Assos

Since most of my cycling is commuting (~21 miles round-trip), I don't feel the need to use chamois cream very often so haven't had any for awhile. However, recently i had some issues where it would be beneficial so bought this kind again and was reminded what I had been missing! Yes, it's on the more expensive end for chamois creams, but you don't need to use a lot for it to be effective and since I don't use it very often the previous container lasted me about 3 years. I've also never had any issues with residue on my gear which I've read can be a problem with other brands. It's even helped me extend the usable life of some shorts where the chamois material had become rougher with age to the point I would have tossed them if not for this cream.

Stays on well enough during the swim of a triathlon but washes off easily in the shower. While it doesn't feel like a necessity for me most of the time, for any races/longer group rides/anytime I feel like I need some extra chafing protection, I'm really glad I have it.

The Assos Mille GTS S11 bib shorts are built for long-distance comfort, and they deliver. The fit strikes a great balance between supportive and non-restrictive, making them ideal for endurance rides. The padding is excellent'plush where it matters without feeling bulky'and stays comfortable even after hours in the saddle. The straps and fabric feel premium, with solid breathability and durability. Pricey, but if you're logging serious miles, they're absolutely worth it.

These bibs are incredible. I've tried several brands such as Rapha, Aerotech Design, BlackBibs, Neo, Gorewear and none of them give me the soft and complete flexibility of what Assos bibs do. I love the cross straps because they truly stop the chamois from moving around. The fit is a little more towards the racey side than comfort but I don't think that's a negative because it's like having a second skin as clich' as that phrase is. I will say my only small gripe is I wish the pockets had a reinforcement stitch at the opening because sometimes my phone camera bump catches the opening takes a little effort to get it fully in the pocket. A very small nitpick though. I'm an Assos buyer for life!

My hands were getting numb easily during rides I needed shake them out frequently to get the circulation going again. Not a big deal on a casual ride outdoors, but when I'm at the track I'm in the drops virtually the entire time and don't get much of a chance to relax. I've been wearing a pair of nice padded gloves, and I began to wonder if I had too much padding, so I opted to try the Assos. Almost all of the numbness has disappeared. These do have a "second-skin" fit, i.e., there isn't any additional padding and no seams in the palm of the glove. The palm is a thin, stretchy synthetic material, and I don't know how well they will hold up over time, but so far they have solved the numbness for me.