If you’ve ever been hampered by a chamois that just won’t stay put, then the new ‘central torso architecture’ concept from GORE Wear may be just the thing you need.
The concept
In the new C7 bib shorts range — developed in collaboration with Olympic champion Fabian Cancellera — the pad is fully integrated and the garment is constructed around it.
This differs to more traditional bib shorts where the chamois is added onto a fully engineered bib short ‘shell’. The result is said to be a pad that stays put, no matter how much you move around on the saddle.
Here’s the thinking behind it: while riding, the straps of your bib shorts are exerting multi-directional tension on the chamois and the stretchy garment fabric. This causes everything downstairs to move, which can really get you in a bind if you’re climbing out of the saddle or attempting to bridge the gap between yourself and the tête de la course.
Revolutionary design
With ‘central torso architecture’, however, the entire garment revolves around the seat insert, so there are no parts moving independently of each other. This keeps it in the perfect position to provide a stable and sensitive connection between the rider and the bike.
The range features the ergonomically shaped and patented GORE WINDSTOPPER Cup, which is both breathable in warm climates and protective against wind chill.
The elastic stretch material facilitates a full range of motion for your legs, and features clever pre-formed cuts, eliminating the need for uncomfortable seams. For the finishing touches the shoulder straps are wide and seamless, while the silicone thigh cuffs keep everything in place.
GORE Wear worked with current Olympic cycling champion Fabian Cancellara — who also happens to be the brand’s ambassador — from an early stage in the development process. He said they’re “so wonderfully unobtrusive that you could simply stay in the saddle forever.”
GORE Wear C7 bib shorts
The C7 range comes with three models: one for racing, one for long days in the saddle, and one specifically designed for hot and humid rides. All three are constructed from lightweight, non-abrasive, four-way stretch material for maximum support and comfort.
The C7 Race Bib Shorts+ are specifically designed for a race fit, and feature GORE’s pre-formed Expert Race chamois for support at the precise points where bone meets saddle.
The C7 Long Distance Bib Shorts+ comprise a similar design, but with the Expert Long Distance seat insert that’s designed to provide comfort for longer rides, and in various positions on the bike.
The C7 Vent Bib Shorts+ are tailor-made for hot and humid rides, and constructed from fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric with cleverly placed perforations for extra cooling. The Expert Vent chamois blends comfort and ventilation, absorbing only a small amount of moisture and drying quickly.
