Bibs - Assos or DHB x2

JimboM
JimboM Posts: 380
edited April 2013 in Road buying advice
Now my mileage is starting to increase I'm thinking about treating myself to some better bib shorts (currently using the basic DHB ones)

I know Assos are loved by many but just how much better are they then the rest. I can get the T.Pro Assos for £90 but for the same sort of money I could get 2 pairs of the DHB Aeron Pro's when they're next on offer. I don't mind paying the Assos price if the comfort really is that much better but if most of the price difference is brand snobbery then I'll stick with the DHBs

I know comfort is very subjective but has anyone tried both and could give some input ?

Cheers
Cannondale Synapse 105
Giant FCR3
GT Avalanche 3.0
Canyon Nerve AM 6.0

Comments

  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    Only you can decide if they are worth the extra to you. I have the DHB pros and a pair of the £90 Assos. I was made aware of the £90 assos just after ordering a second pair of DHB. I sent the DHB back. They are definitely a class up in feel.

    Paul.
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)
  • pkripper
    pkripper Posts: 652
    assos
  • Bozman
    Bozman Posts: 2,518
    I bought 2 pairs of DHB Aeron pro's last spring and they were knackered by the autumn, I might take the plunge with Assos but splashing out £240 for a couple of pairs is a big jump.
    Maybe it's false economy buying the DHBs, but you can get 3 years of DHBs(when they're on offer) for the price of 2 pairs of Assos bibs.
  • JimboM
    JimboM Posts: 380
    Thanks for the fast replies ! Looks like the Assos are coming out favourite

    How do they size up, I'm 175cm tall but with a, shall we say, generous waist at 91cm (36" in old money) would I be better off with the Medium based on height or the Large to allow for the beer belly :)

    Cheers
    Cannondale Synapse 105
    Giant FCR3
    GT Avalanche 3.0
    Canyon Nerve AM 6.0
  • edhornby
    edhornby Posts: 1,780
    prendas

    http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?ID=5&typ=typ

    they specialise in cycle clothing and have a lot of santini stock that are really good and not as pricy as assos (if you're not too bothered about colours or team logos you may land on a bargain)

    if you are wondering about sizing, give them a call - their advice is based on height rather than a horizontal measurement :)
    "I get paid to make other people suffer on my wheel, how good is that"
    --Jens Voight
  • Omar Little
    Omar Little Posts: 2,010
    Assos

    I used to like dhb shorts as a budget option but the quality on the newer styles is down on what it used to be. They look better now with the coloured panels but the pad is thin, particularly at the front and the lycra is sort of shiny and see through!

    (My experience isnt with the top range but the mid range ones about £50)
  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    There's a few people posted build Vs Short size at viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12909775 for Assos
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    JimboM wrote:
    Thanks for the fast replies ! Looks like the Assos are coming out favourite

    How do they size up, I'm 175cm tall but with a, shall we say, generous waist at 91cm (36" in old money) would I be better off with the Medium based on height or the Large to allow for the beer belly :)

    Cheers
    Go by height with Assos = 175cm = large. Assos light years ahead of DHB for comfort and quality.
  • robbo2011
    robbo2011 Posts: 1,017
    Assos sizing could be an issue for you, as the fit is more for racing snakes than slightly larger guys. Your height suggests a medium size, but the 36" waist suggests something larger would be needed. I'd go for the L and see what happens.

    Is there anywhere where you can try some on before you buy?
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    There are many other options beyond Assos. If you think you need to spend big money on shorts to ride 50 or 100 miles or whatever then you should probably sort out your bike fit and/or get a new saddle.

    Plenty of quality shorts out there for a lot less than Assos. As recommended above, Santini make some top quality shorts and Prendas are possibly the quickest and most reliable online retailer around. I've also had a couple of pairs of Craft shorts - the basic ones and performance ones and really rate them as well. All cost significantly less than £100 and I've ridden big miles in them all with no issues.
    More problems but still living....
  • nochekmate
    nochekmate Posts: 3,460
    If you buy the Assos you'll never want to wear the DHBs anyway.
  • Assos all the way!
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    I'm just back in from 102 miles, sitting on my Assos F1 Mille, perhaps the most comfy shorts ever made (for me personally at least). I love my DHB gear but the Assos products really are superb. I can tell the difference on rides like today if I use non Assos shorts. They cost £145 but well worth it.

    I'm 173cm and 33" waist. M is perfect for me so you'd be L I'd say.
  • JimboM
    JimboM Posts: 380
    Well that's the Assos ordered in large

    To all those that responded a big thank you from me but my wallet has flipped you the finger :lol:

    Cheers

    Jim
    Cannondale Synapse 105
    Giant FCR3
    GT Avalanche 3.0
    Canyon Nerve AM 6.0