Assos builds so much fabric and construction technology into their products it can be difficult to absorb and understand it all. Suffice to say that the details are here, but the essence of any piece of Assos equipment comes from their desire to build you the best garment for your riding requirements, conditions, and fit preference. For, example, the signature Assos AEPD “click fit” system is the result of obsessing over the cut of each panel, seam placement, type of stitch, weight of fabric, and direction of textile elasticity to match the purpose build of the garment. Each element is part of a functional system that creates the whole, complementary or contradictory as necessary. With the “TARGA” classification, Assos has driven a foundational redesign of their EQUIPE RS S9 platform. The re-engineering process increases performance and comfort, sheds unnecessary bulk and grams, and decreases drying time, which ensures perspiration doesn’t become mid-ride weight by lingering in textiles. This Equipe RS S9 Targa Bib Short is built with the AEPD racingFit concept, which is only truly comfortable when you are on the bike in your normative riding position.

The Equipe RS S9 Bib Shorts feature the Assos Type.411 textile, a compressive warp knit fabric developed for a second-skin fit that has a silky feel for absolute comfort and freedom of movement. This fabric also delivers workhorse durability, which ensures long life with proper care. This is a multi-year, race-level material that delivers the increased blood flow and muscle support from compression that has proven beneficial to performance and fatigue reduction. It is highly breathable, keeping you cooler and drier throughout your ride. To this main fabric, the design team also incorporated a panel of Ossidia material across the lower abdomen, adding stretch to better accommodate aggressive bike positions, expand with deep breathing during hard efforts, and relieve pressure for taller cyclists seeking an aerodynamic, second-skin fit.

The bib upper is visually just a couple of flat straps that crossover in the rear- except it is not simple at all. The A-Lock Engineering system combines Assos rollBar bib straps, modified ergoBox connecting panel, and one-piece Butterfly panel to give you shorts that completely integrate with the straps to fit and perform beautifully no matter what. Whether it's high-intensity bursts of speed or long endurance efforts, this engineered design maintains superb stability as you shift weight in and out of the saddle. The unique Assos 'butterfly' panel design snugly wraps the legs and back to create the ergoBox structure. This holds the Sundeck S9 Insert seatpad securely in place for an incredible feeling of support and comfort throughout your pedal stroke and when you're shifting weight on the saddle. The garment works with you, no matter the physical requirements, with all areas complementing or connecting the other to optimize your movement and comfort.

Taking their already super-comfortable S9 insert, Assos have made improvements to make it lighter, cooler and minimize its footprint, all to enhance comfort still further. The first improvement is what Assos refers to as the Sundeck Superlight. This is a luxuriously soft front panel that increases airflow while eliminating pressure in this most sensitive area. Combining that with the new whirlKrater system, which builds off the kraterCooler design but incorporates more airflow from the sides, as well as the frontal area. This set-up is all about airflow, with numerous perforations added throughout the insert, creating a whirlwind of cooling airflow around your most sensitive area. Of course you also get the odor-resistant top sheet for all-day freshness and absolute minimal friction. The 9mm of superAir microShock shock-absorbing foam is just about perfect, supporting you, delivering comfort, and reducing road vibration at point of contact. The 3L 3D Waffle inserts keep overall bulk low and create air circulation within the pad layers- again to keep you cool and dry out the insert continuously. By using a Thermoformed shaping process, Assos reduces edges and transition ridges to drastically reduce the chances of friction and subsequent irritation. Ultimately the pad still needs to connect to the short section, and here Assos employees their goldenGate process. The unique stitching pattern allows the insert to 'float' allowing the pad to move with you for optimal comfort. It is tacked down to the front and rear, but reacts with your body, staying in place where you want it without a restrictive feel even when aggressively climbing or chasing out of the saddle.