ASSOS MILLE GT SUMMER GTS
£165 High-end bibs designed for long, hot rides
COLOUR Black SIZE XS-XXXL WEIGHT 182g
The superlative Mille GT bibs from Assos are aimed at the racer who demands top performance for long days in the saddle. They are the second generation of Mille and, according to the Swiss brand, are an all-new bib short featuring a new double-layer pad insert, fatigue-reducing compressive textile, along with a redesigned fit.
Svelte racers will love the elasticated ‘Xbib’ straps that do away with mesh uppers, making them more like shorts with straps than bibs. They don’t help to hold the midriff pulled in if you’re carrying extra. Assos uses its GTS C2 summer insert in the pad with double-layer, dual density, memory-foam construction and honeycomb-style top layer.
The thin and lightweight Ossidia fabric used throughout the legs offers light compression, said to help increase blood flow and fight muscle fatigue, yet remains highly stretchy. Wide bands with minimal silicone gripper hold the legs in place. The GTs feel great on and all their components gel together wonderfully once you start pedalling, however long your ride.
The C2 pad is a touch wider than some but this goes completely unnoticed in the saddle, offering superior comfort even on rides over five hours. The honeycomb top layer breathes well and the small perforations up front help keep your undercarriage cool.
The strap system looks odd but works well. The wide straps move naturally, so I was unaware of them while riding. They anchor the shorts perfectly in place whether you’re in the saddle or sprinting. Unlike some compression shorts, the GTs aren’t overly tight yet they provide good support. The Ossidia fabric breathes well, even on the hottest rides, and the leg bands do their job without issue.
These are high-performing yet totally comfortable summer bibs whether you’re racing, training or just riding with your mates at the weekend.