Review: Assos H FI Lady WHITE Short

[meridian]

I promised to post a review of these once I tried them out, so here's the rundown. (Scroll down for pics)

Background: I really really wanted a pair of non-revealing white cycling shorts, and I bagged it on the first try! I bought these in medium (5'5", 128lbs)

When I first tried these on I had to give myself two days to decide whether or not I really liked them enough to rip the tags off and take them for a spin.

First take: It took me a good minute or two to get these suckers on and adjusted. They felt and looked like the leg bands were too tight and too high, the butt was bunchy, and the chamois pad outlines showed through the front of the short pretty bad.

BUT, the white fabric is doubled in just the right area, and all the panels on the short are made out of materials very suited for their locations (thin and stretchy on top for comfort and breathability, thick on the bottom to resist friction pilling, and supportive on the sides to prevent fatigue). The best part: NO elastic around the belly and the chamois is dense and very well suited for 50+ mile rides.


Final take: I've ridden in these twice so far and they are officially my favorite pair of long distance summer shorts, just as I hoped they would be. After washing them they fit a bit better in the leg band area and the fabric loosened up enough for the band to fit closer to the knee for less 'mushroom' effect.

> These are definitely crafted to fit and look right ON the bike, not off. They are so comfy once you're in the saddle, and as the pavement hours drag on, I find myself appreciating the craftsmanship of these more and more.

> I tend to like good supportive padding on longer rides. The chamois is perfect for me on those 50+ when I normally begin to experience numbness and uncomfortable pressure.

> The fabric is very concealing for white. Even drenched in sweat, I wasn't afraid of indecent exposure walking into a gas station full of people to fill up on water. However, I must be 100% honest. Since the fabric is thinner on top, these DO show a bit of cellulite dimpling when I'm standing and have my legs flexed; but 99% of the time I'm on the bike, so I could really care less.

Only drawbacks: Wash these TWICE before sweating in them. The black stitching across the white will bleed and turn the white area around it orange. This does come out when washing. Also, the little bit of white area that makes contact with my seat (Terry Zero Black) has turned slightly grey and did not wash out. But, it is faint and since this area is never seen it doesn't really bother me. Lastly, the front of the chamois still sticks out of these and looks pretty funny. This is a peeve, but their comfort overrules any funny looks I'll get during those moments off the bike.

Overall... they were pricey but totally worth it and exactly what I was looking for. I'm considering getting another color as well, perhaps yellow.. or just black

(hahaha, please disregard the extreme close-up of the butt . Perfect example of them fitting pretty ridiculous off the bike, but perfect in the saddle)

[SR500]

DH loves his, and wants more and more Assos stuff (jerseys, socks, baselayer), however I still cruise along in my Pearls...

[sundial]

I really like the looks of these, but I'll have to wait until I reach my weight goal. I don't think the Swedes design shorts for the *shapely* American woman.

I enjoyed reading your review and viewing the photos as well. Thanks for giving us the heads up on these great shorts.