With a mandate to always question and not ignore, Belgium based apparel specialist endurance Junkie notes that each cycling discipline determines a specific position in the saddle, involving different pressure points throughout the gluteal, ischial and perineal region.
For this reason, Italian based CyTech – endurance Junkie’s preferred chamois partner – has been studying the posture of the athlete whilst in the saddle to verify the level of comfort determined by the chamois. A more comfortable chamois translates to greater energy savings, improved posture in the saddle and a higher quality riding performance.
In road racing, the most popular discipline in cycling, the athlete sits towards the front of the saddle and the angle of inclination of the torso is approximately 27-28 degrees; therefore the perineal zone is the area that undergoes the most pressure.
When on a MTB the cyclists sits in a more upright position and the torso creates a 39-40 degree angle, therefore the major pressure point is concentrated in the ischial zone.
The angle that the cyclist’s torso forms while riding in the aero/TT position is the most extreme, between 24-25 degrees; and the point of maximum pressure falls on the nose of the saddle compressing the perineal area and the pubic bone.
endurance Junkie notes that ‘using professional cycling pads that have been studied and developed to respond to the specific needs of each cycling discipline, means delivering the best protection possible in those crucial areas where being properly protected is a necessity and benefiting from a greater freedom of movement favours performance.’
endurance Junkie cites studies conducted by CyTech, in cooperation with the University of Padua, that have reportedly demonstrated how using adequate cycling pads, which have been engineered to target specific disciplines, can indeed assure greater energy savings and therefore result in superior performance.
More precisely, placing foam densities in the correct key zones that undergo the most pressure can eliminate a bulky sensation in favour of maximum freedom of movement to achieve optimum performance.
endurance Junkie’s first core product was the Sportwool Tri Suit. Available in both a men’s and women’s cut, the tri suit combines high performance with distinctive styling and provides maximum moisture wicking properties, body temperature control and wearer comfort.
Highlights of the brand’s new 2013 collection include a Sportwool Bike Jersey and Sportive Bib Short designed for long training and race days.
