Enoshima’s coming into view~♪
Just seeing Enoshima come into view is enough to set this phrase looping in my head to the melody. It’s really become ingrained. I never had any particular desire to visit—I wasn’t thinking, “I really want to go!”—but I think this song must be what makes me feel, “Maybe I’d like to go after all…” I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way.
On my third day off, with my Tokyo work trip entering its second week and the forecast finally calling for clear skies, Mr. Hosokawa of TADE QUI, a brand we carry at Circles, took me out for a ride.
It was a leisurely ride taking in the local sights.
We drove to Yokohama, parked, then rode toward Kamakura, passing through Zushi and Enoshima before returning to Yokohama. There were no intense stretches, and we were able to ride at a comfortable pace the whole way.
We stopped frequently to take photos, and all those stops added up. We didn’t cover a huge distance, but from morning until evening, it made for an incredibly fulfilling day.
I think we could have enjoyed the ride just as much without road bikes, but riding road bikes gave us more time and made it possible to visit all sorts of places. The speed felt wonderful, and although the coastal road had plenty of traffic, the ride was more than rewarding enough.
When Enoshima came into view, as I mentioned at the beginning, that song started playing in my head, and I could feel my spirits rising. The town was full of sights I was seeing for the first time, too, so I think it was nice not to feel much stress.
I usually ride through the mountains, but the sea is lovely every once in a while, too.
By the way, this was my first ride of the season in bib shorts without leg warmers. Much like what I said about road bikes earlier, I think wearing bib shorts let me ride without discomfort, focus on the road and the scenery, and simply enjoy the ride itself.
Even after hours in the saddle, my bottom doesn’t hurt, and the rest of the shorts fit like a second skin. Nothing bunches up or gets in the way of my legs as I pedal. They wick away sweat quickly and dry just as fast. Designed with a singular focus on turning the pedals, these garments are the perfect gear for an exceptional ride.
And among these excellent garments, one of the very best is the ASSOS Mille GT Bib Shorts C2.
“Excellent performance and comfort” may be a simple way to put it, but the cushioning and durability of the pad, its quick-drying properties, the fabric’s fit and moisture-wicking performance, and the construction that makes the most of the material are all exceptional. They’re so good that once you start wearing them, you’ll find yourself reaching for other pairs less and less.
This model debuted in 2022, and I started wearing it in the height of summer that year. I’m still experiencing its outstanding performance and comfort this year.
【ASSOS】
Mille GT Bib Shorts C2
Color: Black
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Price: ¥23,980 (tax included)
The Mille GT Bib Shorts C2 fit beautifully and make it easy to pedal smoothly, even over long rides. You turn the pedals round and round, sometimes lifting yourself off the saddle. Repeating those movements can cause your shorts to shift, making you adjust your position, but even after wearing these for hours, I never notice them shifting. That’s thanks to the X-Frame suspender, also used on higher-end models. The lower A-Frame suspension structure, which crosses over the back, prevents the fabric from sagging at the waist, helping the pad stay snug against your body as if it were part of you.
Another factor in their comfort, as mentioned earlier, is the excellent stretch of the Type.429 fabric used for the main body. It stretches in multiple directions while providing just the right amount of compression. It moves with you through all kinds of motion without feeling restrictive, like a second skin. I’ve even gone on a few casual rides without putting the X-Frame suspenders over my shoulders, and I was impressed by how well the shorts still fit.
One more detail that was especially welcome for someone with sensitive skin like me is the gripper at the leg openings. I’ve worn all kinds of bib shorts, but with every other pair, I couldn’t leave the gripper in the same place all day. If I did, my thighs would break out in a rash by the next day or the day after. That never happened with these grippers.
In short, the Mille GT Bib Shorts C2 are outstanding among the many bib shorts out there, and I hope cyclists of all experience levels—from seasoned riders to beginners—will give them a try.
ASSOS also has plenty of other great items, including the new short-sleeve jersey, Mille GT Jersey Ultra Blood, and the new lightweight vest, Mille GT Wind Vest C2. Be sure to check those out, too.
