycling apparel.
Bobby Howell, the new sales manager for the company walked us through the line.
As was mentioned in the initial announcement, it has been six years since ASSOS introduced their top of the line S5 bibshorts. While the S5 is still the best short out there, ASSOS still saw room for improvement as well as ways that they could provide consumers with a more complete line.
While we are looking forward to trying out the new race-fit Equipe model when it comes out in November, I’m personally convinced that the $199 NeoPro model will be the game changer that can potentially attract new customers to the brand. The NeoPro, a 3 panel short, has all of the best features of the $379 S5. Mr. Howell called it the “Welcome to ASSOS” model.
The emphasis for the entire S7 line is on using better textiles over more panels and seams to provide compression. There are 47% fewer seams across the entire line and the shorts have come in around 20% lighter than the predecessors.
All of the shorts get a new “Royal Purple” insert with a couple of notable new technologies that will complement what is already a great pad.
The first of these technologies used across all four models of the S7 line is ASSOS’ patented “Golden Gate” concept. With Golden Gate, the sides of the pads are only anchored to the short at the front and the rear, leaving the middle open. Not only does this increase breathability, but it also allows the lycra to move around at the interface between the seat and the short while the insert stays snug to the body without any friction whatsoever.
The Equipe moves up to a five panel construction. Guys are sure to like the triple stitch dart in the front that creates a cradle for the male anatomy. While the Equipe shares a number of its fabrics with the NeoPro and Cento, they receive Scholler’s iceColor treatment to help with temperature regulation. The Equipe also gets an insert that is slightly longer in front to provide more support when riders are pedaling with their hands down in the drops.
The Cento is the first model to receive the “Rear Terminal” technology. Rear terminal serves to wick away sweat that pools at the rear of the short via venting and a special microfiber sheet. Not only does the microfiber pull sweat away from the body and the short (a common source of wear in shorts), but it also covers the rear seam of the short as well, further reducing friction to the rider.
The Cento also gets the Kukupenthouse technology. Kukupenthouse technology actually removes the top sheet of the insert and replaces it with a microfiber sheet. Not only does this sheet pull moisture away from your male parts, it also creates an extremely comfortable ‘penthouse’ for them.
The $519 USD Campionissimo receives many of the technologies from the lesser shorts, but also gets “Super Air” – small circular cutouts in the insert that further increase air circulation. Most notably for the Campionissimo is its woven (as opposed to knit) nylon fabric. Not only does the woven fabric provide more compression, it is also more aerodynamic and provides more wicking. Indeed, this is the fabric that was used by Fabian Cancellara for his 2012 attempt to repeat his 2008 gold medal winning individual time trial effort.
Yes, $519 is a lot to pay for a pair of bibshorts, but when you consider that you are getting technology that was previously available only to the sport’s most elite athletes, it makes a little more sense. All I know is that the other makers of bibs know have even more catching up to do.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
2012 Olympics Individual Time Trial gold medal was won by Sir Bradley Wiggins. Fabian Cancellara came 7th in the individual TT, after crashing heavily in the final stages of the road race event.
Thanks for pointing out the error. I corrected the text.
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