Which chamois pad suits you?
Pad thickness depends on ride length, not on how much comfort you want: up to 2 hours a flat, dense pad (ICON), over 4 hours or on rough ground a thicker one (TRAVERSE). Every product page states which P-TEC pad the model has.
From the second hour on, the chamois pad decides whether you still enjoy the ride. The good news: the choice is simpler than it looks if you know two things. How long your rides are and how you sit. Our pads are called P-TEC. They come in two geometries: one for women, one for men.
The most common misconception: thicker is more comfortable
A thick pad feels good in the shop and gets in the way on the bike. The thicker the foam, the more material moves between you and the saddle, and the sooner friction and heat build-up occur. Short and fast means flat and dense. Long and rough means thicker, with more cushioning.
The four chamois pads at a glance
ICON
8 mm pad thickness, 80 kg/m³ seating area. For training, commuting and rides of up to about two hours.
ELASTIC INTERFACE
Flat 3D pad, highly breathable, with ECO-Premium top fabric. For sporty rides with a low riding position.
TEOSPORT
Single-layer Mengoshi® pad with a low profile. For racing.
TRAVERSE
11 mm seating area with Poron®92 inserts at the pressure points. For long days, tours and competition.
You can find more on the technology behind the pads on the P-TEC page.
Bib shorts or cycling shorts with a waistband, with or without an underpant
There are three ways the pad gets into your shorts:
- Bib shorts with straps: pad sewn in, no waistband at the stomach. The standard for road cycling and long Gravel rides.
- Cycling shorts with a waistband: pad sewn in, quick on and off. Good for commuting and shorter rides.
- Shorts plus underpant: our MTB and trail shorts come without a pad. Underneath you wear an underpant with a sewn-in pad. Advantage: separate washing, and one underpant works under several pairs of shorts.
FAQ
Do you wear underwear under bib shorts?
No. The pad replaces underwear. Any seam between pad and skin can cause chafing on long rides.
Which pad thickness for which ride length?
Up to 2 hours: ICON. 2 to 4 hours: ELASTIC INTERFACE or TEOSPORT. Over 4 hours or on rough ground: TRAVERSE.
Are women’s and men’s pads really different?
Yes, in their geometry. On the men’s pad the volume sits at the front and centre, on the women’s pad the seating area is wider and positioned further back, to match the anatomy of the sit bones.
How do I care for the pad?
Wash at 30 °C, no fabric softener, no tumble dryer. More on this in the washing guide.
