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Interbike 2002
Las Vegas, USA, October 5 - 8, 2002
Interbike part 14 - Padding the features
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Pearl Izumi is back with Fassa Bortolo next year
Protecting the posteriors of cycling glamour boys like Ivan Basso and Michele Bartoli is part of Pearl Izumi's brief as clothing sponsor to the Italian super team run by Giancarlo Ferretti.
This year, the Fassa Bortolo team tested out new knicks using the "3D" chamois made with "Fusion" technology. A synthetic chamois is bonded to another layer of absorbing material without stitching. The chamois is cut in a way to provide support where it's needed - such as under the riders' tailbones - but with a channel in the centre to improve ventilation and remove pressure from the nether regions. Underneath the chamois is a layer of compressed foam which elevates the chamois section above the layer of material underneath, hence the 3D term. The lack of stitching around the chamois means the potential for chafing is substantially reduced, according to Pearl Izumi's media/athlete manager Laura O'Connor.
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One of the first riders to try the new Microsensor knicks was Fassa rider Fabio Baldato, who apparently told his team-mates and soon others in the team were requesting the 3D knicks, said O'Connor.
Another rider to report improved comfort from the design was Pearl Izumi/Yeti team mountain biker Paul Rowney, who also used the new knicks throughout the season.
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This Fusion bonding technology has also been applied to Pearl Izumi's cycling gloves, which is said to achieve a similar improvement in comfort as raised synthetic chamois panels can be fused inside the glove for high-pressure areas. Another feature of Pearl Izumi's new full-length cycling gloves is the removal of stitching away from the point directly in between the fingers to an area just adjacent to upper area of each section. Again the aim is to remove the chafing which can occur when rider's hands are pushing hard into gloves while riding.
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The other big announcement from Pearl Izumi in the cycling clothing area is called Engineered Knit Garment, a knitting technology which allows jerseys to feature varying fabric textures but without seams. The EKG jerseys have mesh panels woven into the fabric for the sides and back of the jersey to aid cooling, a design that previously required a separate mesh panel to be stitched into the sides of the jersey.
"They are the best jersey we've ever done," said Jon Knoll, Pearl Izumi product manager of the new EKG tops.
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This year marked Pearl Izumi's entry into the mid- to high-end road cycling shoe area with the Vaper, which will return in 2003 with additional colours. O'Connor said the mesh section of the shoe allows the company to use different colours and patterns.
Photos
Images by Pearl Izumi
- Pearl Izumi's uses its 3D chamois to improve ventilation and remove pressure
- EKG jerseys have mesh panels woven into the fabric to aid cooling
- Detailed shot of the EKG weave
- The Fusion bonding technology has been applied to Pearl Izumi's cycling gloves to improve comfort
- The I-Beam outsole increases strength and rigidity
Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com
- The 3D chamois in both men's and women's
- A cut-away shot of the Fusion chamois
- Pearl Izumi's gloves use the Fusion technology
