Assos’ Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 are the brand’s entry point to its Equipe race-oriented line.
They sit below the Equipe RS and Equipe RSR S9 Targa bib shorts, inheriting many trickle-down technologies to achieve a more palatable asking price compared to much of Assos’ line-up.
The shorts performed excellently in testing, with an inspired fit and well thought-out design features. I have a niggle with the cut of the front panel though.
Assos Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 construction
Assos’ aim with the Equipe R S9 was to simplify the technology used in the Equipe RS and RSR S9 Targa bib shorts into shorts that can be used for everyday rides.
The new shorts are designed around what Assos calls its racingFit, described as a “second-skin aerodynamic silhouette” designed with feedback from the WorldTour.
The Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 are constructed from Assos’ Type.443 textile. This is said to be a “compressive, abrasion-resistant warp-knit similar in weight and compressive stability to the Type.441 used in the Equipe RS line”.
Compared to Type.441, the Type.443 textile has a deeper black hue and is rated to UPF50+.
Assos has paid particular attention to the waist, increasing the elasticity to aid with the second-skin feel and reduce pressure across the abdomen and sensitive areas.
Monofilament elastic is used in the bib straps, with the aim of shedding weight, and the material is also claimed to dry faster than dual-layer models.
A compressive elastic band and silicone microdot grips keep the bottom of the shorts affixed to your leg.
The shorts feature a three-layer chamois pad, which Assos calls ‘3D Waffle’ because it’s constructed using three layers of foam.
The layers are perforated to aid breathability and combine to create a 9mm-thick chamois.
The compressive foam used in the pad is designed to reduce shocks on rougher roads.
Assos has paid attention to how the pad is attached to the short with its goldenGate technology, which sees the front and back of the pad stitched to the panels, with the inserts body allowed to float.
According to the brand, this is so the chamois moves with your body rather than against it.
The shorts are offered in a single black colour and seven sizes, from XS-XL, and even larger ‘XLG’ and ‘TIR’.
Assos Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 performance
I’ve been testing a pair of size-large shorts on both road and gravel rides of varying distances.
The bib shorts were tested on three saddles – a Specialized Power Pro Elaston, a Van Rysel R300 and a Fizik Argo Tempo R1.
If you’ve ridden any of Assos’ other shorts, the fit is identical.
It has a close, form-fitting feel, with the shorts almost unnoticeable when riding.
Particularly impressive is the lack of seams and the clever way Assos has stitched the pad to the front and back panels, enabling the chamois to move with your body.
The Lycra feels a touch heavier than on the Equipe RSR Bib Shorts S9 Targa and seems slightly less breathable, but these are shorts I’d still be happy to use on warmer days.
The Elastic Interface-branded pad is very well placed and I really appreciated that it came high up the front – along with the Q36.5 Gregarius shorts, these are the best on test in this regard.
While I never felt uncomfortable on rides up to five hours, the pad isn’t as plush as an endurance-oriented option, and I also levelled this qualm at the Equipe RSR Bib Shorts S9 Targa.
If you want to stick in the Assos family, I’d opt for a short in its Mille range, which have thicker, more comfortable pads.
But as training shorts on rides of up to three hours, they more than do their job.
The chamois also performed well on mucky gravel rides, where you encounter harsher vibrations.
The microfilament elastic bib straps are another highlight of the package, keeping the shorts well-supported.
The silicone grippers gripped my legs comfortably and played nicely with knee warmers.
I preferred the grippers on these shorts to the ones used on the more expensive Equipe RSR Bib Shorts S9 Targa.
The more premium shorts use what Assos calls its ‘SkinGrip’, with silicone grippers reminiscent of micro-suction cups, and they didn’t grip quite as firmly at the end of the test period.
My only major criticism of the Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 is the oddly low cut of the front panel. It’s much lower than rival shorts, and even other Assos designs.
While my skin was never overexposed, the clearance between the top of the front panel and a baselayer was reduced and it’s enough of an issue that I wouldn’t put these right at the top of my pile of the best bib shorts to choose from.
How we tested | Bib shorts
I pitted six of the latest bib shorts, costing from £85 to £200, against each other. I used the same protocol after testing budget bib shorts last year.
Each pair of shorts was subjected to a mixture of short and long rides on both road and gravel, with each of the shorts being tested on at least one four-hour ride.
The shorts were assessed for fit and, where possible, I tried both a medium and a large to ensure I had the correct size.
Each pair of shorts was tested on at least three different saddles. They were also tested with and without knee and leg warmers to see how they interact with them.
The first ride was before the shorts were washed, so I could monitor if any properties changed in the washing machine.
I took the top-performing shorts with me on a holiday to Portugal to see how they fared in warm weather and decide on a winner.
Shorts tested
- Q36.5 Gregarius Pro
- Rapha Pro Team Training
- Castelli Espresso
- Altura Icon
- Endura Pro SL EGM
- Assos Equipe R S9 Targa
Assos Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 bottom line
Assos has done a commendable job of trickling its top-level technology down to a more accessible price point.
In no way do the Equipe R Bib Shorts S9 feel inferior to the competition at this price point and they balance an excellent fit with well thought-out design features.
Although the pad isn’t the most luxurious for extended endurance rides, it’s more than up to the task of its racing intention.
If the front panel was raised slightly higher, these would be close to unbeatable bib shorts.
Product
| Brand | assos |
| Price | 370.00 AUD,180.00 EUR,155.00 GBP,210.00 USD |
Features
| br_gender | mens |
