Cycling apparel brand GOREWEAR has chosen a pad customised with Elastic Interface’s N3X technology for its new Ultimate Bib Shorts product offering.
Originally unveiled at Eurobike 2022 in Germany, Elastic Interface points out that its N3X cycling short pad technology… ‘delivers temperature control in the sensitive pad area, targeted areas of ergonomic support for long-lasting, durable protection on every ride, and high breathability.’
The padding’s open-cell lattice helps to improve air flow to cool the seating area and wick away moisture, which aids quicker drying and optimised skin temperature management.
Featuring a low-profile design, the N3X padding in the seat pads is also a waste-free product. Elastic Interface points out that manufacturing N3X does not produce any waste because it uses only what is needed and is accomplished without any chemicals. The pad is mechanically assembled without any glue or bonding film.
‘N3X is the culmination of years of studies, research and prototyping, providing an innovative, unique technical solution that opens up a new frontier for the cycling apparel industry. Produced entirely with 3D-printing techniques wholly owned by [parent company] CyTech, this technology has generated a series of intellectual protections, registered models and patents for industrial inventions.’
The Elastic Interface and GOREWEAR collaboration has created bib shorts with the Elastic Interface pad and special compression designed to enhance performance.
‘Created with different zones of targeted protection that respect the low-profile design, the pad offers long-lasting support. It is also highly breathable for enhanced comfort on long, intense rides. Plus, reduced flatlock seams prevent the chaffing and pressure points that cause irritation and discomfort.’
The new Ultimate Bib Shorts also won the 2023 ISPO Design Award in the Bike & Commuting category in November 2023.
The bib shorts are engineered with body mapping zones – featuring functional fabrics that blend compression and breathability. The fabric is quick drying, while the breathable mesh bib straps are wide to distribute tension evenly on the shoulders. The cutting of the torso section is specially designed to keep the pad in the correct position.
Elastic Interface Product Manager Luca Conte said “We are proud to have partnered GOREWEAR on their Ultimate bib shorts project, as we have always shared the same approach to perfecting every detail in the name of performance.
“This also applied while developing the new Elastic Interface pad with N3X technology, as we wanted to translate this philosophy into an innovative product that blended lightness and breathability with durability and comfort. These projects enable us to keep raising the bar to give riders even more advanced protection.”
Michael Jean-Jacques, Product Manager at GOREWEAR, added “The core reason that moved us, and our main goal, was essentially one: we aimed to build our best available bib. And, to do that, we needed the best available seat pad, both in terms of comfort and performance. Simple as that.”
