ASSOS T-Rally Shorts & Skinfoil Jersey – Review
It’s fair to say that most of you will think road bike when you read the word ASSOS. Well, the premium quality cycle clothing manufacturer has branched out into the MTB world
The history of ASSOS goes back to the 70’s, with carbon frames, lycra shorts and anatomical skin-suits. In the 80’s they introduced sublimation printing to jersey’s, in the 90’s they reinvented the cycling shorts industry with elastic inserts. ASSOS have always been at the top of their game. I’d come across some of their items of clothing before and have always thought it felt like quality. Now I have my hands on these shorts and base-layer top, I can confirm that they live up to my expectation. From the moment of opening the box to putting them on, you can feel the quality.
Assos Skinfoil Evo7 NS Summer –
This base layer from Assos is available in a whole host of variations to suit all occasions, no-sleeve summer, short-sleeve summer, short-sleeve spring/fall, long-sleeve spring/fall, long-sleeve early winter and long-sleeve winter. I’ve got the no-sleeve summer option here. This Skinfoil is the first part of the Assos Layer System (ALS), it is specifically designed to pull moisture away from the body. I’ve used compression type base layers before but this is more than that, it’s an insulator as well. During warm rides, it really does help keep you cool, drawing the sweat away. Initially I thought it was going to be on the tight side but I needn’t have worried. It fit like a glove and didn’t move while riding, no bunching up and making things uncomfortable.
Materials:
85% Polypropylen
15% Polyester
Price :
£55.00
Assos T Rally Bib Shorts –
Assos are known for their cycling shorts, they have taken all their years of experience and produced these mountain bike shorts. All that experience and many new innovations promise to make these the shorts to have. The padded insert is MTB specific, they haven’t simply used one of their existing pads. This allows for more movement between the different layers of the pad, to reflect the extra movement involved in mountain biking over road biking. The insert is also shaped specifically for the position we sit in the saddle compared to road cycling. All this helps them be very comfortable indeed. The shorts include removable hip pads, to take the sting out of any unwelcome incidents. They aren’t huge, solid, bulky pads either but slim (8mm), flexible and designed with the racer in mind. I’ve been using them with and without the included crash pads. They are slim enough that they really don’t get in the way or hinder you when there in place. They aren’t going to save your life but will help protect against minor scrapes.
So far, these are without question the most comfortable bib-shorts I’ve ever worn. The wide braces hold them in place but aren’t in any way restrictive. The lower legs stay in place on the thighs very well, they don’t ride up like I’ve experienced with other shorts. The legs are a little shorter in length than others I’ve used, this doesn’t bother me in the slightest but thought it worth mentioning.
Materials:
55% Polyamide
45% Elastane
Price :
£265.00
Assos Size Guide –
It’s also worth pointing out Assos’s warranty and crash repair policy –
“Any manufacturing defect noted on a garment within the first 3 months from purchase is repaired or exchanged – no questions asked. If the garment is older than 3 months and still in good condition, we ask customers to get in touch with us and we will evaluate each case individually in terms of repair. We also offer a crash policy whereby if you crash within one year of purchase and the garment can still be repaired, we will do so, free of charge (with the exception of damages to inserts and lenses).”
So the price, yeah, they aren’t cheap. But when you take into account the warranty and repair scheme it starts to make more sense. I’ve heard stories from friends who’ve said they’ve had pairs of Assos shorts last for many years. The longevity of them though is only part of the story though. They are simply the comfiest cycling shorts I’ve ever worn. Not just in the important area either, from the wide braces down to the way the lowers grip your thighs.
Conclusion –
Not sure if I can sum it up any better than saying these are the first bits of kit I grab for any ride. From my somewhat extensive wardrobe, these are my first choice, simple as that.
