ASSOS EQUIPE R Men’s Bibshorts and Jersey
By Brandon Bilyeu
Cost:
EQUIPE R Jersey: $190
EQUIPE R Bib Shorts: $230
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
Jersey Colors: Mystic Yellow, Deadly Berry, Stella Lavender, Halo Green, Flame Orange, Terra Sand, Future Dusk, Black
Bib Short Colors: Robust Grey, Edge Green, Secret Blue, Black
Website: EQUIPE R Jersey , EQUIPE R Bib Shorts
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Sizing: XS-3XL (both Jersey and Bibs)
Reviewer Measurements: 5’10” (178cm), 150 lbs (68 kg), 33″ (84cm) waist, 38” (96.5cm) hips, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 38″ (96.5cm) chest. Please see the reviews below for specific fit comments.
ASSOS Celebrates 50 Years
Back in 1976, ASSOS took a new approach to bib short design. At the time, everyone wore wool shorts with leather chamois’. ASSOS made the first Lycra short, and now that is all we know. To celebrate, ASSOS released a limited-edition 50th anniversary kit based on the EQUIPE R line as seen in the opening image above, though it has already sold out.
Today, they continue to make technical cycling kits and have expanded their range to include some “affordable” options. Previously, I reviewed the endurance focused MILLE GT range, and now I have tested the EQUIPE R racing kit (Sheri’s review of the women’s version DYORA R can be found here). ASSOS has three levels in the EQUIPE range. The R line is the new, entry-level option. The RS line is the pro-level as currently used by the EF PRO cycling team. And the RSR line is the top-tier lightest, coolest, zero-compromise kit.
EQUIPE R Jersey – Great Fit, Robust Construction
Hot!
- Available in 8 solid colors
- Lightweight material provides a snug, compressive fit
- Quality construction feels very robust even with over-filled pockets
- Full zip in front with zipper garage at bottom to protect your shorts
- Three pockets in the back are well supported by waist
- Men and Women versions available
Not!
- It’s a race jersey, so lacks extra zippered pockets
I found the previously tested MILLE GT jersey to be a little too lightweight for its own good. Sagging pockets and no sun protection are not ideal for an endurance jersey. The EQUIPE R jersey performs much better with a lightweight construction and snug, compressive fit that easily supported everything I could stuff in the rear pockets. On the size chart I fell between size Small and Medium. Knowing this is a snug ‘racing’ jersey I went with size medium and the fit is great, tight enough to be aero, but I can still breathe and move without restriction.
The jersey construction itself is pretty standard with a full front zipper and three generous rear pockets. The pockets have a flap at the top you can flip over the contents for extra security, but I didn’t use the flaps and had no ejection issues. The sleeves are modern elbow length without grippers and stay in place pretty well. The sleeves look raw edge, but in fact are folded over and bonded for a clean, seamless look.
Most of my testing fell during the recent heat waves, and the EQUIPE R jersey handled the heat well with good breathability and quick drying. The front zipper is easy to adjust one-handed, and even when half open, the snug fit keeps flapping to a minimum. The jersey weathered the heat, sweat, salt, and numerous machine washings and still looks brand new. As with all ASSOS kit, I expect it to last for a very long time.
Bottom Line
The EQUIPE R jersey checks all the boxes for a performance jersey. The fit is great, the pockets are large and well supported, and its light enough for hot days but not at the expense of longevity.
EQUIPE R Bib Shorts – Super Comfortable, Good Compression
Hot!
- Available in 4 colors
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 9mm multilayer chamois is excellent
- Very snug and very comfortable fit
- Raw edge waist for belly comfort and easy nature breaks
- Men and Women versions available
Not!
- A struggle to get on, but worth the effort
For jerseys, I tend to size-up if there is any doubt on fit. I prefer a little breathing room up top rather than sausage casing. Bib shorts are the opposite. You want a tight, locked-in fit to minimize movement and friction at the saddle interface. On the ASSOS size chart I fell between size Small and Medium, so I went with size Small. The first time pulling them on was a five-minute struggle, and I was worried I would bust a seam. When I finally got them on, all seams intact, the fit felt perfect with moderate compression and second skin feeling with unrestricted movement. But was I willing to risk throwing out my back every time I put them on? The good news is that after the first wear and wash cycle the material relaxed a bit and from then on, the bibs were just normal bib short hard to get on.
Once on, you will notice the EQUIPE R bibs have a very low front waistline. This is typically more comfortable for aggressive positions on the bike but can also cut into your gut if you are not professional-racer skinny. ASSOS solves this issue by using a super soft and stretchy raw edged panel at the front that can conform to any shape with almost zero pressure. I found it very comfortable and, as a bonus, it makes for the easiest nature breaks of any bib short I have ever tested.
In the image above you can see the seam that connects the chamois to the short is not continuous but instead has a gap at the rear center and the seam ends at the lower buttocks. ASSOS calls this ‘goldenGate 2.0’ where the chamois is only sewn in at the rear (shown above) and front so the chamois can move with your body to reduce friction. I’m a big fan of this approach for a different reason. I tend to rub the chamois side seams on my saddle, and this eventually cuts the thread, and then things start to unravel (several riding buddies also have this issue). But with the goldenGate 2.0 there are no seams on the sides and therefore no more ruined shorts.
The chamois itself is super comfortable and at 9mm (3/8”) thick is thinner than many modern pads but doesn’t sacrifice any comfort. I prefer a thinner pad for better connection to the bike and less excess material pressing into my soft tissues. There is a generous central cutout to aid in pressure relief, and the chamois extends well forward to protect your goods in aggressive positions.
Another standout comfort feature is ASSOS’ front design of the shorts. Almost all cycling shorts feature a vertical seam centered over the crotch. This vertical seam bisects the shorts and forces one’s ‘manly bits’ to the left or right of the seam, which I don’t find particularly comfortable, especially when the bits keep migrating lower towards my churning thighs.
All ASSOS road bib shorts solve this issue with two seams at the front of the short in a ‘V’ configuration that creates a centered pocket that keeps everything snugly in place. It’s a minor design detail that pays off in big comfort improvements for the male anatomy.
Rounding out the features are raw-cut edges at the leg openings with minimal grippers located only on the sides. Even with the tight fit there was no ‘sausage leg’ effect and they stayed locked in place. Up top, wide elastic straps hold the shorts firmly in place while spreading the load softly on the shoulders.
Bottom Line
The ASSOS EQUIPE R bib shorts are sublimely comfortable and worth the struggle to get them on.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.
