agarose2000

I just finished a solid week of riding in my new Assos F1 Mile bibs, which I got because of all the love on BF. Did 3 rides of 1.5ish hrs and one ride of 5 hrs in hilly mountain territory. I've only used lower-end shorts before - triathlon type thin pads, but I do have one Pearly Izumi bike-specific short that's about $50. Both of those worked fine for rides < 2hrs, but needed some periodic repositioning after longer rides. (They're not bibs.)

The assos were freaking expensive. $200 shipped from lickbike.

They come in a sweet box that makes you think a piece of medical equipment is inside.

The Assos fit very well. The pad is not as thick as I'd expected - in fact, it's thinner than my PI shorts. The bib factor keeps it riding up from sliding, though. Still, I developed the exact same sore spots that I normally do with my el-cheapo <$25 trishorts on my sitbone areas after 4 hrs. No chafing, but virtually no difference in ride quality except for the decreased sliding around of the pad which may be due to the bib factor.

I wish I could say that the material is amazing, but lycra blends are lycra blends, and it felt no different than my el-cheapo tri shorts. The stitching is definitely better though, so that counts.

All in all, I'm definitely not blown away after a week of riding with these. Don't get me wrong, they're fine quality shorts, but if my trishorts feel similar in ride quality after 4 hrs, I 'd expect most bibs to do the same.

Of course, I am aware that I am also likely lucky in that my seat probably fits me well, and I've heard that if your seat works well, you can wear nearly anything and feel ok on rides.

Hopefully I'll grow to "love" them after more long rides, but I am surprised that I haven't seen a single "they're ok" review on BF. (I've seen over 100 "they're amazing!" posts.) My opinion so far is, "they're good." But definitely not "WOW-amazing" especially given their ridiculous price.

jrobe

I agree. I don't think my Assos are any more comfortable than my Pearl Izumi's. The material seems to hold up better though so they will probably last longer. I wouldn't pay this much for them again. I have posted this opinion before here.

stonecrd

Check in again in a year from now and see how they are holding up. My Assos are the only bibs I have that look so good after 2 years of riding them, not a single stitch missing, no see thru on the seat and the Chamois is still in great shape. I have had bibs that I felt the chamois was more comfortable and I have had bibs that I though the lycra felt nicer but none have held up to time. Of course I only have Uno and Mille no 13s.

kwrides

You have not seen 100 reviews of Mille, but you have seen many reviews of the Uno and 13. In fact, I'm surprised at how few people seem to use the Mille. These shorts are not intended for use on a 1.5 hour ride, they were designed for distance.

I know you're saying you didn't like them on your 1 long distance ride, and that's fine, but it sounds to me like you bought the wrong shorts.

FWIW - I own the older Mille and I didn't like them when I first bought them either, but after several longer rides, they have broken in nicely and are now my go-to short for long distance.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you have in several long rides - did you change your mind, or do you still think they are not any better than the PI/Tri?

jmess

Same 65 mile ride with 08 Mille's vs some new 09 UNOs. The Millie pad is more comfortable to me but the UNO works also.

EddieH

I recently bought Unos, and I'm not thrilled either. I've ridden them three times, including a century. Things I like: build quality, fit (especially on the bike), and chamois comfort in the saddle. Things I don't like: they're a bit short, the leg grippers are not so grippy, and the chamois gives me a wedgie during standing climbs or off the bike. My other bibs are Volers, PI Slice Ultrasensors, and Giordana Silverlines. Right now I'd say my future purchases will be Volers.

paste_me

Today was the first day I rode in my F.1 Mille, and loved them! I rode about 30 miles and the fit was great, they never moved even once and I didn't feel the need to adjust my "stuff," at all. The Chamois was also real good, all the other bibs lets the saddle dig into my skin but this didn't.

I'm sure I will have some more feed back after some longer rides, but the initial impression are great. The most impressive thing was that they fit like a second skin! Absolutely amazing!

Patriot

I've been through this myself. I bought a set of Assos shorts. They cost me $180 at the time. They were very nice shorts, but not worth a penny over $100 if you ask me. High end, yes. But above and beyond everything else, definitely NOT. A way overpiriced and glorified product, that is justified by only its fancy name.

I sold them to recoup some of my loss, and got a pair of good Hincapies for $90 on sale. They were the best pair of shorts I ever had. Then, one day I slipped and fell on a wet road when walking my bike. I wasn't even riding. Bloody cleats on wet pavement are a bad mix. Anyway, I tore them pretty good on the rump, and promptly tossed them out.

Since then, I have found that PI UltraSensors and Performance Ultras are more than good enough for all of my riding. And, if they do get torn, I don't have to cry myself to sleep at night.

kwrides

Karma

agarose2000

Wish y'all had piped up earlier - would have saved me a good $100.

I'm going to go with Voler for future bibs. Lots of folks on a group ride yesterday experiencing the same thing with the Assos (overpriced) and giving a big thumbs up to Voler.

henrythenavigat

I'm glad you piped up. I am officially postponing my assos bib purchase for the moment.
Btw, has anyone tried the specialized bibs? I know they are overpriced, but are they good?

datlas 

I use the performance ultras, which I think are good enough for most of us. If you find the right sale/coupon combo you can often get them for under 50 bucks.

JonnyV

you walk a dog, not a bike.

ILUVUK

I like the Ultras for rides of less than 50 miles or so. Anything over that and I prefer my LGs or Giordanas.

0_o

I feel all your pains I now only use my Assos bibs for commuting to work on hot days LOL...
I found the Santini Bibshorts - Carbon/Resistex/TwistGel to fix and feel a lot better than my Assos bibs .

neuronal

ITT: Truth about Assos.

Turns out everyone else was just buying into the hype. What a bunch of consumers we are.

botto 

JFC, this thread is Fredtastic.

mikeE46

+1
I'm a big fan of Santai.
I also have Assos but Santani is a lot better for me.