Assos kit, is it worth the money?

bigdawg

ive looked at assos stuff time and time again, but cant quite see the point in paying those prices, when other brands top of the range stuff is just as good and can last as long.

Ten years ago (when sponsored by a local shop) i was given loads of endura winter clothing (new out about then I think) most of it Im still wearing for winter commuting and riding and even now it costs less than 1/2 the assos price.

Re summer stuff this year Ive been wearing cannondale LE shorts and tops and Giordana (TOR) shorts, I can ride 100-150 very comfortable miles (on SLR & Toupe saddles) a time and dont need to pay an extra £50 for shorts.

Is it over priced - yes

would I buy it if it was similar prices to other TOR clothing - yes

But why do no pro teams wear it??

Pagem

bigdawg wrote:

ive looked at assos stuff time and time again, but cant quite see the point in paying those prices, when other brands top of the range stuff is just as good and can last as long.

But why do no pro teams wear it??

people whom say this often haven't used assos kit.

as to why pro teams don't use it? well, they prob can't afford it.

cycling tends to get it's sponsorship from individual countries. so discovery (USA) for example are heavily yank endorsed, i.e. discovery channel, trek, nike, oakley, etc.

t-mobile, addidas - german

this isn't exclusive but seems to be the trend.

they do sponsor some national kits however.

APIII

[quote="Pagem"

people whom say this often haven't used assos kit.

[/quote]

Good point well made.

These Assos threads seem to be a recurring them on many forums. The simple fact is that in quality terms, their kit is better than stuff "costing half the price'. However, this rarely seems to be the focus of debate.

The argument always comes down to perceived value. There are those who indulge themselves and are prepared to pay a bit extra for quality products and the inherent benefits they bring, and those who deny themselves a bit of comfort, walking around with a wry smile on their face, safe in the knowledge they have saved a few quid.

A case in point - a colleague who is just getting back into cycling baulked at the cost of a pair of Assos shorts. Instead he purchased a cheaper alternative on special offer. When I caught up with him, he was very disappointed with the fit of his new shorts, but his parting comment was "well for £32 you can't argue really". Well, er, yes you can. £32 is a lot for something you don't like!

overmars

portuguese mike wrote:

Where abouts do you live because i get hot quite easily so that could be an issue?

I live in London. I think in the last year we've had three really cold days! The problem in 'winter' with the intermediate jacket is that the arms are just thin material but the chest area has that wonderful windstopper stuff.
The 851 has it on the arms and chest.

As others are saying; try the stuff on before you buy.

Also I've read about people who have sent Assos kit back for free repairs (as long as the kit is not too far gone!)

Pagem

the only real issue i have with assos is the paranoia of stacking it when you're all kitted out in the winter kit. a mate of mine did this and it was a fairly spectacular way to write off almost £300...

bigdawg

APIII wrote:

[quote="Pagem"

people whom say this often haven't used assos kit.

The simple fact is that in quality terms, their kit is better than stuff "costing half the price'. However, this rarely seems to be the focus of debate.

![/quote]

So what makes it twice as good and what constitutes better, comfiness on long rides, durability, looks good?? I read in a lot of clothing reviews that clothing costing considerably less is on par with assos, so unless it actually makes me go faster Im paying for a label at the end of the day.

I have used assos jerseys yes they were good but at the end of the day it was just a jersey and I prefer the Cannondale LE Jerseys for fit and function.

aracer

APIII wrote:

These Assos threads seem to be a recurring them on many forums. The simple fact is that in quality terms, their kit is better than stuff "costing half the price'. However, this rarely seems to be the focus of debate.

The argument always comes down to perceived value. There are those who indulge themselves and are prepared to pay a bit extra for quality products and the inherent benefits they bring, and those who deny themselves a bit of comfort, walking around with a wry smile on their face, safe in the knowledge they have saved a few quid.

