Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos Cento Evo Bib Shorts (Black Series)

 

I don't buy bib shorts very often and the ones I do own have lasted for years and are still going strong. Since the start of buying Assos clothing it has been everything apart from legwear. There are loads of different ranges of shorts and to be honest I would not have a clue where to start with them but this model popped up in the sale last year and for just over £100 I thought I would give them a go. As with all there other clothing I have bought from Assos the quality of construction is superb and cannot fault this. I have never had a pair of shorts with a pad insert like this one. It is not totally sewn into the shorts all the way around and has a section on either side which is open where you can see the foam insert underneath. The insert also has a cut out in the middle like saddles. When riding in them the feel through your bottom is not something I have never felt before, its like riding on a thin floating cushion. It takes some getting used to but once you have done a few miles into the ride you get used to it. The straps are comfortable but the front panel is very low for me. I like a higher panel and find this strange when I first put them on. The leg grippers are great but the inside leg length could have been another inch or so longer for me. As for the rrp well I just don't know how they dream the figure up. They wash well but I will have to stop using them off road as they are roadie orientated. They look very classy and posh with the suttle logos with different coloured leg gripper bands. There are a couple of reflective parts down the back of the legs as well. Time will tell as to how long they last me but hopefully a good few years / miles. 

RRP £225 and I paid £102.32 from Sigma Sports inc 48hr p&p - Discount 55%

Manufacturers blurb - 

ASSOS' Cento bib shorts have evolved (hence the 'EVO' now in their name), and are fully loaded with refined details to go along with the proven long-distance-comfort recipe.

Cento is synonymous with long-distance comfort, and the latest iteration of these staple, fully loaded bib shorts further reinforces that link. The shorts are based on ASSOS' much-favoured T Cento EVO comfort fit platform, but have evolved with the inclusion of an updated insert and refinements throughout.

Against your skin is still the same Type.439 textile in the main panels, as it's incredibly comfortable against the skin. With two different rates of four-way stretch, it also offers a comfortable yet compressive hold for a smooth, supportive wrap over your thighs. This proprietary fabric provides exceptional breatheability, and it rapidly transfers moisture to its quick-drying outer surface.

As with the original Cento, the fit is a touch more generous around the lower abdominal muscles than ASSOS' racingFit options, and the shorts feature new raw-cut zeroWaist to ensure a smooth and comfortable hold, whatever your body shape.

The back panel is constructed using the acclaimed Y7 Frame Carrier design and Stabilizator mesh, resulting in a flat, stable structure that lies flat between your shoulder blades for a smooth, supportive hold. The insert is made from ASSOS' new black CENTO EVO, featuring 10mm of plush memory foam and kukuPenthouse for dependable comfort and support on every ride.

FEATURES

• Assos waffle is a patented three layer foam with perforations that make it light and highly breathable
• Assos goldenGate is a patented technology which augments the performance of the insert by allowing the most fluent movement with the body
• Assos rearTerminal used to fully incorporate the rear of the pad into the back of the shorts to reduce volume and minimise seams
• Assos kuKuPenthouse is a unique innovation built into the front part of the pad that cocoons the male anatomy offering protection and temperature control
• Assos superFlat grippers are ultra minimal with optimal stretch return to hold the shorts in place without any excessive pressure
• iceColor is a fabric treatment that reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption, keeping muscles cooler
• Assos odorControl anti-bacterial treatment reduces unpleasant odours and improves durability
• Maximum comfort chamois pad with 10mm of memory foam
• Assos Y7 frame carrier bibTech uses a wider cut of elastic for less pressure on your shoulders