Assos

UMA GT Half Tights Summer - Women's

We'd happily suggest the UMA GT Half Tights Summer from Assos if you're seeking a little more protection from the sun's harsh rays or like to warm up quickly on those cooler or windy starts. This lightweight and breathable tight has a form-fitting ‘bowling pin’ cut at the rear of the lower leg for a sculpted fit and its choice of materials will keep you cooler and drier than you'd expect. It also features a UMA insert with its goldenGate technology consisting of a chamois that's stitched at the front and rear while leaving the sides free to float with your body instead of against it. This virtually eliminates chafing in a friction-prone area and reduces skin irritation. We've come to expect these niceties from Assos, after all, it was the first company to bring a lycra cycling short to market, but we never take it for granted. It's important to note that these half tights do lack bib straps which make stopping for nature breaks a little easier. And if you're worried that they might get too hot, rest assured as the Push Pull tex on the rear of the legs adds impressive breathability so you don't overheat.

Assos is known by its self-appointed name "the shorts company," and over its 40 years of experience, it's construction techniques and materials evolve as new discoveries are made. The fabric utilized on this tight is known as Type.439 Diadema which Assos created in collaboration with its fabric suppliers to specifically meet its rigid demands for performance, comfort, and durability. The weave has two different rates of 4-way stretch which requires expertise to craft into tights. Its cut in its Long Distance fit, a body-mapped design that's built for all-day comfort that's a little less aggressive than its Aero Racing line. While the panels do a wonderful job supporting and compressing muscles helping to reduce fatigue and encouraging recovery, a wrap-knit fabric known as aeroFit, is utilized in a double layer at the legs and abdominal area as it has a specific structure that aids in ventilation while gently contouring to your shape and prevents any unrestricted movement while reaching for the bars or climbing out of the saddle.

In addition to the goldenGate tech mentioned above, the UMA GT Half Tights Summer brings a women's specific UMA insert which is cut narrow in the front to reduce bulk and increase comfort. The same _s7 chamois technology found throughout Assos' men's line is utilized here with the 8mm-thick memoryFoam material with remarkable return properties. It quickly resumes its original position and shape after deformation, filling the gaps between body and chamois created by your pedal stroke while your weight shifts throughout the cycling motions. As you can imagine, the free-floating, goldenGate design also facilitates this gap-free fit, which keeps contact constant, to avoid chafing.

Finally, the superAir and waffle construction of the insert's layers warrant a shout out as they increase breathability and shed weight with negative space. They also effectively increase the material's surface area, transporting moisture away from your skin to accelerate drying for hours of comfort that go beyond what the insert's low weight would suggest. As a final measure, Assos treats the insert with odorControl, an anti-bacterial treatment that reduces unpleasant odors while improving durability.