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FEATURES: THE GREAT CHAMOIS DEBATE
Brad Roe
December 24, 2008
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RBA: At Pearl Izumi, I know you believe that all chamois are not created equal. Can you elaborate on that? What makes Pearl stand out?
Pearl Izumi: We have 58 years of experience producing performance cycling apparel and we produce the best selling shorts worldwide. This gives us a lot of ability to not only invest in chamois development and testing but also to use the very best materials and manufacturing technologies in the production of our 3D Chamois® and all new 4D Chamois™. A lot of people believe that the main purpose of the chamois is for padding, but a key benefit of the Chamois* is to reduce friction and eliminate chafing. Over time padding has been added to enhance comfort but it’s also critical that a rider make sure they are on a saddle that fits them and is properly aligned to their sit bones.
The details of a great chamois center around:
a) The correct anatomic shape and stretch of the chamois relative to the rider’s anatomy.
b) The proper amount of padding in the correct places.
c) Multi-density padding to allow for short and long term comfort as well as to dampen different frequencies of vibration.
d) Breathability, thermal regulation and an antimicrobial environment.
Many manufacturers use “off the shelf” chamois but Pearl Izumi Chamois are completely proprietary and feature our patented multi density padding, 3D anatomic shape, and are available in a number of different configurations to suit the needs of different levels of cyclist. We are constantly testing, refining and improving our chamois, and are now introducing the 4D Chamois which has been in development and testing for over 2 years.
 Pearl Izumi's 3D Pro Shape Chamois
RBA: Can you describe the difference/benefits between bibs and shorts? Complete kits or mixing and matching?
Pearl Izumi: Fit of the cycling short is critical to ensure that the chamois stays in the proper place and the rider is able to perform at their best. To ensure optimal fit a cycling short has a stretch waistband like a running or swim short, while a cycling bib has comfortable “suspenders” that go over the shoulders rather than having a traditional waistband.
In the end, it’s really a matter of personal preference for how your short fits and stays in place. Since many consumers are used to running, basketball or swim shorts, they are typically most comfortable starting off in a cycling short, but more experienced cyclists gravitate towards bibs, and at the professional level nearly all use bibs. The main thing to take into consideration is bibs are a bit more comfortable around the waist since there is less material, while shorts are a heck of a lot more convenient when you need to use the restroom.
In terms of complete kits, mixing and matching. A consumer should look to purchase items which are designed to work together in terms of fit, performance and temperature. For Example our P.R.O. Series Bib’s and Shorts are developed in conjunction with our P.R.O. Series Jerseys so they are very compatible in terms of rider comfort, performance and temperature range.
For more information, check out www.pearlizumi.com
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