Pro riders are known for their supreme racing efforts, but the foundation of race day is training- countless hours in the saddle. These cyclists have a lot of time to think as they log major kilometers. For the most technical riders, they become hyper-focused on the details. Some are more intuitive and simply know when something isn't right. The combination of both thought process, as well as decades of preeminent expertise, is what drive the design group at Assos to develop premium performance clothing for their sponsored athletes, but really hones in on their Werksteam, with whom they can most closely collaborate with. Whether it’s seam placement, stitch type, or how textiles react to changes in body temperature, the Assos Werksteam is taking note. It’s this selection of riders who brings lab concepts to life, and then drives finished product even further with real world testing. Such is the case with the RS T Werksteam Bib Shorts, tuned for the performance-minded rider and year-round racer who makes no compromises in fit, function, or style.

As with all Assos bib shorts, the Werksteam model features a bevy of their proprietary fabrics and proven construction methods that have been carefully selected and refined for the end product. Jumping right in- the short section incorporate Assos A-Lock Engineering, a textile-patterning bracing system that stabilizes the short and secures the insert in place as you pedal. Just two panels are used, with a primary “butterfly” panel fully wrapping your legs and forming the ergoBox structure. This design frames the insert in place and provides you with an ultra-comfortable feel against your legs, delivered by the soft inner finish of the Type.441 textile, which was developed for compressive hold, support, and silky comfort.

The designers then added the Assos rollBar, which mimics a race car’s anti-sway bar by using the bib straps to stabilize the insert as your weight transfers in the saddle. Each strap is sewn into the seam directly above the insert, ensuring it’s under pre-loaded tension at all times. The bib upper utilizes the Assos Carbon Xbib system, which was released as an RS-series signature technology. A single section of elastic material, which is folded over on itself, forms a supportive A-frame that delivers limited vertical stretch in the rear. Above the “X” junction, a more flexible material is employed, incorporating an antibacterial carbon weave, to wick moisture and lay flat in the front. The result is stretch where you need it, and more tension supporting the short and insert, allowing for more comfort in the most aggressive postures and more comfort when more upright. The straps won't dig into your skin and feel more natural than previous designs.

Of course the business end of any bib short is the most crucial feature- the pad insert. Design it wrong, place it wrong, support it wrong- any of these will ruin a day in the saddle before you know it. Fortunately for Assos and all their riders, sponsored or otherwise, this is what the Swiss company does best. The insert the shorts are constructed around features a reduced overall footprint to shed weight, and is made with superAir microShock foam plus the Assos patented 3D waffle. The stitch-free goldenGate returns, lending friction-free comfort while pedaling, and keeping the kraterCooler system of holes delivering airflow up front. and new ultralight leg grippers.

Finishing out the short section, the designers applied zeroWaist- a raw-cut, tape-reinforced edge for the smoothest transition possible between the body and fabric panel. This results in more comfort with less pressure and potential irritation, all of which are always appreciated, if not consciously noticed. At the leg ends, raw-cut, tape-reinforced edges referred to as ultraLight Leg Grippers for the smoothest transition possible between the body and fabric panel without excess pressure or constriction. General details include new white rollBars, reflective tonal thigh graphics, and what can simply be referred to as exceptional construction and attention to every stitch and effect overall. Make no mistake, this is a bib short developed and optimized for the needs of pro cyclists. Serious enthusiasts will love it as well, but it may not be as at home on gravel or for those who ride a more upright posture. Those are personal decisions, but there is no doubt the Equipe RS T Werksteam Bib Shorts is a premium product for premium performance.