A case in point - a colleague who is just getting back into cycling baulked at the cost of a pair of Assos shorts. Instead he purchased a cheaper alternative on special offer. When I caught up with him, he was very disappointed with the fit of his new shorts, but his parting comment was "well for £32 you can't argue really". Well, er, yes you can. £32 is a lot for something you don't like!

Though noting your example, the argument from the Assos advocates usually involves comparing Assos kit with non-TOR kit from other companies, or possibly something unsuitable or which doesn't fit. I'd suggest that he could have bought properly fitting TOR kit from somebody else and been very happy. I'm fairly convinced that I'm not denying myself comfort by not using Assos kit - have used some and yes it was nice, but no better than other stuff I have. The other argument is usually about longevity - well given the prices it would need to last twice as long as other kit, and I'm very unconvinced it manages that (by the time it's been through the washing machine multiple times, which will kill Assos stuff just as well as anything else).

Actually just to turn your argument round - there are those who walk round with a full set of Assos kit on who find it impossible to accept that they've spent a lot more money than they need have done to be comfortable and those who are sensible enough to realise that there is nothing magical about a brand name.

Actually I do wonder whether the Assos advocates have used TOR kit from other companies, or just cheaper stuff.

Pagem

bigdawg wrote:

APIII wrote:

[quote="Pagem"

people whom say this often haven't used assos kit.

The simple fact is that in quality terms, their kit is better than stuff "costing half the price'. However, this rarely seems to be the focus of debate.

!

So what makes it twice as good and what constitutes better, comfiness on long rides, durability, looks good?? I read in a lot of clothing reviews that clothing costing considerably less is on par with assos, so unless it actually makes me go faster Im paying for a label at the end of the day.

I have used assos jerseys yes they were good but at the end of the day it was just a jersey and I prefer the Cannondale LE Jerseys for fit and function.[/quote]



i refer you back to my original comment about how and why you use it. a recreational rider prob wouldn't notice too much difference becasue they're not doing the miles or riding in such harsh conditions that really allow assos kit to perfom at it's best. that's where the real difference is noted.

i have to say that i read most clothes reviews in cycle magazines and rarely see an article that says it's as good as assos clothing.

anyway, i'm not trying to convert anyone; i'm just giving my opinion. i think on the whole you will find that most people rate it very highly. perhaps ponder this: for the price, assos would have collapsed years ago had they even dared make anything less than superb. they have the balls to virtually outprice themselves from the market yet they are still market leaders and deliver on their word.

Blonde

OP - RE sizing, if ordering, dont guess - check the assos or Parkers international website - the sizing charts are on there. The sizing is snug but it's meant to be. Jerseys/jackets are tight over the chest/under armpits when off fhe bike but it is designed so that when you are on the bike the fit is perfect. I don't think there is any particular discrepancy between asoss sizing and other brands though - I am the same size using assos as I am using other brands such as Endura, Nalini, Gore, Altura and Nike. (Men's medium, women's large, if it helps).

cougie

I was feeling flush the other month so bought some of the Assos F1 shorts.
They are a nice piece of kit and you can see that they're well made and should last longer than other shorts I've had.

Not noticed any improvement in comfort though - so that was a bit disappointing.

Decided against going for their winter jacket a couple of years ago and went for the Rapha one in a sale. Great piece of kit at half price - but not at full. And the best thing is that it can be used for other activities other than cycling - the assos design would look crap in a pub or anywhere else.

Oh and I love my Aldi Gilet that was a fiver. Fits well, keeps the wind off and has reflective piping. Can't justify the cost of the assos one or the Rapha one either.

eh

Lets face it Assos is the Gucci kit for cycling. There is no doubt it is quality stuff, but you are also paying for the name. And it certainly has no miracle powers to make you faster!

Interestingly I hardly ever see racers using Assos stuff even in training, possibly due to it being too costly to replace in the event of a crash, normally it is brands like Nalini, Castelli, Girodana etc. Assos seems to only be worn by middle aged club run riders, albeit ones who put in a fair amount of miles.

cougie

What is TOR kit ?

