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ASSOS announces major generational update to bib shorts – the S9

  • Ron 

After six years in development, technical cycling apparel brand ASSOS of Switzerland introduces the S9 generation of shorts.

Built on an entirely new platform and refined over miles and miles of rigorous testing not only from in-house product testers but also riders at the highest level of the sport, S9 marks the future of race-tuned comfort. The S9 has actually been in development since before the release of the S7 shorts in December of 2013.

The S9 generation employs A-Lock Engineering – a brand new bracing system comprising proprietary textiles and technologies working together to stabilize the shorts and secure the insert in place. Building upon everything learned through previous models, the S9 incorporates just two panels, with a primary “butterfly” panel fully wrapping the legs and converging in the rear to form the ergoBox structure.

We’ve all experienced bike shorts that start to sag after hours in the saddle. ASSOS S9 employs a compressive fabric that will actually move closer to your body as you ride for multiple hours.

The RS model places added focus on stability through the unique rollBar, which holds the insert in place as the rider’s weight transfers from left to right. For the racer who considers every extra gram, the RSR model eliminates the rollBar to cut a touch more weight, relying on its compressive textile to do the added stabilizing.

The redesigned bib straps use calibrated stretch throughout the rear section, which form an A-frame in the back. It delivers vertical stretch for added stability, while the straps at the front are made of a more flexible material with an antibacterial carbon weave, to wick moisture and lay flat.

ASSOS prides themselves on their inserts, citing the hundreds of pro riders that bring their team shorts to ASSOS to have the chamois replaced, so the chamois on the S9 is more of a gentle evolution of the existing Equipe EVO technology rather than a complete redesign. To produce a streamlined, race-spec insert, ASSOS used superAir microShock foam alongside a 3D waffle and kraterCooler system to increase airflow. The result? An insert that provides the total ASSOS comfort you’ve come to know and trust.

Roche Maier, Brand and Product Chief said: “Our S9 shorts incorporate the knowledge and expertise gained through over 40 years of producing technically advanced cycling apparel. We strived and succeeded to create the perfect balance between lightweight and stability to provide total ASSOS comfort leaving the rider with nothing to focus on but the ride ahead.”

The new full Equipe RS collection will be available through ASSOS.com and through ASSOS stockists nationwide in January 2019.

For more information, visit: www.assos.com/S9

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