Rapha classic bibs or Assos F1 Uno S5

Kupepe
Kupepe Posts: 76
edited February 2012 in Road buying advice
Hello,

I am planning to make some serious effort in building endurance on the saddle since I want to be able to do 2 brevets of 200 and 300 km. For that I am interested in buying my first good bib short. I am between Assos F1 Uno S5 and Rapha's Classis bib short. Is there a difference that justifies that Assos is 120-130 Euros while Rapha sells for 170 euros?

I really like Rapha gear and I own some gear for bodywear. Should I go for Rapha or Assos, since 35 euros are a big difference for me. I am willing to pay for quality but I am already at my limit.

Thanx

Comments

  • bus_ter
    bus_ter Posts: 337
    Can you try them on? Fit is probably the most important factor. If the Rapha is more comfortable for you then it will be worth the extra 35 euros. Rapha and Assos are both right at the top end for bid shorts, with Assos probably edging it.. If it's pure comfort for very long rides then the Assos Mille's will probably be better, but over your budget.
  • Kupepe
    Kupepe Posts: 76
    Unfortunately I can't try the Rapha. Regarding Assos even if i try them don't really know how it rides ... u can't really tell by wearing them at the shop. I guess the differences are too small to notice
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    The short answer is no, there is nothing about the Rapha's that justifies the added costs. I have owned both and in terms of quality they are both well made. However, I think the construction of the Assos bibs is better, I like the slightly more compression feel of the material, the more racing fit and I personally prefer the pad of the Assos for longer rides. If you are interested in long ride comfort, have you also considered the Assos Mille which you should also find for less money than the Rapha's? They have a slightly more relaxed fit and an excellent pad.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,496
    i've got some assos f1 uno, but find castelli body paint much more comfortable, the px2 pad is really good, since i got the body paints, the assos ones don't get worn

    of course, personal fit/preference is a big factor, there's no single choice to suit everyone

    in the uk, there are 2011 body paint team bibs for sale at wiggle for £96 in some sizes, there are probably other deals around

    if you can find some in your size, might be another option to consider
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    +1 for the Assos Mille. Superb. Unbeatable in my opinion.

    I like Rapha jerseys, but with Assos being a known quantity (with me) I never felt the need to experiment with Rapha's bib shorts.

    On the other hand, I don't care for the Captain Scarlet look of the Assos tops.
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  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    edited February 2012
    I currently own two pairs of bibs. One pair is the F1 Uno S5 and the other is the Rapha Classic. I find the pads on both are equally comfortable on long rides. The lycra and cut of the Assos is a bit more 'techy'. I like the fit of both but I prefer the straps on the Rapha - and from a style perspective the Rapha bibs win hands down.
  • Rodrego Hernandez
    Rodrego Hernandez Posts: 1,436
    Do you work in the city or are you a dentist? How long have you been riding?

    If the answers are yes and less than a year then Rapha is for you.

    Otherwise, assos, santini, castelli, giordana will be fine.
  • Simonhi
    Simonhi Posts: 229
    I bought the Rapha ones and have not been disappointed.

    Quite often spend 4-5 hours in them and they seem quite comfy.

    First pair of bib shorts for me.

    Good CS with Rapha, lots spent over the x-mas sale they have just had.

    Only had my bike six months.

    Don't live in the city and not a dentist so maybe not quite the stereotype as mentioned above.
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  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Also consider Craft Elite and Endura Equipe.

    I've got some Craft Elite bibs, and they're fantastic. Admittedly, I've not tried the Endura Equipe bib shorts, but I have got some of the Equipe thermo bib longs, and they've got an absolutely fantastic pad ! I believe that the same pad is used across the range.
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  • Eyorerox
    Eyorerox Posts: 43
    +1 for the Assos F1 Mille S5.
    Free repair service with every one
    (Rapha also offer a repair service, not sure of the details)
  • winton
    winton Posts: 165
    I have a couple of pairs of Assos bibs and, when they first started up, I did buy some Rapha bits. Rapha looks lovely but the quality really is no better than Assos so it is your call if you want to pay the extra. And, as someone above said, try Castelli (both Free Aero Race and Bodypaint) because they are truly excellent and, for my coin, the most comfortable bibs I own.
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    Rodrego Hernandez wrote:
    Do you work in the city or are you a dentist? How long have you been riding?

    If the answers are yes and less than a year then Rapha is for you.

    Otherwise, assos, santini, castelli, giordana will be fine.
    Get over it.
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  • Rodrego Hernandez
    Rodrego Hernandez Posts: 1,436
    on-yer-bike wrote:
    Rodrego Hernandez wrote:
    Do you work in the city or are you a dentist? How long have you been riding?

    If the answers are yes and less than a year then Rapha is for you.

    Otherwise, assos, santini, castelli, giordana will be fine.
    Get over it.

    Sorry city boy :wink:

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