Some things were just fine when first introduced. They’ve been improved incrementally over the years, but the original is pretty damn good. Things like 9-speed gruppos, Benotto tape, 42-tooth small chain ring (just run a bigger cassette), and wearing dark shorts on your road bike. I’ll agree, the invention of the cycling “bib” and high-tech chamois and padding ushered in the advent of greater comfort. But the big-time, blindingly white cycling bib anywhere besides a pro race might be an invitation for gawkers, or crazed drivers who already harbor an intense dislike of black Lycra.
I’ve been wrong before, but it would appear there are very few riders outside of the peloton who can don major-league white bibs on a bike. Going with khaki as the primary hue creates its own set of awkward moments, but that’s been covered here (if you know what I mean). The first time I actually noticed a rider with white bibs was 2004: Andreas Klöden went all-white with his German champion stripes during the Tour de France time trials, and later atop the podium in Paris. Dare I suggest that the mere creation of a full white kit for Klöden to wear at the Tour provided weird Karma that led to such bad luck on the line here in stage 17 while wearing black bibs. The cycling gods may have sent a message through the legs of Lance Armstrong (in dark blue bibs, I might add).
I believe white bibs seem to work best for the sprinter. Cavendish. Cipollini. Petacchi (light gray could be considered “dirty” white). Capiche?
All-white uniforms are better suited for Centre Court of the All England Tennis Club for the Wimbledon finals. And purely for practical reasons, all-white cycling bibs are tough to keep clean. All-white bibs are something that Merckx, Hinault, Indurain, Armstrong, Coppi and Aquetil are not remembered for wearing. Assos, I love your Euro cool Swiss vibe. But I won’t be wearing this kit below anytime soon. How about you?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The price alone would keep me from wearing Assos bibs. I hear they’re nice and comfy but dropping $300+ on bibs isn’t in my budget. If I were to consider some Assos bibs (speaking hypothetically of course), I wouldn’t go with white. There’s no way I could keep them clean.
I like the black and white theme but perhaps black bibs and a white jersey. Same goes with the a’natural (khaki) colored bibs. No way.
I got some white Castelli bibs on Bonktown for 60 bucks and I have no shame wearing them
Chris, with the epic mileage and rides you do, I think white for $60 is acceptable. Thanks for the note. Best of luck to you this year.
Hey Bryan, the bibs are in a class of their own. I reviewed them late last year. as well as Pearl Izumi PRO and a few others. I only own a single pair of Assos. For me, they’re Kind of like a tuxedo. I bring them out for the special occasions such as double centuries and mountain centuries. Keep riding.