Assos

I've tried, and generally been happy with, many different brands premium tier chamois over the years - Pearl Izumi, Rapha, Giordana, etc.

But this is by far the most comfortable chamois I e ever worn. The unique separation of the chamois from the compressive material also ensures that it stays in place better, and that the bike seat never 'grabs' the bib material when adjusting or dismounting. The materials, cut, pocket design are different than I'm accustomed to, but I'm adjusting to those. The chamois alone is worth any minor other features that may not be perfect.

I have a bunch of these. If you're tired of zipper ripple (it sounds bad and it is bad) and jerseys that ruck up (even worse), then the GTS is the jersey for you. The lack of full zip means the lower third of the jersey (the black part) is like a fancy cummerbund, which absolutely stays put. The fit is close, as in Equipe level close, but with that solid base provided by the immovable lower third, the zipper is managed up and down easily with one hand. In short, giving up that lower third of a zipper solves all the things that irritate the bejeezus out of me about jerseys. And the colors are good, too, usually a weak point with Assos. Highly recommended.

Assos has a reputation for high quality and charging for it. These bib shorts fit that reputation. The way I justify the price is the fact that their products (particularly their shorts) last 7-10 years with plenty of use. I have found these to be very comfortable for any length ride, from 1-6 hours.

I am 6'2" and 170lbs and prefer a size XL. The reason I prefer XL over L is that I like the extra length of the straps. I have not found XL to be looser around the legs or waist; it's just a tad bit longer, which ensures the straps are not too tight on the shoulders.

Essentially the same bib as the Equipe RS Bib Shorts S11, but with a few differences. The RS has bit more room up from than the R, but it's tolerable. The RS has a very thin seam running up the center of the codpiece, and the R does not, so it lays flat much easier despite having less room. On the underside, the front of the chamois of the RS has 24 holes which provide fantastic ventilation. The R does not have these, so it's a better bib overall for cooler rides.

The leg length and S11 compression is exactly the same, as is the strap design / bib attachment. On the underside of the leg openings on the side/back, the R uses a row of 4mm u-shaped grippers, while the RS uses four rows of smaller, 1cm coin-shaped grippers. Both work great and are of course a personal preference.

Other than that, the bibs are almost exactly the same - with the R being slightly less expensive.

This is mainly due to the RS utilizing a more technical, lighter, and breathable strap material than the R.

Can't go wrong with either one.