Elastic Interface Triathlon Chamois Pad

Elastic Interface Triathlon Chamois Pads

by Robert Thorpe, Executive Editor

Triathlon Chamois Pad Technology

Triathlon and its cycling element is an aggressive position for the rider on the bike, where the rider is usually at their limit and trying to generate as much power and performance as possible. Add to this that the suit worn by the triathlete has two other elements to content with, then it’s a difficult decision to make in terms of what the chamois pad should be like and how technical it needs to be. And, there are so many different triathlon events these days, from full Iron Man to Olympic distance, meaning that no one tri pad fits all requirements.

It’s probably one of the the most technical pads in cycling shorts because of these aspects, and yet Elastic Interface have taken the challenge on, using their knowledge and expertise and partnership approach, to develop the leading chamois pads for triathletes. In the triathlon cycling position, the trunk of the rider is narrowed in comparison to the angle that is formed in the position of the road cyclist, and the maximum pressure falls on the nose of the saddle, in comparison to the pubic bone. Consequently, a different chamois pad design is required to achieve maximum performance and comfort.

Triathlon Comp Chamois: Men & Women

Anotomical Flexibility & Performance Fabrics

The pad produced needs to have great flexibility, due to the movement patterns of the triathlete and also have reduced dimensions, keeping it as small as possible without adversely affecting performance. It’s a fine line and requires a scientific approach – which is what Elastic Interface have done in developing their pads for triathlon. The top-of-the-line chamois – Tri comp – features a fabric that has a mix of polyamide, polyester and elastane; with the softness provided by the polyamide, the quick drying properties of polyester and the 4 way stretch from the elastane.

The wings are fabric only, to aid comfort, and the overall fabric technology includes bacteria management, to reduce unwanted smells caused by the level of sweat. Elastic Interface understand the need to manage and not to eliminate bacteria, so that the normal bacteria balance is maintained. Moisture management is controlled with perforated fabrics, and all fabric is treated with the finishing process called brushing and the hydrophilic treatment that helps for a faster draining of moisture – important in all cycling, but especially so in triathlon.

Super Tri 2 Chamois: Men & Women

Molding and Lamination Technology

The chamois is made using the thermo-molded construction, so materials are joined together and laminated using heat, ensuring a total absence of seams, and aiding comfort. This fabric layering and lamination, and the foam areas of thickness are designed to only provide that extra padding in the vital performance areas, ensuring overall comfort when in the aggressive triathlon position, towards the nose of the saddle. A film is used to join materials in the thermo-moulding process. It is a very thin polyurethane base that is also pre-cut. Once heated, it melts and goes inside the foam creating a mechanical bond. This lamination method assures a very good level of breathability guaranteeing high level of adhesion.

No pair of cycling shorts can provide perfect comfort across numerous cycling disciplines, and this includes triathlon. Add to this, the specific needs of the female triathlete, and you can see why Elastic Interface spend so much time on research, producing the very best chamois pads in the world, and are consequently chosen by the worlds best brands. Their variety of triathlon pads is wide and extensive, with density variations in each model of triathlon pad, and on each particular chamois. The fabric and foam needs to be maximised in a few places and as thin and light as possible elsewhere. Take the Super Tri 2 Women pad, which has been in their range for some time. It has a smooth top surface, providing close and continuous skin contact and perforated foam for maximum breathability and quick dry properties.

Tri Slim & Iron Tri (has Men & Woman version)

Wide Variety for Men & Women

Elastic Interface’s triathlon range is available in multiple versions dual density version, for greater comfort over long distances; single density, without reinforcement, for short triathlon races. From the very lightweight and slim fitting Elastic Interface Tri Slim to their ultimate Iron Performance Chamois, there’s an Elastic Interface Chamois Pad for your own triathlon journey.

Next time that you’re looking for a tri suit or cycling skinsuit for triathlon training, then make sure that the pad is triathlon specific. And, if it carries the Elastic Interface logo, then you can be sure that it’ll definitely have been researched to provide you with the very best support and comfort.

Visit the Elastic Interface Website

Click Here