Yesterday was Thursday—yes, the day Circles is closed.
Lately, it has been raining every Thursday, making it hard to get out for a good ride, but yesterday we finally had some sun!
Knowing we had to take advantage of it, a few of us, myself included, headed out on our road bikes, while others enjoyed their day off on MTBs.
And, as always, we inevitably headed east.
Always venturing deep into the mountains.
Even in the mountains, cherry blossoms are starting to bloom here and there, and the season has arrived where shorts are all you need no matter where you go. No more need for tights.
So, with that said...
Yes, let me introduce some shorts!
At Circles, we have a wide lineup of cycling jerseys, but among them, the brand our staff wears the most is undoubtedly ASSOS.
As many of you probably know, once you wear them, the comfort is addictive—it’s an item with high "addictive potential."
And now, these ASSOS bib shorts have been completely reborn this spring.
ASSOS
NeoPro S7
¥18,000 (excl. tax)
The fabric is all new, and the shoulder straps, now moved to the sides, cause less stress, providing an even better fit than before.
(This image is definitely the easiest to understand.)
The chamois has evolved from the S5 to the S7, achieving even greater comfort.
And what’s truly surprising is the concept behind how it’s stitched in.
In the areas where a snug fit against the skin is most important and friction is most likely to occur, it isn’t stitched to the fabric at all.
They call it the GoldenGate!
By doing this, the chamois fits the skin better, and the friction that would normally occur between the skin and the pad is instead transferred to friction between the pad and the fabric.
And it's not just the chamois area that has fewer seams.
Unlike the previous model, which achieved the best fit and pedaling comfort by stitching together many fine panels, this version is designed with minimal stitching.
With the previous model, some people did feel bothered by the seams—I never felt stressed by them myself, but it is true that they left marks on my skin after a ride.
However, reducing the number of panels shouldn't compromise the fit or ease of movement we've come to expect. Since it’s new, it wouldn't make sense if it weren't better.
So, how is it achieved? ...
Simply put, the fabric and thread have improved drastically.
And by shaping this fabric into a bib short in the correct orientation, we get an even better fit and greater ease of movement than ever before.
Of course, you can't tell that just by looking at it.
The only way for you to understand is to try them on for yourself.
If you're thinking it’s about time to get a new pair, or if you're looking to add one more to your rotation, this is definitely a pair I want you to try!