After working with professional cycling teams like the Movistar Team or Team NetApp-Endura, Endura learned quickly that the fit of cycling shorts is highly individual and varies with different body types. And just like a custom fitted bike and saddle can make all the difference, so can perfectly fitting bike shorts.
That’s why Endura now introduce the FS260-Pro SL Bibshorts which uses an innovative fitting system, developed with gebioMized®. By offering three pad width options and two leg lengths, the FS260-Pro SL provides an unbeatable body match and the removal of any excess padding that does not serve a purpose optimises breathability, flexibility and ultimately, comfort.
The Italian Power Lycra® combines lightweight and fast drying performance with muscle support and employs coldblack® technology to reduce build-up of heat as well as providing an SPF of 50+, making these the perfect warm weather performance bibshorts. The 3D mesh upper of the bibs guarantees optimal breathability. The FS260-Pro SL Bibshorts come in a pre-curved race fit and are equipped with the 700 series pad, a computer cut “continuously variable profile” (CVP) stretch pad with antibacterial finish.
To allow for a perfect body match, the innovative fitting system has been developed with gebioMized® (www.gebiomized.de), the experts for customized cycling products. Global leaders in bike fit, gebioMized® have a long history of working with best WorldTour teams, Pro riders and triathletes to perfect their man-machine interface and positioning. Using a special software in combination with a measuring mat, the gebioMized®-Endura Pad Fit™ System quickly matches the correct seat pad according to a rider’s physiology as well as riding style.
Endura has provided an approximate guide of pad matching using sit bone widths and/or saddle widths in order to find the best matched pad. However it must be emphasised that this is a very rough guide only and the Endura-gebioMized® Pad Fit™ system is a far more accurate method of selecting the pad that will provide the greatest level of comfort to the rider.
The Endura-gebioMized® Pad Fit™ software and equipment will allow consumers who visit a participating retailer to be accurately checked for the best comfort option for them within 2-3 minutes of cycling on the pressure measurement saddle after changing into an unpadded Lycra® fit short. The pressure measurement saddle mat used can be positioned on a fit bike (fitting jig) or on the customer’s own bike.
The system consists of a thin mat containing a large number of pressure sensors which send information wirelessly to the PC while the rider pedals in a variety of riding positions. The software then analyses the results and matches to the pad width which will offer the best comfort and performance. This system offers an unrivalled combination of high tech dynamic pressure mapping with a simple conclusive result, pointing customers to the most suitable pad width for them.
The key differences to most other saddle fit systems used in store are that the measures are taken:
- In the riding position
- On a saddle
- While pedalling
- Using a very precise measuring device
Consumers who do not have access to a retailer with the system can use their known sit bone measurements if these have been measured for a bike fit previously, or their saddle width (if it is known to be correct and comfortable) as a rough guide to the best 700 series pad width.
Details are available at www.endurasport.com/pad_fitting.
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I’ve had a go with the Padfit now. The purpose of the PadFit system is that all other approaches to your position when OFF the bike given an incorrect reading, so the best way to check the pressure on the sit bones, like a bike fit is ON the bike.
I was skeptical initially, but wow, its certainly feels good, and there is quite a bit of research behind it!
I’ve written about my experience here:
http://www.titaniumgeek.com/gear-reviews/endura-padfit-review/
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