90 Days In Assos. The Assos Uno, Mille, FI 13 Review

The Trio

Assos in well known for making the most comfortable bibs in the industry. We thought it would be cool to review each bib starting with the FI Uno, their base model bib. This will be a 90 day test of each bib. Yes, it's tough work isn't it.


There are several things to consider when evaluating bib shorts. The first and most obvious is the chamois (padding). Then we have overall fit, moisture management, compression and durability. A good chamois should provide adequate padding and its surface should be soft and smooth and IT SHOULD STAY THAT WAY. Many costly chamois out there pill up after a few washes or lose their soft feel. A good chamois should also maintain its shape and overall thickness after many rides and washes. There are a lot of pads that compress over time and stay compressed. When that happens, the padding barely works and forget about moisture management. A good fit should provide adequate compression and allow for free range of movement without chafing. They should not be baggy nor should they turn clear when they are stretched a bit. Your shorts should last, they should hold up over time within reason. Crashing destroys all lycra, this much we know. 

The Uno

The Fi Uno S5 is the base model bib short, they cost $180. That is a deal considering they out-perform many other bibs that cost much more. Ive had the pair in the photo for two years, yes, that's longer than 90 days but it's where we start. They use the same material in the chamois as the other bibs from Assos, the S5 padding, but this one is shaped slightly different than Mille's or Fi 13's. The Uno is also a higher compression short, it fits tighter and has fewer separate panels of fabric. Assos dubs the Uno the "race short", thus the tighter fit and higher compression. I've had a couple pairs of Uno's that have seen a lot of use. I've ridden them both on the road bike and off road. These bibs tend to fit thinner folks like myself very well and these things are super comfortable. The padding stays in place like it should and They retain their fit and comfort over time. The shoulder straps are very comfortable and I never notice them while riding. Assos apparel is designed to fit in the riding position, these bibs follow the rule. They feel good when standing upright but when you assume the position they seem to snap right in place. If you get a pair, you will love them, no question, and these are just the base model bib shorts.


Something worth noting; you shouldn't be thinking about your shorts during your ride, you should be thinking about riding. This is part of what makes a quality piece of cycling clothing great, it is not a limiter, it's an enabler. Cycling clothing should improve your experience on the day. High quality bib shorts are something that can make a real difference. Assos bib shorts are the best we've tried. We receive samples from others relatively often and we are always looking into new products but have yet to find an equal. Assos Cycling apparel is about cycling, not being seen at the coffee shop or anything else, cycling. This is a family owned business steeped in cycling history as well. Assos developed the very first Lycra short finally saving us from wool shorts. They continue to create the finest cycling gear made and that's what they are about, as we are, the absolute best experience on a bike possible.


We'll write up the next two bibs in the line shortly. The Fi Mille is next on the list and is the most well known model. The final will be the top end Fi 13 which, very briefly, blew me away.

This is my two year old pair of FI Uno bibs. They have just the tiniest amount of abrasion on the right side of the chamois, barely noticeable and if you see it in the photo, you've got good eyes.. These have a lot of both on and off road miles.

Here are the uppers of my old pair. Still perfect.