Oh and Assos sizes are stupid. I'm a 32" waist and my shorts are XL.

bigdawg

top of the range...

cougie

D'oh ! Thanks for that !

bigdawg

must admit I wish companies would sort their sizing out, i recently bought a pair of large giordana skinthingy shorts their large 32waist apparently were actually resembling dungarees :shock:

cougie

I guess Assos size theirs for the waif like professionals they do kit for, but who gives them most of their money ? Well to do middle aged blokes I suspect who may have put on the extra kilo or two....

top_bhoy

I note Blondes comments re. the legwarmers I have which keep sliding off during a ride(even in small size) and I can only add that for this reason alone, I am disappointed with them and definitely puts me off trying anything else Assos when my other Giordano kit works perfectly. I shouldn't need Assos shorts to keep them in place. On my one Assos experience I can't recommend them (but I'm open to suggestions for improving the situation).

PS The gripper is at the top of the leg, is inside and for some reason, is only a half gripper. :shock:

cougie

yeah i think the comic reviewed them too and said a similar thing. For the price - they should be perfect.

I think you'd be silly to be a slave to any one make. Shop around and get the best from each brand.

drewfromrisca

To be honest I've spoken to a few people at my club and they have Assos kit but actually compare it to Giordana kit as a comparison. I have a load of Giordana and its good stuff. A lot cheaper too!!! We now use it as the brand for our club kit.

cabledonuts

I got back into cycling about 2 yrs ago having not ridden much since I was racing in the 1990's. All my clothing needed replacing and am still in the process of replacing it.

One of the items I replaced at the start of last winter was a pair of winter bibtights. I had some old Alexa Ultratherm bibs that were about £50 when I bought them in the 90's.

I had the chance to buy some Assos AirPlus bibtights very cheap - probably would have bought something else otherwise. But, I thought these would be the dogs cojones from what I'd read of them and kinda figured they would be the best there is. How wrong I was.

I do think that they're good, in terms of fit and the 851 Airblock is good, but no way do I think they're worth the money purely because they don't do what they're supposed to do. They use the 851 Airblock fabric in strategic places but the rest of them are just bog standard roubaix material. They do not keep your legs warm when it's cold - especially the insides of the upper thighs. You end up with cold pink skin! On one ride, towards the end of winter this year at night, it was quite mild but then it started p*ssing down and it went cold. My legs were absolutely frozen and I couldn't get them off quick enough when I got home and jump in a warm bath to thaw out.

For something with a RRP of around £170 I don't expect this. My old Alexa Ultratherms did a better job of keeping my legs warm. I have to wear legwarmers (also Assos) under the AirPlus ones to keep my legs warm - I think Assos recommend this for when it's cold - but then they feel restrictive. Can't say I am impressed. They would be better if they had some better material than standard roubaix material other than where the Airblock is.

I'm sure the Assos 851 jacket is good - my mate has one and unless it's really cold it's actually too good and he gets too warm in it.

Talking of which, I have bought myself a new jacket for winter this year. I was always a fan of Exteondo stuff back in the 90's.

How hard is it to find Exteondo these days in UK? I used to get alot from Prendas but they don't stock it anymore

I have found Primera Bournemouth stock a fair bit and I have just bought a Exteondo Hors jacket from them for £103.99 which is a fait bit cheaper than the Assos 851 jacket. The Exteondo Hors has Gore Windstopper fabric in its construction. Got the jacket last week and it looks the dogs and fits well. Just got to wait for winter now to see how it performs. Winter... what a depressing thought!

ddraver

I note that they re chamois cream is by far and away the best one out there........

giant_man

I have no experience of the Airblock jacket but other jackets i have bought and they have been excellent I have to say. Assos is supposed to fit very snugly and all mine do, the bib shorts especially.

I do think they are worth the money, expensive yes, but you do get a lot of style, and performance out of them. Exteondo are another quality make yes but i have never bought any of their stuff. Shall have to investigate ......... I have noticed that the Hors jacket is very similar to Gore's N2S winstopper jacket, the Phantom Plus, and that is cheaper, so who knows? ....

