BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Assos and Whoop have announced a new partnership and unveiled a new garment, the Mille GT Whoop Bib Shorts C2 and UMA GT Whoop Bib Shorts C2.
These are the first smart cycling apparel to track health and fitness data while being ridden, featuring a pod for a Whoop 4.0 sensor that tracks strain, sleep, recovery, and more.
The Whoop pod is integrated into the MILLE GT C2 platform and complemented by a frictionless waist, refined air-cooling insert, and muscle-wrapping textile.
The new Mille GT Whoop Bib Shorts C2 and UMA GT Whoop Bib Shorts C2 offer lightweight materials like RX EVO lightweight insulation and three-layer perforated foam that add to overall breathability and eliminate excess weight.
In addition, the overall fit has been tested to provide comfort for long rides in cool-weather conditions.
The bib’s X-Frame straps limit sag and stabilise the insert and main body panel, while thermo-formed shaping reduces ridges and irritation. ZeroPressure Waist construction adds to overall comfort as well.
Peter Hammerschmidt, Assos director of product management, commented: “We embarked on this journey with the ambition to integrate smart technology into cycling apparel with the target to support passionate cyclists in improving their performances.
“Partnering with Whoop was our dream scenario, allowing us to seamlessly integrate their device into our endurance bib shorts model, delivering excellent data capturing and ultimate comfort from short to long distance bike rides.”
The development and testing process took place at the Whoop Labs in Boston. The garments were predominantly tested for fit, accuracy, and comfort.
There were also five pocket locations across the body that were tested in order to choose the optimal location for data and comfort on cyclists, and ensure that the new cycling bib was as accurate as a Whoop on a rider’s wrist.
The final location — a left mid-centre glute pocket — emerged as the optimal choice.
Joel Lessard, SVP of apparel and accessories at Whoop, added: “We are thrilled to work with Assos as they are the pinnacle cycling brand, creating highly technical products for true cyclists.
“At Whoop, we are obsessive about our member’s experience and constantly looking for solutions that enable them to collect their health and fitness data 24/7. Cycling is a core activity for our members and an activity Whoop is investing in.
“This partnership with Assos provides the most innovative solution for cyclists looking to track their health and fitness data throughout their time in the saddle whether on the road or trail.”
The new products will retail at £145. Whoop 4.0 not included.
