Which Reigns Supreme on the Road? Assos or Q36.5 Bib Shorts

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

I’ve lost faith in Assos after the last few iterations all fell apart on me.

I love the fit and comfort of Assos bibs -- low-end, high-end, in-between-end, I've owned a lot of their different models, and they all work really well for me

...until they wear out prematurely, and then I'm disappointed.

[kytyree]

I loved the old orange pad that Assos used. The new stuff is pretty good, I liked the Kukupenthouse which I think was rare.

Rapha classics were great until they added the really big leg grippers, around that time the sizing also seemed to get weird, I have no idea what size I'd wear anymore in a classic they all got so big.

Rapha Brevet is good unless it's really humid and I get on well with the pro teams.

Velocio I find very comfortable but don't get as many miles out of them as some others.

Giordana, in the past I've probably sold some of you FRC bibs. I haven't ridden in them myself in years but they used to be a great simple bib with a smooth quality pad.

Q36.5 and MAAP I've got to try but haven't reached a conclusion yet. The Q36.5 bibs are definitely of a quality construction.

Eliel was another brand I've tried, well made but I just didn't get on with them like some other brands.

[zap]

edit

Originally Posted by Vamoots58

I've been considering Q36.5, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Will be watching this post for more ideas....

For a number of years I was thinking about purchasing Q36.5 bibs.......but no where to try. I would not purchase such expensive bibs without trying first. This spring we were in Napa and on our way back to SF stopped by Above Category.

I believe they are the sole Q36.5 importers for the US. One heck of a nice bicycle store and they had a good quantity of stock. For me (6'1") large Q36.5=large Assos.

[deluz]

Here are my observations about Q36.5:

Material is very thin crunchy feel and somewhat compressive.
I really like it compared to conventional lycra.
Pad is more forward placed right under where you sit.
It feels weird at first but then you get used to it and is comfortable.
The pad is squishy like memory foam, compared to La Passione which is very high density and stiff but both work for me.
Low density foam pads don't work for me because they just bottom out even though I weigh only 140 lbs.
Bottom line, Q36.5 are expensive (but so are many others) but I think worth it to have at least one in the rotation. My wife uses their shorts and they are her favorites.

[chrismercurio]

I appreciate all of the detailed feedback. I did use the search function prior to posting the thread and hope that this will be helpful to others as well.

[bshell]

The longevity of both Assos and Q36.5 is excellent.

As is the fabric and build quality, in the upper end stuff at least. Disclaimer: no new Assos stuff in yeeeears because it lasts forever. And I think my Q stuff is @ 6 years old now.

I'm not 'thrilled' overall with either lines and I think both companies have room for improvement....like going back to basics but keeping the fabric advances.

Pads, straps, garment cuts etc. are highly personal so buying w/o trying high end stuff on first --in this economy?!

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by bshell

The longevity of both Assos and Q36.5 is excellent.
...[snip]...
it lasts forever.

I'm often astonished at how different two people's experiences can be!
(see my earlier post re: Assos longevity)

[Geemalar]

Regarding Assos, I have a pair of their bibs that have to be at least 5 years old, I keep them in the rotation and they still look like the day I took them out of the package.

One year old pair of the Assos GTO bibs………….they look worse than the older pair I have mentioned above that probably cost 1/3 the price.

I also have a pair of Assos knickers that were brand new 2 months ago………..material is pilling in the seat area, one stitched seam is starting to pull apart………

Bibs are always hand washed, hung to dry.

The fit and feel works for me, but the quality on the latest Assos purchases is disappointing to say the least.

[bshell]

Originally Posted by bshell View Post
The longevity of both Assos and Q36.5 is excellent.
...[snip]...
it lasts forever.
I'm often astonished at how different two people's experiences can be!
(see my earlier post re: Assos longevity)

Are you saying the high end stuff didn't last for you?

I'm not familiar w/ the low end or newer offerings. I wore Assos bibs exclusively for 20+ years and could not say a single thing bad about durability -and I have some OLD bibs.

Always machine washed, then hung to dry.

Edit -I DO now remember some stitching issues with the first orange chamois which I think was called F1 or FI? That was ages ago but I stand correcting myself.

I'ma sound like a psychopath but my favorites were the Campionissimo Prosline bibs with the natural(?) chamois.

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by aaronffs

does this read like ai to anyone else


i like assos and rapha bibs tho

No. AI would use punctuation and capitalize the beginning of sentences.

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

I'm often astonished at how different two people's experiences can be!
(see my earlier post re: Assos longevity)

Perhaps it's like tires. The more supple and comfortable, the less longevity. Tradeoffs ya know..

[I Want Sachs?]

Originally Posted by zap

edit



For a number of years I was thinking about purchasing Q36.5 bibs.......but no where to try. I would not purchase such expensive bibs without trying first. This spring we were in Napa and on our way back to SF stopped by Above Category.

I believe they are the sole Q36.5 importers for the US. One heck of a nice bicycle store and they had a good quantity of stock. For me (6'1") large Q36.5=large Assos.

Velo Tech in Palo Alto has Q36.5

[chrismercurio]

For folks in the SF Bay Area, Upshift in SJ and Above Category also have Q36.5.

[sparky33]

has anyone shopped at Velo-Store.shop?

It is a French retailer. Their pricing reminds me of Bikeinn...which was my go-to for Q36.5 deals.

[zap]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

I'm often astonished at how different two people's experiences can be!
(see my earlier post re: Assos longevity)

I started wearing Assos in the late 80's.......back when the chamois was real. Quality was spotty then but when the F1 13 whatever that I purchased had stitching fail during the first ride, I had enough and stopped purchasing Assos.

But.

I went through bib hell for the next 10+ years. When the Assos S7 was introduced I decided to give Assos another chance. Glad I did.