Ste_S

giant mancp wrote:

I have no experience of the Airblock jacket but other jackets i have bought and they have been excellent I have to say. Assos is supposed to fit very snugly and all mine do, the bib shorts especially.

I do think they are worth the money, expensive yes, but you do get a lot of style, and performance out of them. Exteondo are another quality make yes but i have never bought any of their stuff. Shall have to investigate ......... I have noticed that the Hors jacket is very similar to Gore's N2S winstopper jacket, the Phantom Plus, and that is cheaper, so who knows? ....

Team Assos out for a Sunday club run

TomF

FAO - Portugese Mike. I'm a similar build to you (well, based on what you've written, rather than stalking you....) with a 40" chest and 34" waist. I wear large Assos F.1 Mille bib shorts and these fit fine. The leg grippers are not too tight on my (chunky) thighs.

Just joining the debate, I've found these shorts (the only expensive cycling clothing I own other than shoes - I wear Decathlon jerseys) to fit very well, and be generally comfortable. but the thickness of the pad seems to tilt me slightly forward and onto the nose of the sadlle. Strange, for something so lauded as a comfortable long distance pair of shorts....

cougie

Just to confuse matters - I'm a 32/34" waist and I have the XL F1 shorts. Seem to fit very nicely.

Monty Dog

FWIW Sigma Sport in Kingston stock Exte Ondo. In contrast to Assos sizing, I find Gore Bikewear to the other extreme - their tights are hopeless for anyone shorter than about 5ft8" - unless you like turn-ups! I can just about get away with their small windstopper jackets. IME, where Assos kit works best is for high intensity cycling e.g. fast winter club runs where you want something that'll keep you warm, without the bulk of too many layers, which I find makes me sweat more, then gets and cold and clammy. For those inclined to ride slower or stop more, a multiple-layer strategy is better. Another trick is not to wear lycra shorts, but something like Helly Hansen's Lifa bike shorts which keep you warm and dry.

Jonathan Mcp

The mitts are useless. I recently bought some for £24, having heard lots of positives from people about Assos, but even though I bought the size that fitted (large would fit my hand, XL seemed the best size) I find on rides that I get sore through chafe either side of my middle fingers, and the padding on the ulnar nerve part of the hand bucnhes up. basically my 3 year old campag gloves are still more comfy, knackered padding or not.

Seeing as I bought these mitts specifically for long rides, I'm not too impressed. Obviously these comments echo those above that say the gloves etc are not good VFM, but i am willing to pay for comfort when it comes to shorts & mitts, and from this experience i don't know if I'll try Assos shorts anytime soon. the Giordana ones i bought at the same time as the mitts seem to meet my needs very nicely, £56, can't remember model name but very comfy.

grazer

to add my 2c....

i have a few pairs of "higher end" (well more expensive) shorts like pearl izumi, gore and nike stuff (!?!). I tried my first pair of assos shorts today and was amazed. I doubt i'll ever buy another brand of shorts again.

cant comment on jackets etc, but i doubt i would bother cos i find the gore jackets and windstopper stuff to be very good

G

mdg1157

I had the same experience Grazer, had pearls, gore and descente, but the first time i tried Assos (f1uno) couldn't believe the difference. Just got a pair of f1 mille which are great (but.... my 3rd faves at the mo are a pair of Kappa lampre trade bibs from my lbs bargain bin for a tenner) A mate of mine bought a pair of f1 milles , wore rhem twice, declared them crap and sold them on for 20 quid. worst i've had are a pair of campag raytech, the pad wouldnt stay where it should and kept moving forward lleaving me sitting on lycra, with a huge bulge of pad at the front

cougie

its all personal taste - pal did Ironman distance tri at the weekend. Instead of his F1s he wore a trisuit with minimal padding - he preferred it to the assos shorts.