agarose2000

My own quick review of Performance Elite 2 bibs ($60 ) vs the Assos F1 Uno bibs ($129 on lickbike.com) after using both fairly extensively this past year, and getting recs for both from this forum.

Assos F1 Uno - This is the lowest-end of their bibs, but still is top-notch in design. The workmanship and materials are clearly better than that of the Elite. The material says it has some carbon fibre in it - don't know if that's significant, but the material is sturdy, solid, and doesn't come apart. After 6 months of use, I stopped hand washing it and just threw it in the laundry machine with my regular clothes, and it's been fine - looks brand new, in fact. Has a cool intricate yet durable weave on the back paneling. The chamois is dimpled and feels about 25-30% thicker than the Elite2 bibs.

Elite 2 bibs - An excellent bib. Chamois not as thick as Assos, and materials/design lack the high-end detail found on the Assos, but for $60, it worked great, even on long rides. First thing I noticed was that the chamois isn't as thick, but it worked fine. Felt more stretchy than the Assos in the same size, and thinner, less durable material. I started washing these in the laundry machine right away, and after 3 months, still looks/feels new.

My PERSONAL overall take - after 5 minutes on the bike, I didn't notice either bib - which is a good thing. Both were comfortable, and pretty chafe-free, although with both bibs, I still get small sore spots on 5+hr rides in the same locations. I don't think you can go wrong with either, and I was surprised at how solid the Elite2 was. It's not amazing, and I can't rave about it at all, but then again, I can't rave about the comfort of the Assos Uno as well. What I definitely notice is the material & workmanship superiority of the Assos. Even the Assos packaging is excellent.

Waves77

Thanks, I like seeing comparison reviews like this one.

mindaugas

good review, thanks

chasmm

Yes...thanks for the comparison reviews. I like my Performance Ultra II bibs better than my Elite Bibs. I'm not sure whether I have the Elite or Elite II bibs.

At any rate, it's helpful to see how they compare against the Assos bibs. In my previous life I used to ride Assos bibs, but haven't been able to justify getting a pair since my return to the bike.

Charles

agarose2000

As much as I love my Performance Elite bibs though, I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on Assos again, as long as I wasn't riding them in crits or other crash-possible situations (which I actually ride in regularly, fast group rides with lots and lots of sharp turns!) that risks tearing them up. They hold up incredibly well, and are definitely a legitimate long-term investment for not much, considering that running shoes that last only a few months cost almost as much as a pair of Assos nowadays.

My Elites have been getting a lot of use lately after I skidded out on a turn a month ago, and tore up a pair with some thigh road rash. Replaced with another pair of Elites and am going strong.

momo15

I have a couple of the elites, and I love them. The pad is not the thickest in the world, but it works just fine. I tried the ultra with the thicker pad, and I prefered the elite. They are not like tri-short thin pads, just not bulky. The material seems to provide better coverage than the ultras as well, as the ultras gave me a bit of transparent outlining where it was least desired. This could have been due to a sizing issue, but I swapped them for the elites.

RiderC

I have both these bibs too. I got the Assos for about $120 on a killer sale. I paid $59 for the Performance bibs. I like both of them. Yes, the Assos bibs are more high end. Little things like how the labels are attached, the cool rubber emblem on the back, little dots of adhesive rubber around the legs to keep the bibs in place vs. just a big strip of rubber around the legs on the Performance bibs. However, those cute little features aside, I think the Performance bibs are pretty darn good. They're tough...a thick sort of material. Now, that makes the Performance bibs feel like they'll last, but they are also, as a result, a bit hotter than the Assos. As far as wear, I don't know yet. I bought both bibs in the Spring so they are both pretty new. Also, I hand wash my bibs in cold water. No signs of wear on either pair, but I cycle them with another pair of bibs and some shorts I have. Would I buy both of them again? Yes. Both are quality products.

lechat

I have 3 pairs of Performance Team Bibs. Very nice. The chamois looks like actual chamois and is relatively thin. Which it should be. It's there to prevent chaffing. Cheap shorts tend to have a thick foam pad. That in time has the same effect as a soft saddle. They run ~ $100 at Performance but i got all 3 pr.s of mine new at different times on Ebay for around $50 each. Definitely worth trying. Just keep an eye out and polish your sniping skills.

kr32

Nice review, thanks.
Agree with Waves77,good to see comparisons like this.

ThinLine

Assos hands down are the best out there. Capo high end stuff comes close but not assos. I use descent high end bibs only because of the "Law of diminishing returns" aspect of products.
Your review was well done.