ASSOS Equipe S9 Bib Shorts
First Look
Since introducing their first Lycra cycling short to the world in 1976, ASSOS has been spearheading the evolution of performance cyclewear. The S7 range was released in 2013 and instantly became a classic; still considered by many to be one of the best cycling bib shorts in the world. Over the past six years, ASSOS has been working hard to further refine their premium bib short range; Can the ASSOS Equipe S9 Bib Shorts live up to their predecessor’s reputation?
With two models in the range, we've taken a closer look at their RS and RSR bib shorts.
WorldTour Team Approved
Not only has ASSOS committed to extensive research and development at their lab in Switzerland, but they have been working closely with professional riders, gaining feedback from a multitude of different races and climates around the globe. The S9 Bib Short range has been completely redesigned, setting them apart from their predecessors. This season, the likes of Mark Cavendish, Steve Cummings and Edvald Boasson Hagen of Pro UCI World Tour Team Dimension Data will be putting the garments to the test.
A-Lock Engineering
Probably one of the biggest talking points about the shorts is the A-Lock Engineering System, which refers to the strap section on the rear. This section continues down to the bottom of the back until just above the seat pad. The purpose of this system is to keep the short nice and stable when you’re riding so there’s no movement. The straps are actually slightly visible when worn with a normal jersey but this doesn’t take away from the clean understated design of the S9. This means you can combine them with pretty much any of your other jerseys. The A-Lock system is present in both the RS and RSR models.
Carbon Xbib Technology
The Carbon Xbib refers to the single section of material that folds over on itself to form a supportive A-frame with tuned vertical elasticity ensuring total comfort and a great fit for the rider by keeping them securely in place. Whether you’re sprinting to the town sign, cornering or descending down a mountain pass, the rollBar strap design on the bib short helps to ensure that the seat pad stays in place while you ride.
Butterfly Pattern and Compressive Warp Knit
The Equipe S9 Bib Shorts encompass a single fabric piece on the lower section of the back giving the rider a consistent grip using a lightweight fabric and it also helps to lower the risk of chafing on your skin causing you discomfort on your ride. The RS short uses what ASSOS have called a Type.441 fabric produced for a smooth feel against the skin and hard to match comfort that compresses your leg ever so slightly. This tough fabric acts as a breathable, frictionless second skin which is exactly what you want from a bib short so you can be out on your bike all day in ultimate comfort.
Seat Pad
The seat pad is one of the most important parts to look at when deciding what shorts to buy and what sets each model apart between the different brands. The Equipe S9 uses a race-based seat pad with an increased airflow to aid cooling and comfort, especially on those hot summer days on the bike. This combined with the microShock open cell foam on a three-layer construction system. The pad also features a reinforced central stitch that locks the pad to the short and gives it that floating feeling that ASSOS proudly boast about through their goldenGate technology.
ASSOS Equipe RSR S9 Bib Short
As part of the Equipe S9 range, ASSOS has also released the RSR bib short, which comes in at a slightly higher price point and is a model marketed as a pro-level, race specific, lightweight bib short. The general construction of the short is the same, using the same A-Lock framework and all-new seat pad of the RS. At the forefront of lightweight race clothing development and weighing in at just 160 grams, the Equipe RSR S9 Bib Short uses an innovative compression fabric which helps to reduce drag and is, therefore, more efficient. This fabric is different from that on the RS and features the innovative Type.701kompressor fabric ensuring an ergonomic fit, meaning you can simply concentrate on keeping the pedals turning and putting the power down.
ASSOS are renowned for their style, performance and comfort; three ingredients that are definitely exhibited in their new Equipe S9 range. Both models have small, understated detailing which reflects the premium style of their brand. With a host of groundbreaking technologies squarely focussed on improving comfort and the riding experience, we’re sure ASSOS have another instant classic on their hands.
