mrt10x

So I mentioned in a thread last week that I had bought my first pair of Assos FI 13 S2 bibs on eBay and would give a ride report after their first use. Only reason that I think anyone would care is that as a cheap ass Marine and one who tries to be as frugal as possible, I am hoping to give a different opinion than the hard corps racers/riders on here who have to have the latest and greatest.
I was fairly skeptical of all the great claims made by Assos users to be honest. I have a couple of pairs of PI Microsensor 3D pro bibs that I picked up cheap from Performance over the last couple of years, a pair of Santini Generation Fluid Twist Gel Power Lycra Bib Shorts, and pair of Descente Team bibs that were a gift.
I did a 50 mile ride on Sat, my normal weekend route down the coast on Highway 101 here in San Diego. Bottom line….. freakin unbelievable. I really was very skeptical that I would notice a difference over the other quality bibs I have… but it was not only noticeable it was significant. Talk about “feeling nude”,, the bibs were that comfortable. Not only at the thigh elastic, but the straps and the lycra itself was more comfortable. The chamois was amazing. When I first got on the bike I though..uh oh.. big mistake, way to thin. But after a few minutes no pain, no binding, no problems and at 50 miles I had zero issues.
As far as a breakdown in rating the shorts compared to the others.

1. Assos by a large margain
2. PI Microsenosor/Descente
3. Santini (I only use these for short rides now as the chamois just doesn’t do the job).

Bottom line, I will be buying another couple of pairs of Assos and I don’t think the others will be logging much saddle time. Overpriced??? not a chance if you really put some miles in.
A converted skeptic.

Super Guanche

Assos - they're nice to your ass.

ElJamoquio

I had the same experience about a month ago. I was a skeptic. Now I'm converted, too.

JayC

I wish I had a better grasp on the sizing.. Id buy a pair. I get the feeling they arent made for fattys tho.

botto 

And most of you thought I was just blowing smoke up your Assos.

Dubbayoo

Same here. I don't want a pair of bibs that fit me like knickers.

botto 

This is a pic of friend of mine. He may carry a few too many lbs, but he's one of the strongest MoFo's I've ever had the honor to ride with.

He ONLY wears Assos. fwiw - iirc he's a tad over 6' and wears TIR sized jerseys. don't recall what sized bibs he wears.

JayC

Im not that big but Id really like to know what size he wears. It would at least give me a starting point.

-VELOCITY-

I think after all these fantastic reviews I have no reason to not try them for myself.

HDWound

As far as sizing, I tried some on at shop in Denver to make sure of my size, before buying online later at about a 30-35% discount. If you don't live near anyone carrying Assos, this guy https://stores.ebay.com/Ciclo-Sport has been very good to deal with and will let you exchange items if you do pick the wrong size.

Dubbayoo

10" inseam in size large according to him. That's on the long side. Some Pearli's are 9 1/4.

DataJunkie

I have a set waiting for me after I hit my next goal.
I need to drop roughly 8-10 lbs and will reward myself with a pair of assos bibs. After this thread I can not wait.

mrt10x

I know that I required 1 size up from my PI's, and other bibs. I am 5'11" 190lbs (not fat,,well maybe 5-7lbs) and I bought XLG.

botto 

that's because PI lables their products a size too high to satiate the egos of overweight-*********.

HDWound

The S2's are a bit longer than the FI Milles, Dial Tone. If you like a shorter inseam, you might try the Milles if you don't mind the thicker chamois. They average 4cm shorter than the S2's according to Competitive Cyclist's website. I have both, but really can't remember the exact difference in length and I wear the FI's more than the S2's. My current tan stops 3-4 inches above my knee with the Medium FI's.

hairlessbill

I have a pair in size large. 5'8" 180 lbs 33 in. waist. Fits pretty close to perfect. I love the shorts but frankly I am not so picky that I need to ride in them all the time. Of course, I am used to riding in cheaper shorts and I am more sensitive to bike fit than clothing.

botto 

here's a pic illustrating the tan line left by a pair of F1:13 S2s while wearing a pair fo F1 Unos. About 3 inches.

garysol1 

I own a couple pair of FI-13S2's and the only other bib I have found that compars is the Specialized BG Pro Bibs. They fit a little looser and the chamois is ALMOST as nice as the Assos to my butt.

Slice2

Count me among the converted. I've always had saddle discomfort (some medical issues). About a month ago, I moved up from Performance Ultra bibs to a pair of F1.13 S2. I was not prepared for such a large difference in comfort between shorts. Now, wearing the Ultra bibs is extremely uncomfortable and the chamois feel paper thin. The Assos also provide a degree of muscle & posture support not felt with the Ultras. I'm 6'1" / 190 so bought XL per Assos' height sizing, and seem to fit fine.

I still have discomfort, but I'd say it's been reduced by 60%. I would have bought the Mille model, but I use knee warmers and the descriptions on Competitive Cyclist swayed me towards the longer inseam S2. Different saddle is next on the agenda.



edit: wondering how many owners apply Assos cream to the chamois per the sheet that came with the shorts? Bag Balm doesn't want to spread on there all that well.

JayC

Wierd.. I emailed the Ebay dude and asked about sizing and he told me to get XL. I was really honest about my size and weight which is more than what any of you guys wearing XLs has posted.

mrt10x

Well Lycra is amazing

JayC

Yea but I have massive RyanF like thighs and thats usually where I run into a problem with bibs/shorts.

Dubbayoo

I believe I outweigh you and I wear large in everything I've tried so far except Performance Ultras, which didn't come even remotely close to fitting. I stopped those at the knee and said this is not going to work at all. I usually wear Perf Elites.

JayC

What's your waist size, DT? Im about 225-230#s, 36 inch waist.. I just have really large legs. I need a XXL in the Performance Ultras to get them above the knees. I bought a pair of XLs and heard stitching popping when I was pulling them up. I took them back. They fit fine when they were on, just cutting off the circulation to my legs.. lol

Dubbayoo

I'm actually not sure. I wear 36 jeans and 38 slacks for the extra leg room. The 38's are over sized in the waist. I have large legs too but over the years my hips and waist have started to even things out.