Assos Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 review: long-distance comfort at a reasonable price

Assos has introduced the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 as the most affordable option within its premium cycling apparel range, targeting endurance riders rather than racers. These shorts prioritise comfort over aggressive race features, incorporating thoughtful design elements such as a high-quality seat pad and innovative strap construction. While the leg length remains on the shorter side, and the strap arrangement may appear unconventional, the shorts offer strong value for long-distance cyclists seeking reliable performance without the top-tier price tag. The standout feature of the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 is the GT S11 Insert seat pad, which employs Assos’s ‘goldenGate’ design to reduce friction by allowing the central pad section to move independently with the rider’s body. At 12mm thick, the pad provides substantial cushioning and breathability, utilising a three-layer perforated 3D Waffle foam and a soft front fabric called Sundeck Tec. Complementing this is the ‘rollBar’ system, previously seen in Assos’s racing shorts, which stabilises the pad by extending rear straps to the pad panel and upper hem, enhancing comfort during varied riding positions. Constructed from the new QUARTZ fabric, the shorts are lightweight, breathable, and feature permanent odour control, with 80% of the material derived from pre-consumer recycled polyamide. The hems are finished with a PILtec Plug-in band containing silicone micro dots for grip, diverging from the more common raw-cut style in premium shorts. The strap design includes an elastic variation at the crossover point, offering stretch where needed for comfort and stability where required for support, highlighting Assos’s attention to detail in balancing fit and function. Test rides in warm conditions confirmed the shorts’ comfort and durability, with the pad maintaining its cushioning after extensive use and washing. The looser waistband design supports comfort during long rides and breaks, though it may not provide the tight fit some riders prefer. Despite some aesthetic quirks, such as the visible rollBar straps beneath a jersey, the Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 deliver a compelling package for endurance cyclists seeking a blend of comfort, technical innovation, and reasonable pricing within the Assos lineup.