Review: Assos F1.13_S5 Bib Shorts

Since I first spoke with Assos back in September as part of our Interbike coverage, I’ve been trying to get my hands on a pair of their F1.13_S5 bib shorts for review. While I tend to err on the practical side when it comes to gear, I’ve been getting in some considerably longer rides this year and have been seeking more comfort for the long haul. These shorts arrived at just the right time. While the F1.13_S5 bibs are race-oriented I found that they offered more than enough padding and muscle support for long rides, especially in conjunction with Assos chamois cream.

The chamois of these shorts is a little different than what you see nowadays. While most chamois show some varying level of padding on the inside of the shorts, the chamois on the Assos shorts is smooth, with only a hint of dimpling that belie its venting holes. All of the variation in padding thickness is on the outside of the shorts. Also, while most chamois want to be flat, the chamois on the F1.13_S5 shorts wants to be cupped. This helps it to conform to the shape of your body and nicely cup the genitals. This, along with the smoothness and the venting definitely contribute to long term comfort.

Several different fabrics are used in the shorts. There is a slightly dimpled fabric where the shorts contact the seat and should greatly reduce early wear in this area. The lyrca around the legs gives a little more of a compression fit that helps to support the large muscles in your legs and buttocks. There is also mesh at the back of the shorts which, in conjunction with a light weight jersey further contributes to coolness and sweat reduction.

The shorts also feature silicone leg grippers to keep them from riding up. I know that some people really hate these, but to me, it is far more comfortable to have the small grippers than an elastic band squeezing the entire circumference of my leg.

I definitely would advise you to try them on if you get the chance. While the feel of the shorts is a little odd while standing, it seems completely natural once you get into riding position on the bike. The bibs in particular seem to be pulling the wrong way when you are standing but slide right into place when you lean down to ride.

The shorts are definitely “pro” sized, so don’t be surprised if you are wearing a size larger in the Assos. In fit and compression I found the Assos bibs to be very similar to my (formerly) favorite Castelli Ergo Due shorts, but on the bike there were definitely a step up in long term comfort.

With other shorts that I have worn, I’ve often started to have to move around and shift things around (if ya’ know what I mean) after a couple of hours on the bike, but that did not seem to be the case as much with the Assos. Even without the chamois cream I was cool and comfortable for rides that were 3 or more hours long, and the cream just added to the comfort.

Before I complete the review, I need to put on my “green” hat. Our copy editor (also known as my wife) has been urging me to evaluate products not only for their functionality, but also for their environment impact. On this note, I have to say that the packaging for these bibs, while nicely presenting what is a premium product is extremely wasteful for something that will ultimately end up in (hopefully) the recycling bin. The shorts come with a sample of Assos chamois cream as well as some technical clothing wash, a bag to wash the shorts in, an owner’s manual and a catalog. Suffice to say that the shorts could be sold on a hanger with all of the other materials enclosed in the wash bag and pinned to the shorts. As is is, the main package for the shorts is enclosed in an outer paperboard sleeve that could be completely eliminated. The main package has cubbies for the shorts, the chamois cream sample and the washing detergent, adding even more packaging. Eliminating the outer sleeve and re-engineering the inner package could do away with a lot of paperboard while still presenting the product in a premium fashion.

Conclusion:
Pros: You’ll look and feel like a pro, while being very comfortable. The materials and fit are top notch
Cons: You could (almost) buy two pair of most other bibs out there for the same amount of money

Rating:
4.5 out of 5. While these are truly excellent shorts, the price gives me a little pause. Also, if I were accounting for the green impact, they would drop 1 more rating point.

Specs:

• 6 panel race cut (Assos A.360 spandex)
• 17% less volume/weight, 23% less pressure on genital area, 35% more breathability, 18% more compression
• F1.13_S5 insert
• High density memory foam chamois insert
• Front panel with perforated high elastic fabric
• Carbon fiber mesh rear panel
• Asymmetric elastic leg grippers
• Reflective visibility stripes
• Colors: Black/blue, white/blue
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XLG (tall), TIR (extra large tall + wide)
• Price: $360

Tags: Assos, Assos F1 13 S5, Assos F1.13_S5, bikes, chamois cream, cycling, Interbike