Circles is now in its 15th year of operation. While the range of products we carry has steadily expanded since our opening—to the point where we now stock everything from camping gear to outdoor apparel—is there any clothing brand you can think of that we have consistently carried from the very beginning?
It may come as a surprise to some, but the answer is ASSOS, the Swiss-based titan of the cycling apparel world.
Since they first began selling Lycra shorts in 1976 as an alternative to wool and acrylic, ASSOS has remained at the forefront of the industry. Their apparel offers some of the highest-level functionality among all cycling brands, and they also provide a well-rounded after-care service for their users.
For us at Circles, ASSOS apparel has become an indispensable part of enjoying our time on the bike, whether for weekend rides or touring.
Among their extensive lineup, we particularly recommend their bottom-wear items featuring integrated pads, such as bib shorts and tights.
Pads Born from Joint Development with Cytec
The pads used by ASSOS are developed and manufactured by the Italian company Cytec. Cytec’s pads are highly reliable and functionally superior, so much so that they are adopted by many cycling apparel brands. However, the ones used by ASSOS are not from a standard lineup; they are special products manufactured exclusively for ASSOS. This is only made possible by a relationship of trust built through many years of mutual cooperation in development and manufacturing. As a result, the pads used by ASSOS always feature cutting-edge functionality.
We have received various pieces from the new ASSOS collection this season, and this time, we would like to introduce their bottom-wear, which is equipped with these supreme, high-performance pads.
The Highly Versatile Mille GT Bib Shorts
【ASSOS】
Mille GT Bib Shorts
PRICE : ¥21,780_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series, Caleum Blue
The Mille GT Bib Shorts are made using Type.429 Titanio fabric, which features four-way stretch, allowing for comfortable long-duration and long-distance rides. The grip bars on the leg hems provide just the right amount of pressure to prevent the shorts from shifting while pedaling.
The back, which employs the Y7 frame design, uses a wide, flexible, seamless construction that maintains a secure hold while reducing pressure on the shoulders. The front features a "zeroWaist" design, cutting the waistline lower to eliminate unnecessary pressure and increase breathability.
The pad is the Mille Evo, featuring 8mm of memory foam and a black 3D waffle top sheet, providing excellent cushioning and breathability over long periods.
Mille GT Summer Bib Shorts GTS: Great for Long Rides and Racing
【ASSOS】
Mille GT Summer Bib Shorts GTS
PRICE : ¥29,920_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series
The Mille GT Summer Bib Shorts GTS are an all-new design featuring a superior dual-layer pad and materials that help reduce fatigue. They are the ideal choice for cyclists seeking maximum support on long rides and excellent comfort during everyday training.
Adopting the pattern of the race-ready S9 series, they use a two-panel "butterfly" lower to wrap the legs, keeping the pad fixed in place while pedaling and minimizing seams to drastically reduce skin friction. The upper X-bib straps offer tuned elasticity throughout, and the back features a section where the two straps cross to form an A-frame, which limits vertical stretch and enhances stability.
The primary material, OSSIDIA, achieves an ideal balance between friction-free comfort and compression to support muscles. The warp-knit construction is made with ultra-fine elastic fibers designed to hold muscle tissue. It is breathable and provides a silky-smooth feel along the waist and thighs.
The heart of the GTS is an all-new pad featuring memory foam and a honeycomb-structured top sheet. This multi-layer cushion system provides dual-density structural support focused on the sit bones. The 3D surface fabric and holes in the crotch area, called kraterCooler, improve breathability and provide comfort against the skin.
Mille GT Half Shorts: Providing Comfort to Many Cyclists
【ASSOS】
Mille GT Half Shorts
PRICE : ¥20,680_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series
The Mille GT Half Shorts are made using Type.429 Titanio fabric with four-way stretch, allowing for comfortable long-duration and long-distance rides. Type.429 Titanio is a resilient, lightly compressive fabric that holds the legs comfortably and consistently while pedaling.
