ASSOS MTB COLLECTION
It all started with a bike. A common statement among us all and for Swiss brand Assos it was no different. It began back in 1976 for Assos with company founder Tony Maier-Moussa creating the first aerodynamic carbon bicycle frame and in the same year the first Lycra cycling shorts - making woollen shorts obsolete almost overnight. Through years of innovations in cycling, Assos have truly cemented themselves as ‘the shorts company’. And although they are proud of that title, at times you wonder if they want to be known as more than that! Even so, their premium kit is on the wish list of most road cyclists - and that may soon be the case for mountain bikers as well now Assos are branching out. The company is also heavily investing in the sport, with sponsorship of the Absa Cape Epic, as well as the likes of Jolanda Neff and Nino Schurter tearing it up at the Olympics and World Championships in their gear. So what better incentive if you want to try something new.
THE SHORTS
Having worn Assos bib shorts for years, I was excited to get my hands on them and see what design changes were made for a set of shorts aimed at the off-road cyclist. At $450 a pair I expected a lot from the bibs and it was immediately obvious these are no standard pair of shorts. Over three years of design and development went into the T.RALLYSHORTS_S7 and, whilst there are similarities to their S7 road brethren, there are clearly specific features unique to this off-road offering. The first thing you notice is the heavy, thick material which looks more woven than plain old Lycra. There is also the unique addition of impactPads which can be inserted just below the hips, slipping inside little pockets sewn inside the shorts. Amazingly, these 8mm thick inserts – made of viscoelastic polyurethane foam - are barely noticeable due to their malleability. But I did find myself removing them for rides on the warmer days just to keep a bit cooler. Assos claim that while these pads won’t save your life, they might just save your skin. On the trail the T.RALLYSHORTS_S7 are clearly an amazing piece of kit. With solid compression on the legs, the low-cut waistline synonymous with Assos allows great airflow, whilst the heavy-duty straps were barely noticeable. The S7 off-road rally chamois mimics the road shorts in that it is not fully stitched to the shorts, allowing the pad to remain against the body at all times thus reducing friction and fortunately for us – chaffing. The chamois for the T.RALLYSHORTS_S7 has been located farther back than in their road offering, taking into consideration the more upright position in mountain biking. For me this was a very noticeable change, especially after several hours out on the trails. My one major concern was how this robust fabric was going to go in the hot humid conditions of Queensland. But I was met with a pleasant surprise. Although the shorts feel thick and heavy, they breathe surprising well and I felt as comfortable as I could be - even in the blazing sun.
THE JERSEY
The SS.RALLYTREKKINGJERSEY_EVO7 is truly at one with the Assos Layering System (ALS) that adorns their website. The jersey is designed to be worn with Assos base layers and as such it comes with their sleeveless summer version in the box. It is more than necessary - especially in Australia for UV protection given the rear of the jersey is largely made of a 3D see-through mesh. The 3D mesh, while extremely heavy duty, feels both light and airy when worn. The fit is snug - in line with much of Assos’ road kit - and this is clearly not trail shredding gear. It’s far more suited to the dedicated racing mountain biker focusing on XC and XCM performance. However, it’s clear that the innovations in this jersey are next level, with attention to detail second to none. In fact there are six different textiles making up this jersey. Three roomy pockets are provided, with a zipper section for valuables. You can store ample food and spares away and the construction of the jersey does not allow sagging. The reflective material is a nice touch for those early starts on the road to the trails. In the same way as the shorts, everything is tougher on the jersey too. Reinforcement over the seams will protect from both falls and backpacks. Backpacks are also accommodated for with the 3D mesh making an appearance across the shoulder allowing for airflow and protection in this area of the body. On the trail the SS.RALLYTREKKINGJERSEY_EVO7 is supremely comfortable. I did not feel I was sweating any more than with a normal jersey, even with the base layer underneath. The jersey is not a relaxed fit but I did not find it to be compressive like their road range; instead it was both flexible and stable – staying exactly where it needed to. And it would always be my go-to for future rides in the bush.
CONCLUSION
It’s a tough one. These are amazing products with so much material technology, but they also come with an incredible price tag. One might question whether mountain biking really requires such technological boundaries being pushed when it comes to clothing. But, having ridden in the Assos range, I’d have to say yes. The tech may become more affordable in the future, but if you have the money to buy this kit now then you won’t be disappointed at paying the higher price.