I should clarify that the opinions above are just my opinions. I really don't harbor any ill-will for anyone buying anything they really think is a good value. I am riding Specialized S-works shoes that are "ridiculously expensive" by my cheapo standards, but they are the best and most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, so I will undoubtedly by more.
I also don't have a very sensitive ass, so I wonder just how comfortable shorts can really get ?!?!?
Is it like you are being carried along in plush sedan chair ?

Buying a pair of high-end Assos bibs was the worst mistake I ever made.

It's always the pair I reach for when I open my drawer, and if it's dirty I feel bitter and angry that I have to ride some other brand. And I don't even want to think about the day I have to retire them. Their cost makes me sick, but the fit and comfort is head and shoulders above the rest (Castelli, Gore, Capo).

So no, this isn't "I like them because I paid a lot for them." I WISH they didn't live up to the hype. Then I wouldn't be so miserable riding everything else.

On the plus side, they're going on season three and going strong.

I also have good experience with Assos. As the previous poster, if its's not in the wash that's what I wear. Buy the stuff from the LBS, so I can compare models, make sure it fits, etc., dont mind paying what he charges (small discount to regulars). I brought 3 year old bibs back with a minuscule hole around a stitch, got a brand new replacement. Brought 5 year old knickers back with a thread coming undone, and they replaced the pad, whole thing stitched anew (I doubt you get that service with discounted items over the internet.) In the end you wear comfortable stuff and long term it pays for itself.

So, for the most part, why don't you see most real riders on Pearl Izumi? Because they know? Castelli? They know? Mavic? They know? PBK? They know? If you isolate any one brand against everyone else on the market you will always end up with a small minority of 'real' riders on the one brand, and you will always be able to invent reasons as to why that might be.

Our shop actually does very well with Assos sales. Typically only super-highcost items like the Fugujack etc get sold later at discount. We sell through bibs and jerseys just as well as the Castelli and PI stuff.

havent got any problem with assos, love their kits and i always buy them only when they are on sale.

but castelli logos are seriously crap, falling apart in like 2 wash? especially for their veloccismo series.

The problem I saw with Assos when I was at an Assos retailer is that the demographic that comes in and buys the line is small and they only buy once.

Assos reps also love to give out free shit, which is great for winning over shop managers.

Define "real riders."

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Exp001

Thats ridiculous, why on earth would they repair you're crashed kit. Did an Assos rep cut you up? Explain further... as for the majority of people the lesson to be learnt in this scenario would be, don't crash.

I'm not jumping on the Assos bashing band wagon, I have had a pair of their entry S5 unos bibs for three years and rate them highly.

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FELT AR0
Velo Club Bristol

You'll need to ask Rick that question.

... or bones... or anyone.

Define "real riders"

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Exp001

Oh yeah, him. Forgot who I'd replied to, sorry Rick

You know what's really funny? My Assos never itches when I wear Assos. Yes. It's awesome. No more twisted crack hairs when I wear Assos. That alone makes is worth the $400 I got it on sale for!

And you know what else?! My Assos shorts lasted for like 20 years! Yes, that's two decades! Believe me when I say this. I am on my 2nd wife, and possibly 3rd coming up soon, but I still have the one pair of Assos that I bought back in the 80s! Those other Pearl Izumi shorts only lasted about two years. Um, granted I wore those alot more, but whose counting?

And you know what else? My Assos shorts are soooooooo comfy. I even have a pair that I wear as my regular underwear at work! Shhhh. Don't tell anybody. I am actually saving lots of money by not having to buy underwear! It's fantastic!

Have a gander at the Assos warranty page http://www.assos.com/en/72/warranty---repair-policy.aspx. I've had numerous Assos items repaired after crashing and always free of charge. I ride the stuff while mountain biking so it happens. They even added a headphone jack hole in the pocket of a jersey for me that originally did not come with one. I believe Rapha has a similar repair policy, but I haven't need to send anything to them yet

"Naturally, as any other product, ASSOS apparel does wear out!
Depending on the riding style and on the way one takes care of the garment (see Wear and Store and Wash Instructions), this will occur sooner or later. In the meantime, if a thread breaks, we can repair it and if you crash, we might be able to repair it. But, when, eventually, the material does wear out, we cannot repair it. The majority of the repairs we do, are free of charge, regardless the number of kilometers the garment has."

Does Assos do custom team apparel?

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Exp001