Cycling chamois specialist CyTech is pushing its Elastic Interface sub-brand. The company itself is the result of the passion of two managers, Stefano Coccia and Marino De Marchi, the latter also a passionate cyclist.
According to the company, for the first time in history, Elastic Interface applies the ‘concepts of R&D, sophisticated design and hi-tech to an accessory often underestimated, albeit paramount: the cycling pad (or chamois) for the cycling shorts.’
Elasticity at 360°
With the logo Elastic Interface Technology (in short EIT) and the technology applied to its pads, the company argues that it has changed the history of cycling shorts. The chamois has ‘360° of elasticity, designed to adhere like a glove to the body of the cyclist and improve his/her performance.’
All EIT products are CyTech patented. The team goes on to point out, ‘it is not only a matter of thickness, shape or material. There is much more: in Elastic Interface, projects and ideas are supported by a set of tests and experiments conducted by the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padua and coordinated by Professor Antonio Paoli.’
The university carries out its studies independently from the company, which means that its results are ‘twice as important, credible, measurable and certified.’
From its inception CyTech has been a partner and exclusive supplier of ASSOS, the renowned Swiss company that manufactures premium cycling apparel. This collaboration has over time developed the Elastic Interface Technology, forming an integral part of CyTech R&D.
New products include:
- A women’s version of CyTech’s Road Performance Men chamois, the Road Performance Space Women, is for extra long distance rides, featuring multidirectional curvatures, delivering a focused fit and greater saddle stability. The CyTech Space pad also supplies ischiatic support that comes in handy to those riders that take on a more upright position in the saddle. Special ‘slide shaped’ edges along the perimeter of the central insert make for a ‘smooth transition in correspondence of the inner leg area.’
- The TT Performance Woman chamois is exclusively for use in TT for female athletes. Different foam thicknesses and densities supply protection in the main pressure points throughout the perineal area. Considering Time Trial may offer shorter distance races that put individual cyclists against the clock, the chamois focuses on stability and comfort to avoid saddle discomfort. The design of the TT Performance is slim fitting, enhancing pedal stroke while in the typical aerodynamic position. The new chamois is also available with a Lycra backing that allows for the pad to be applied in direct contact with the saddle, contributing to improving aerodynamics during the ride.
- For road and off-road applications, the new Endurance Active Men pad uses CyTech’s traditional stitching technique and is engineered to deliver a good level of comfort in all situations. Dimensions have been specifically designed to provide maximum agility in the saddle and the centre channel favours blood flow throughout the perineal area.
- Also for road and off-road, Endurance 2.5 HD Woman is the evolution of CyTech’s Endurance 2, offering a more anatomic fit and improved protection throughout the pelvic tract. High density foams are applied under the top layer to maximize performance on long distance rides.
Each to his own
Having in mind the classic triangle, the Elastic Interface catalog counts 40 different models for men and 33 models for women, dedicated to the various disciplines: road, triathlon, MTB, cross, urban cycling.
CyTech notes, since not all cycling disciplines are the same, neither are the chamois. Thus, every shape, thickness and component of the chamois is designed according to its specific use, the morphology and most of all the distance to cover.
Furthermore, most of the catalog pads are patented, which means they are produced with tailored moulds during the production process.
100% Made in Italy
Everything in the Elastic Interface chamois is Made in Italy: project, design, production and fabrics. The chamois are manufactured in two facilities a short distance from the company HQ, using selected top-quality materials provided by exclusive and certified suppliers.
Moreover, as specificially required by CyTech, the ‘colours are absolutely not transferred by sublimation printing.’ Instead, fabrics are piece-dyed to ‘guarantee the maximum safety and durability over time.’
