Assos

Equipe RS Spring Fall S9 Bib Short - Men's

There comes a point in the year when we must admit that it is getting too cold for our favorite bib shorts. Whether crisp mornings before work or the weekend all-day epic, we’re not ready to give in to knickers but need more warmth than our go-to summer bibs provide. The Equipe RS Spring Fall S9 Bib Short capitalizes on the design of the Equipe RS, with a more insulating fabric to keep muscles firing and bridge the gap between summer and winter.

Assos uses their warmest Osmos Heavy brushed knit fabric for premium insulation and breathability. The front of the bibs features a two-layer windproof and waterproof construction to keep us protected from the biting winds of winter’s approach.The construction of the lowers consists of just two panels, one for the lower back and one for the legs. It connects using a butterfly panel that wraps the legs and meets at the rear ergoBox, a square pattern construction that frames the insert at the back, boxing it in for added stability. This yields a consistent and uniform fit for better overall compression and comfort. Ultralight Lycra leg grippers keep the hem of the shorts in place, no matter how hard we’re mashing to make it up the climb.

Assos paid careful attention when designing this race-level insert constructed of 3D Basalt. Assos redesigned the insert to eliminate bulk and excess weight, while keeping rider comfort at a premium. The S9 insert may feel thinner between the fingers versus the S7, yet improves comfort and remains so even after many hours in the saddle. The padding consists of superAir microShock foam helping to absorb road vibrations thanks to its ultralight open cell foam. Unlike the warmer-weather Equipe RS and RSR, the Spring Fall bib eliminates the kraterCooler ventilation holes for warmth, while maintaining breathability with the waffle-knit topsheet. The middle section of the insert receives Assos' much-lauded GoldenGate technology, removing the stitching along the insert for better freedom of movement. Final chamois details include the Horizontal Stabilizer, the rollBar, that locks the insert to the outer textile with a reinforced central stitch.

Up top, the shorts feature Assos’ A-Lock bib structure. The straps are a single section of elastic which is folded over itself and forms a supportive A-frame to better stabilize the shorts while you pedal. The straps crisscross at the back and anchor in place even with the rollBar, while in the front they're placed in a wide stance to sit comfortably and help minimize irritation.