Assos Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 Review: Comfort and Value for Endurance Rides

Assos, a renowned name in premium cycling apparel, introduces the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11, aiming to provide exceptional comfort for long-distance cyclists at a more attainable price. These shorts, positioned as Assos' most economical option, forego some race-specific features in favor of enhancements that prioritize rider comfort over extended periods. This comprehensive assessment delves into the shorts' design, practical performance on the road, and overall cost-effectiveness.

The meticulous engineering of the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 is immediately apparent. The core of their comfort lies in the 'goldenGate' design of the GT S11 Insert, a 12mm thick pad that attaches only at the front and rear, allowing the central section to float. This innovative approach minimizes friction by enabling the pad to move in sync with the body, rather than the body shifting on the pad. The pad itself, dubbed 'Shock-Absorb Damping Mono 12', features a perforated 3D Waffle foam for superior breathability, while the 'Sundeck Tec' fabric at the front offers soft, bulk-free comfort. Furthermore, the distinctive 'rollBar' system, previously seen in their race series, extends the rear straps to connect directly with the pad-containing panel and the shorts' upper hem. Assos claims this unique construction significantly stabilizes the pad, preventing movement during transitions between seated and standing pedaling. The shorts also utilize a new 'QUARTZ' warp knit fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and boasts permanent odor control, with 80% of its composition derived from recycled polyamide. A notable departure from modern premium shorts is the use of PILtec Plug-in for the lower hems, a separate band featuring silicone microdots for grip, rather than raw-cut edges. These shorts are available in a broad range of men's and women's sizes, with color options including Burgundy Red, Moss Green, Wild Brown, and blackSeries.

Testing the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 under varied conditions, including an endurance trip to the Canary Islands, revealed their strong performance. The S11 insert consistently delivered on its promise of comfort, proving resilient over hundreds of kilometers and numerous wash cycles, a testament to Assos' reputation for durable padding. While the exact contribution of the rollBar straps to comfort is hard to quantify, their design principle of distributing load and reducing strain on the rear panel is logically sound, despite the slightly unusual appearance of the straps protruding from beneath a jersey. The A-frame strap design, with its varying elasticity—more stretch over the shoulders and less at the rear—enhances stability while allowing freedom of movement when upright. This attention to detail distinguishes Assos products. The endurance-focused design is also reflected in the looser front waistband, which is practical for comfort during long rides and bathroom breaks, though it might offer less compression than some riders prefer for aesthetic reasons. The quick-drying QUARTZ fabric proved highly breathable and pleasant against the skin, with Assos assuring the black version's colorfastness.

Regarding leg length, initial impressions suggested an improvement, though over longer rides, the legs tended to ride up slightly. This indicates that while extended, a further centimeter or so might be ideal for some cyclists, a feature available in other Assos models but not the Mille GT Bib Shorts. The PILtec Plug-in hem, with its grippy microdots, provided comfortable hold without irritation, though its separate band construction gave a somewhat traditional feel compared to contemporary raw-cut designs. Despite these minor subjective preferences, the overall fit, consistent with the reviewer's usual size large, was deemed appropriate. The most notable aspect of the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 is their exceptional value. Priced at £135, they stand as Assos' most affordable bib shorts, placing them firmly in the mid-range for quality cycling apparel. This price point, combined with the brand's renowned comfort and craftsmanship, positions them as a compelling option for cyclists seeking high performance without the top-tier cost. The shorts' ability to remain unnoticed during rides—requiring no adjustments or chamois cream—is the highest praise for their design and functionality.

In summary, the Assos Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 represent a remarkable achievement in balancing premium quality with accessibility. Their advanced padding, innovative strap system, and breathable recycled fabric converge to create a highly comfortable and reliable piece of cycling gear. While individual preferences for leg length and waistband compression might vary, these minor points do not detract from the overall excellence of the shorts. Given their superior comfort, thoughtful construction, and competitive pricing, the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 confidently earn a top rating, making them an outstanding choice for endurance cyclists.