Assos Equipe R S11 Bib Shorts Review

Long regarded as one of the best bib shorts you can buy, the new S11 Assos Equipe R Bib Shorts represent all that I have come to know and love about their bibs — at a more affordable price point. But, at that price, do these bib shorts lose the luster I’ve come to expect from Assos?

Assos Equipe R (S11) Bib Shorts Features:

• RacingFit acts as a second skin
• Micro-adjusted shaping for compression
• Raw cut leg openings for minimalist finish
• X-Frame upper suspension to pull the shorts snugly in place
• 9mm Equipe R S11 chamois features GoldenGate 2.0 floating design
• Hydrophobic fabric with odor control
• MSRP: $210

Assos delivers for (a little) less

I’ve enjoyed great fit with the size Large Assos bib shorts I’ve worn in the past, but this time I wanted to 100% trust their fit recommendations. So, I tapped on “What’s my size,” entered a few measurements and I cam back as a solid Medium this time. Skeptical, I ordered them up and waited for the Equipe R S11’s to arrive. The package is impressive and the shorts themselves look and feel 100% like Assos should, but they did look a little small.

While they did look small, I was able to finagle myself into them without too much gymnastics. Yes, they are snug, but the fit is masterful. They do honestly feel like a second skin and contour every square inch of my legs with incredible support. This fabric is stretchy and compressive, but also durable — I don’t have any hesitation pulling it up in various ways as I get situated.

The straps, with their crossed back, pull the lowers and set the chamois right into place. I feel the straps constantly pulling things snug, but it doesn’t prevent me from wearing a sleeveless base layer underneath. I don’t need to wear it to avoid the straps causing chafing. No, they are comfortable next-to-skin. Primarily, I wear one for added warmth when it’s cold and optimized moisture transfer in the summer. And, as I’ll mention, I appreciate the added frontal coverage.

While the body-conforming fit is wonderful, the front sits really low. Admittedly, I’m not yet in summer shape, and my dad bod doesn’t appreciate how low the front is as it rolls up and creeps even shorter. If you have a pancake-flat stomach, you won’t notice it, but if you’re like most people, it’s going to feel short. However, as mentioned, when wearing a base layer, the front doesn’t roll and stays put much better — in addition to having more front coverage if you raise your arms up.

Moving downward, it’s impossible to talk about a pair of Assos bib shorts without covering their floating chamois design. Others have imitated the design, but Assos remains the OG in the room and it shows. The Equipe R S11 chamois is attached at the front, front quarter and then on the back quarter of each side, with gaps on the front, middle and center rear. The result is a chamois that moves with your body and not the other way around. Between the pull of the straps and the chamois design, there is simply no other chamois with wall-to-wall coverage and chafe-protection. On the bike, I can ride comfortably — in and out of the saddle, and on rough terrain — all without any uneven pressure or hot spots.

In addition, the chamois features small ribs on the perimeter to make it easier to stay on the saddle. It’s a subtle trick and other bibs do it as well. I think it makes enough difference to call it a good thing.

The leg openings follow the most common laser-cut trend, but with a twist. Instead of having grippy material all the way around, they have deployed 8 bean-shaped silicone grippers only on the hamstring side of the leg openings. At first, it was a little odd because the upper part of the leg opening move ever-so-slightly with each pedal stroke, but the backside remains securely in place. That teeny bit of movement is barely noticeable and isn’t distracting from the performance of these bibs. Presumably, the goal is to avoid tension between the flexing quad muscles and the bib shorts — and it works. 

Compression is excellent and the next-to-body fit is incredible — with just a single flat seam along the inner thigh. Most bibs have at least a couple of panels and seams, but these are so minimalist, yet so compressive, it’s a thing of beauty. Breathability has been good so far with a mix of early-season riding (55-75 degrees) and indoor training. As the weather warms, I’ll post an update after riding in summer conditions.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium Equipe R S11 Bib Shorts.

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