MILLE GT S11 from Assos
Assos MILLE GT S11 Summer Kit – First Look
I can still remember the first time I saw Assos shorts back in the 80s. They were on a different level from anything we’d been riding in. Going from wool, acrylic and real chamois pads to Lycra and synthetic inserts felt like stepping into the future. It’s been a long time since I last wore wool shorts – and a while since I last rode in Assos – so when the chance came to test the new MILLE GT S11 range, I didn’t hesitate.
A quick refresher on Assos
If you’ve somehow missed the Assos story – really? – here’s the short version. The brand began in 1976 when Swiss innovator Toni Maier set out to make cyclists faster. His first experiments weren’t with clothing but with a radical carbon‑fibre frame. Wind‑tunnel testing revealed something unexpected: traditional wool kit created huge drag. That insight pushed Maier toward textiles, and ultimately to the invention of the first Lycra cycling shorts.
The impact was immediate. Pro teams adopted the gear, and Assos went on to accumulate hundreds of world‑championship and Olympic victories. Today the brand is synonymous with technical precision, obsessive design and a premium, almost cult‑like reputation. Their Swiss HQ even includes an “Incubator” where new designs are sealed away for a month to prevent over‑tweaking – a very Assos detail.
But enough history. Let’s look at the MILLE GT S11 kit I’ll be reviewing.
MILLE GT Bib Shorts S11
Assos describes these as the “daily choice for comfort and utility,” but don’t mistake them for basic. The S11 update brings new fabrics, trickle‑down tech from higher‑end lines, a redesigned insert and updated grippers. They’re available in four colours and seven sizes, so most riders should find a good match.
Quartz textile
The shorts use Quartz, a breathable warp‑knit fabric with permanent odorControl – something your ride buddies will appreciate. Assos also claims the material won’t discolour or turn transparent over time, which is reassuring for anyone sitting on your wheel. The fabric is made from pre‑consumer recycled polyamide.
The insert: GoldenGate 2.0 and RollBar
Assos has always taken pride in its inserts, and the S11 pad continues that tradition. The most unusual feature is how it’s attached. Where most brands stitch their pads all the way around, Assos only anchors the insert at the front and back. This GoldenGate 2.0 construction reduces potential chafing from seams and allows the pad to move with your body rather than against it.
The RollBar bib straps connect directly to the rear of the insert, helping keep it locked in place as you shift on the bike. The pad itself is a 12mm, three‑layer construction with a 3D waffle texture to improve breathability and reduce weight.
PILtec Plug‑In grippers
The leg openings use Assos’ PILtec Plug‑In system: a breathable textile band with silicone microdots designed to hold the shorts in place in both wet and dry conditions. The dots are invisible from the outside, keeping the look clean.
MILLE GT S11 EVO Short‑Sleeved Jersey
This is the core piece of the endurance‑comfort range – a lightweight jersey designed for daily riding.
AirCell main fabric
The body uses AirCell, a very fine, lightweight textile with a noticeable hexagonal structure. It’s so airy that Assos recommends using sunscreen underneath the body panels. Like the shorts, it includes permanent odorControl to help maintain freshness.
Eclipse sleeves
The raw‑cut sleeves use Eclipse, a lightweight warp‑knit fabric with UPF 50+ protection. The finish is smoother than the body fabric, with a tighter, more refined weave.
Triple Ramp pockets
At the back, the three pockets are cut from a contrasting black fabric. Assos calls these Triple Ramp pockets: the panels are shaped so the pocket tops form small “lids,” helping secure and stabilise your cargo while riding.
Other details include silicone microdots on the rear hem to keep the jersey in place, a full‑length zip with an Assos‑branded pull, and a small zip‑garage at the bottom to prevent rubbing. The jersey comes in seven colours and seven sizes.
Summer NS Skin Layer P1
The sleeveless Summer NS Skin Layer P1 is an evolution of the previous hyper‑cooling base layer. The new textile blend is more elastic, more breathable and 15% lighter. Its open structure improves airflow and moisture transfer, and it includes permanent odor control that won’t wash out. Being sleeveless means it sits cleanly under the S11 jersey’s raw‑cut sleeves. Available in grey and three sizes.
R Socks S11
Socks shouldn’t be controversial, yet cyclists manage to argue endlessly about height, colour and aero claims. Still, there’s something undeniably satisfying about pulling on a fresh pair of white socks at just the right length.
The R Socks S11 hit that Goldilocks zone. They use a new, lighter textile for improved breathability, and at 18cm they’re spot‑on for my legs. Plain white with the Assos logo on each side and a stylised “R” on the instep, they look the part without shouting.
Fit reference and what’s next
I’ll be testing the full MILLE GT S11 summer kit over the coming weeks. For reference, I’m 172cm tall, 96cm chest, 84cm waist and 67kg. I ordered small shorts, a medium jersey and size 1 socks. You can find more details on the Assos website.
