Thanks for such an insightful review. I've just watched some vain chap from Wiggle do an "unboxing" and spent 10minutes talking about how he loves the labels and how he uses the tissue paper to wrap Christmas presents. I have had four pairs of Castelli Rosso Corsa bibs over the years- crashed in a couple, the others just seem to wear thin with repeated washing and the chamois looses its bounce. The Camois, is 15mm and what I like is that it is better attached than the Mille version. Also, on the Castelli, the straps are in very thin (but comfortable) fabric, which eventually perforates and frays. It's so thin, I have actually managed to poke my thumb through it in my current pair. The straps merge into a back panel which covers the lower back, making summer rides more sweaty in that area. Anyways I just wanted to treat myself to these but now I'm really quite doubtful. Thanks again.
Another perspective for you: due to an illness, I am too thin (172cm/61kg, BMI 20.5, 12% body fat, very small boned) and Assos, which used to be my favorite brand before I lost weight, just doesn’t work for me anymore, which is sad because I have to give away some really nice gear. The lack of a belly and thin thighs actually makes that front panel and the support of the chamois really uncomfortable - I get chaffing on the inner thighs, among other issues. A good alternative for those who are as thin as I am is Q36.5. By the way, I wear an extra small in both Assos and Q36.5.
Finally an honest review that doesn’t just regurgitate Assos’ marketing concerning the Mille GTO’s. I’ve really tried to like Assos’ bibs. I’ve got the Equipe RS S9, Mille GTO and Reforms. And they never work out great. Surprisingly the Reform (by far the cheapest) has been the most comfortable for me. Assos seems to want you to wear a very specific piece for a very specific type of ride. Assos’ quality is top notch though. I’ve had such good luck over the years with Rapha’s Pro Team bibs. They are comfortable in all situations (for me at least). Assos jerseys are better in my opinion though.
Hey there, thanks for watching! I will have to put the Pro Team bibs from Rapha on my list. Since I made this vid, I have been using a mix of Giordana bibs and been pretty happy with them so far.
Been wearing Assos for years. GTO is the only one that didn’t work for me. Chamois is sewn too low and doesn’t cover well enough. S11 targa is the best.
@vu3088 - After many miles and many pair of bibs, I settled on the Giordana NX-G Bib shorts. I have two pair now and they work great for quick rides or massive all day efforts. Big bonus they come in short inseam options - great for the not tall rider.
Regarding the not tapered padding: I understand that it is disturbing in your case, but for everyone with a more aggressive position on the (road)bike its absolutely great.
Great job Grant. I’m so surprised that after all you’ve done you are still experiencing pain. That’s normally a bike fit issue. But you’ve done the work in that department too. Are you sure your saddle tilt is correct? That’s crucial. Fore aft too. I would thing after the miles you’ve put in this would no longer be an issue. I have ridden about 3500 miles this year and never ever have a problem. And I’ve used multiple seats and bibs. MTB and road. Good luck. and great review. I know those bibs are pricey too. Try the POC and the 7 Mesh.
Thanks! You bring up a good point about saddle tilt, after all the seat testing and swapping I did, it may be off. I have a pair of the 7 Mesh MX bibs in queue to test next. Thanks again!
Share what your favorite bibs are.
Thanks for such an insightful review. I've just watched some vain chap from Wiggle do an "unboxing" and spent 10minutes talking about how he loves the labels and how he uses the tissue paper to wrap Christmas presents. I have had four pairs of Castelli Rosso Corsa bibs over the years- crashed in a couple, the others just seem to wear thin with repeated washing and the chamois looses its bounce. The Camois, is 15mm and what I like is that it is better attached than the Mille version. Also, on the Castelli, the straps are in very thin (but comfortable) fabric, which eventually perforates and frays. It's so thin, I have actually managed to poke my thumb through it in my current pair. The straps merge into a back panel which covers the lower back, making summer rides more sweaty in that area. Anyways I just wanted to treat myself to these but now I'm really quite doubtful. Thanks again.
Another perspective for you: due to an illness, I am too thin (172cm/61kg, BMI 20.5, 12% body fat, very small boned) and Assos, which used to be my favorite brand before I lost weight, just doesn’t work for me anymore, which is sad because I have to give away some really nice gear. The lack of a belly and thin thighs actually makes that front panel and the support of the chamois really uncomfortable - I get chaffing on the inner thighs, among other issues. A good alternative for those who are as thin as I am is Q36.5. By the way, I wear an extra small in both Assos and Q36.5.
Finally an honest review that doesn’t just regurgitate Assos’ marketing concerning the Mille GTO’s. I’ve really tried to like Assos’ bibs. I’ve got the Equipe RS S9, Mille GTO and Reforms. And they never work out great. Surprisingly the Reform (by far the cheapest) has been the most comfortable for me. Assos seems to want you to wear a very specific piece for a very specific type of ride. Assos’ quality is top notch though. I’ve had such good luck over the years with Rapha’s Pro Team bibs. They are comfortable in all situations (for me at least). Assos jerseys are better in my opinion though.
Hey there, thanks for watching! I will have to put the Pro Team bibs from Rapha on my list. Since I made this vid, I have been using a mix of Giordana bibs and been pretty happy with them so far.
Been wearing Assos for years. GTO is the only one that didn’t work for me. Chamois is sewn too low and doesn’t cover well enough. S11 targa is the best.
It’s been a year, do you still favor these over everything else?
@vu3088 - After many miles and many pair of bibs, I settled on the Giordana NX-G Bib shorts. I have two pair now and they work great for quick rides or massive all day efforts. Big bonus they come in short inseam options - great for the not tall rider.
Thanks for the reply!
Regarding the not tapered padding: I understand that it is disturbing in your case, but for everyone with a more aggressive position on the (road)bike its absolutely great.
@Xarx42 - Good point - I was doing most of my miles on an mtb when I made this vid. I need to revisit these bibs. Thanks
Where can you buy and with discount link?
Mille padding is too thick for me. I find it uncomfortable. I prefer reform bibs at 8mm or equipe at 9mm.
Great job Grant. I’m so surprised that after all you’ve done you are still experiencing pain. That’s normally a bike fit issue. But you’ve done the work in that department too. Are you sure your saddle tilt is correct? That’s crucial. Fore aft too. I would thing after the miles you’ve put in this would no longer be an issue. I have ridden about 3500 miles this year and never ever have a problem. And I’ve used multiple seats and bibs. MTB and road. Good luck. and great review. I know those bibs are pricey too. Try the POC and the 7 Mesh.
Thanks! You bring up a good point about saddle tilt, after all the seat testing and swapping I did, it may be off. I have a pair of the 7 Mesh MX bibs in queue to test next. Thanks again!