The front abdominal section uses Aerofit, a very soft and breathable material that maintains excellent comfort over long periods. The high-cut elastic rear hem mirrors the super-flat grippers on the lower leg to provide a secure fit.
The pad is the Mille Evo, featuring 8mm of memory foam and a black 3D waffle top sheet, providing excellent cushioning and breathability.
Dyora RS Summer Bib Shorts S9: Supreme Functionality for Female Cyclists
【ASSOS】
Dyora RS Summer Bib Shorts S9
PRICE : ¥32,780_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series, Violet
The Dyora RS Summer Bib Shorts S9 are the ultimate racing bib shorts for female cyclists. By adopting ASSOS’s proprietary A-Lock Engineering and highly breathable Type.441 textile, they provide optimal compression, securely supporting the legs to help improve performance in races and training.
The pad uses the newly developed Dyora RS. The square pattern structure at the back of the pad, called ergoBox, and the rollBar bib straps work to keep the pad fixed in the optimal position, adapting to and supporting the rider's various movements. Furthermore, instead of the magnetic buckle bib straps traditionally used in ASSOS women's bib shorts, these adopt the same standard bib straps as the men's version, designed with a wider connection point at the waist to ensure a secure fit for female riders.
Uma GT Half Shorts: Providing Comfort to Many Female Cyclists
【ASSOS】
Uma GT Half Shorts
PRICE : ¥19,800_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series
The UMA GT series half shorts adopt a slightly relaxed "regular fit" to accommodate a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to everyday commuters.
They use a new breathable and durable material called Type.439 Diadema. This Type.439 Diadema also features UPF50 UV protection and an "iceColor" treatment to prevent the material from heating up.
The front part of the pad is designed to be small, creating a clean look where its presence is not noticeable. The foam thickness is set at 8mm, taking into account the female pelvic structure.
Like our other shorts, they utilize GoldenGate technology, and minimize seams to reduce skin stress. With features like the "smart waist" structure—which avoids using elastic in the front to prevent overtightening—these basic models are packed with ASSOS’s proprietary technology.
Uma GT Summer Halftights Evo: Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
【ASSOS】
Uma GT Summer Halftights Evo
PRICE : ¥22,000_(tax included)
COLOR : Black Series
With a smooth feel and full-length design, the Uma GT Summer Halftights Evo are tights designed for summer use, featuring UV-cut protection to keep your skin safe even on sunny summer days. They use the same Type.429 fabric found in our other items.
Similar to the Uma GT Half Shorts, the fit is "regular fit," which is slightly relaxed to accommodate a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to everyday commuters. The fabric panels are pre-shaped and sewn to fully wrap and support the upper and lower leg muscles during movement, bending naturally with every pedal stroke.
Featuring the S7 EVO pad, it is equipped with 8mm of memory foam to ensure lasting comfort even on long rides. The waist design provides an appropriate wrap around the abdomen, offering a secure, pressure-free fit.
I’ve introduced six different models here, but since it has become quite a long read, let me summarize them briefly...
Summary of the ASSOS shorts introduced
・Mille GT Bib Shorts
For those who want to buy bib shorts but are struggling to decide which ones to choose!
・Mille GT Summer Bib Shorts GTS
For those looking for even greater functionality than before! Or for those wondering just how good ASSOS really is!
・Mille GT Half Shorts
For those who dislike bibs! For those who want to wear something casual but still require excellent comfort!
・Dyora RS Summer Bib Shorts S9
For women who simply want to experience the best performance ASSOS has to offer!
・Uma GT Half Shorts
For women who dislike bibs! For those who want to wear something casual but still require excellent comfort!
・Uma GT Summer Halftights Evo
For women who want to protect their skin even in the summer!
Please use this as a reference.
I have tried many ASSOS products myself, including bib shorts and bib tights, and the exceptional comfort is something I have fully felt in every single one. If you are currently wavering on which bottom-wear to choose, I recommend ASSOS without hesitation.
Of course, their other items, such as gloves, also possess excellent functionality to match these, so please be sure to check them out as well.