Assos, Castelli or Pear Izumi
il_principe
Posts: 9,155
My Castelli Free bibs (which I love) suffered damage on last years Etape, since then I've reserved them for long rides but the rip is getting worse (and more revealing) and I've decided to relegate them to under-baggy duty for the commute and invest in a new pair of "best" bibs. Narrowed the choice down to 3 and wondering anyone has any thoughts on the other 2 options:
1: Castelli Free - again. Super comfy, great pad, cut and fit suits me well. (Like the styling too)
2: Assos FI 13 S5. Never owned Assos bibs. Interested to try, don't like the look.
3. Pearl Izumi PRO Series Octane Bib Short 09. Cheaper than the other 2 but supposed to be on the same par. Look fab and have compression (which is probably bunkum but I'm intrigued and my Tri mad mate is raving about) Never tried any Pearl stuff but hear good things. The Octanes look the nuts as well (and I am a tart
):
I appreciate these are all high end but the Castelli shorts were by far the comfiest I have ever owned and I'm happy spending good money on these bibs for long days in the saddle.
Cheers.
1: Castelli Free - again. Super comfy, great pad, cut and fit suits me well. (Like the styling too)
2: Assos FI 13 S5. Never owned Assos bibs. Interested to try, don't like the look.
3. Pearl Izumi PRO Series Octane Bib Short 09. Cheaper than the other 2 but supposed to be on the same par. Look fab and have compression (which is probably bunkum but I'm intrigued and my Tri mad mate is raving about) Never tried any Pearl stuff but hear good things. The Octanes look the nuts as well (and I am a tart
):I appreciate these are all high end but the Castelli shorts were by far the comfiest I have ever owned and I'm happy spending good money on these bibs for long days in the saddle.
Cheers.
- 2023 Vielo V+1
- 2022 Canyon Aeroad CFR
- 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX
- Strava
- On the Strand
- Crown Stables
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Comments
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I'm interested in this too as I'm after some new bibs - current Gore's have been good but are getting old.Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer0
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Jash,
I'm not sure about PI's bibshorts but their 'Gavia Plus' bibtights are one of the poorest designs I've ever come across. Ultra thin material on the quads, where I expected most wind/water protection (I endup with bright red patches on my thighs after a rainy ride), and thick material behind the knees that chaffed for anything longer than a trip to the shops. The shorts may be a lot better, but I think I'll stick to Assos in the future. At least you know what you're getting.0 -
Assos of course!! Once you experience the quality and fit of the S5 insert and shorts, you won't regret paying for them, worth every penny.
I have had them all in the past, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Campagnolo, Nalini, etc. and I have to say save yourself the bother of running around trying others, just go for the best.0 -
+1 for assos s50
