Assos is known as a high-end producer of cycling clothing. The Ticino-based company has become known far beyond the country's borders, particularly for its pants. However, Assos is also more of a road bike-oriented brand - despite the many European and world championship successes of Swiss mountain bikers. This is now set to change, as their specialists have been developing the "Offroad Rally" bike collection for several years. A lot is also set to happen in the coming years. Assos wants to expand the collection more and more in the various segments.

The centerpiece of the Offroad Rally collection are the new T.Rally_S7 shorts. Anyone who thinks the long-awaited baggy shorts are coming is mistaken. These are still bib shorts. Nevertheless, they are very interesting - if only because of the three years of development work. The shorts, consisting of 10 individual parts, 3 fabrics and 16 other components, are designed to offer the wearer compression and protection as well as a perfect fit and comfort. A first field report shows what the shorts can really do.The leg and front sections of the shorts are not new, but originate from the tried and tested S7 racing shorts range. The leg section is made from one piece of fabric and therefore only has one seam. A minimum of seams was also the aim with these trousers. This means less weight, more comfort for the wearer and, above all, fewer weak points. Nevertheless, the fabric should also be very durable. This is also how the thread feels - more robust and irritating than comfortable. The T.Rally shorts also feel uncomfortable when you put them on. However, once the buttocks have found their place in them, the elegant garment is comfortable to wear. The straps, which are more like classic suspenders, are also in no way annoying.

Compression for fitness
The "Type 499" leg fabric also has a function. The asymmetrically woven fabric construction is designed to provide more compression while still being very elastic in the vertical direction. The compression is achieved by transferring oxygen from the skin to the muscles, but the support function is more important. Thanks to this, the thigh muscles have to do less work on rough descents, leaving more power for pedaling.

In fact, the leg gaiter supports the muscles really well and the legs feel "calm" even when there is a lot of shaking on the descent. Whether this really makes you feel better remains to be seen. Furthermore, the compression of these regular-fit pants is in a comfortable range. According to Assos, the compression of the racing fit trousers is noticeably stronger.

The front section is equipped with carbon fibers for antibacterial reasons, as you usually sweat a lot in this area. Assos has also created more space in this area. Like the front section, the padding is also expanded so that the man's privates are comfortable and not too constricted. The S7 technology of the racing shorts is also used here. Assos leaves a non-sewn passage called "Golden Gate" in the seat section between the pad and the shorts. This separation means that if there is a lot of friction on the saddle, this is not transferred to the seat pad, which in turn means more comfort on long rides. Thanks to its waffle construction, the seat cushion is also very breathable. Furthermore, this "seat cushion" is cut unusually wide. This means that it lies close to the legs, preventing chafing at the crotch.

The Ticino-based company also keeps its promise of comfort here. The padding remains supple and comfortable throughout the five-hour tour. Even when it pours with rain and your backside gets wet, it doesn't feel like you're sitting in water. There is also no chafing. A practical feature for men is the low-cut front section of the trousers, which allows them to relieve themselves without having to bend over.

The high-tech upholstery in Batwing design.

From cycling shorts to crash pants
As you often bump your hips when you crash, the Assos developers have come up with something special: integrated protection with impact pads. Each leg is fitted with a 23 gram, 8 millimeter thick pad made of PU polyurethane foam, which we already know from today's protectors. For this foam pad, Assos has chosen a composition that is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations so that it does not become too hard in the cold. These pads are simply pushed into a mesh compartment on the inside, where they protect the hip joints in a barely noticeable way. Of course, every buyer can decide for themselves whether they want to rely on this protection or do without it.

The pads are noticeable - but not for long. They are quickly forgotten, which can certainly be seen as positive. Nevertheless, there are doubts as to whether such pads are needed at all. The answer that they can be useful is provided by an Assos employee himself when he skids off the bottom of a bend on the rain-soaked road and, lo and behold, has no scratches on his hip bone.

Conclusion: The T.Rally_S7 bib shorts are a successful piece of work. Functional, comfortable and robust. However, the fun won't come cheap. The retail price has not yet been communicated, but it should be in the range of the T.campionissimo_s7. Considering the technologies, the materials and the long development time, a high price is justified. As Assos pants generally have a very long service life, prices around the 400 franc mark no longer seem so horrendous.

ss.Rallytrekking Jersey and ss.CapeEpic Jersey
Assos also presents two tops to match the high-tech trousers. The ss.rallytrekking jersey is designed for trekking and all-mountain use. Here, too, it's about the area of use and not the style - so this jersey does not have a so-called loose fit, but is relatively close-fitting. Incidentally, the ss.rallytrekking jersey has the longest development time that Assos has ever needed for a jersey.

The main fabric of the jersey is called Type-188, is very robust, at the same time very elastic and above all very comfortable. An interesting feature of this garment is the back and shoulder sections with 3D mesh made from polyamide. This provides excellent ventilation. Especially because a rucksack often hangs on the back in the all-mountain and trekking sector. The rider should sweat less underneath and at the same time be protected from pressure points from the backpack straps on longer tours. It is also important to note that the 3D mesh material can only be stretched laterally, not vertically. The reason for this orientation is the back pockets. If you ride without a backpack and fill them, the jersey should not hang down due to the weight in the lower back. The middle back pocket also has an additional zipper pocket. This is splash-proof and therefore ideal for stowing your cell phone.

Assos goes its own way when selling the ss.rallytrekking jersey. It is only sold in combination with a Skinfoil undershirt. The Ticino-based company recommends not using the jersey without an undershirt, as the back area is not protected from the sun. Furthermore, Assos is convinced that the best possible function can only be achieved with jersey and underwear and wants to guarantee this for every customer.

Partnership is reflected in the collection
Assos has a partnership with the Cape Epic in South Africa. For example, the respective overall leaders are dressed in Assos leader jerseys. It is therefore only natural that the race collection comes in the authentic Cape Epic look. Technically far less elaborate, the ss.CapeEpic jersey will be available in three colorways, with one half in Assos style and one half in Cape Epic style.

In addition, this jersey is very light, robust and also comfortable to wear.

www.assos.com