Assos Mille GTS Spring/fall bibshorts £190

Assos has constructed these shorts for the ‘transitional’ seasons, equipping them with its most comfortable pad and adding water repellency too.

The shorts are built around what the brand describes as its ‘ultraplush multilayer insert’ and the plushness of the pad is immediately obvious.

Also noticeable is the fleecy lining which gives the shorts their insulation. We’ve used the shorts across a variety of temperatures, laying to rest any misgivings we had about the concept of ‘cool weather’ shorts. The first ride was at 16 degrees and while normally we would have worn kneewarmers we didn’t need to, with the insulation spot on.

At the other end of the scale we wore them with leg-warmers on a dry morning that was 8 degrees. Again there were no issues with the cold. Despite perhaps being beyond the scope of their intended use, when we used them on the indoor trainer, albeit one situated in a garage, the shorts were warm enough when we started and cool enough when we were dripping with sweat. They never got clammy. Assos says the shorts are longer in the leg than standard models and while that’s visible they didn’t feel long (on my ‘stumpy’ legs). Neither do they ride up, with the grippers doing their job with aplomb. Likewise, the rest of the shorts don’t move; plonk yourself back in the saddle after a hard effort and the pad is where it’s supposed to be.

All in all, these are well made, comfortable and hugely versatile shorts – add some knee and leg-warmers and they can likely take the place of tights on all but the coldest winter days.

RATING

★★★★★