The Equipe RS line represents Assos's competition-focused thinking, and the Schtradivari Bib Shorts S11 sit at the apex of that philosophy. These aren't the bibs you grab for a casual coffee ride—they're what you reach for when the group chat says "fast" and means it, or when you've got a target time for a segment that's been nagging at you. The S11 designation marks the current generation of Assos's racing chamois technology, paired with their Type.S0 fabric that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency over the comfort-first approach of their trail and touring lines.
What sets the Schtradivari apart from other Equipe RS bibs is the construction philosophy. Assos uses their goldenGate bib attachment system, which positions the straps and upper structure to work with your body's movement rather than fighting it. The result is a bib that stays put during hard efforts without the creeping and shifting that plagues lesser designs when you're in and out of the saddle. The Type.S0 fabric compresses without restricting, and the seamless leg construction eliminates the interior seams that can become irritating over multi-hour rides.
The S11 chamois deserves specific attention. Assos developed this insert for their professional-level bibs, using a multi-density foam construction that responds differently to pressure depending on where you're sitting. The nose relief zone and sit bone support are distinct from one another, which sounds obvious but requires precision manufacturing to execute. For riders putting in serious saddle time—whether that's racing, gran fondos, or long training blocks—the chamois quality becomes the limiting factor on comfort, and the S11 addresses that reality.... Read More
Fit runs true to Assos sizing, which tends toward the fitted end of the spectrum. If you're between sizes, the compression nature of the fabric generally rewards sizing up rather than squeezing into the smaller option. The black colorway keeps things straightforward, pairing with whatever jersey rotation you're running without introducing kit-matching complications.