The £1,000 Bike Seat: Pogacar’s Luxurious New TT Saddle and Other Cutting-Edge Cycling Tech
Cycling technology continues to push boundaries, and this week’s Tech of the Week roundup is packed with exciting updates. As the Olympics are underway, Brompton has unveiled two special edition bikes for the Games. Among other highlights, we explore Prologo’s £1,100 time trial saddle designed for Tadej Pogacar, the first-ever bib shorts with a 3D-printed chamois pad, and fresh releases from Boardman, Specialized, and Standert. We also look at a new Kask helmet and Neat 3D-printed accessories.
Gore and Elastic Interface Introduce 3D-Printed Chamois
Gorewear’s new Ultimate Bib Shorts feature Elastic Interface’s N3X pad technology, marking the debut of production bib shorts with a 3D-printed chamois. This innovation, which enhances comfort and performance, brings the benefits of 3D printing—previously seen in saddles and accessories—to cycling apparel.
Although the N3X pad was initially showcased at Eurobike 2022, it has taken time to perfect. Now, it’s available in Gorewear’s top-tier bib shorts for 2024. The 3D printing technique allows for precise density and structure control, aiming for optimal ergonomic support and comfort. The open-cell lattice design enhances airflow, moisture wicking, and rapid drying.
Sustainable Manufacturing with 3D Printing
Beyond comfort, the N3X technology represents a leap towards sustainable production. Elastic Interface highlights that 3D printing enables zero-waste production and uses bio-based materials, minimizing the environmental impact.
These Gorewear bib shorts weigh just 178g and are priced at £251.99. Currently available only in men’s sizes, they offer a glimpse into the future of 3D-printed cycling gear. A test pair has been requested, and a review will follow. For now, you can purchase them from Gorewear’s website.
Brompton’s Exclusive Folding Bikes for the 2024 Paris Olympics
With the 2024 Paris Olympics underway, Brompton has launched two exclusive folding bike models to celebrate. In collaboration with British jeweler Mappin & Webb and Team GB athletes, Brompton is showcasing these unique bikes, which also promote sustainable travel.
The standout creation is a golden Brompton, featuring over an ounce of nearly 24-carat gold (valued at £1,843), applied through an electrochemical plating process. Each bike involved over 65 hours of hand polishing and 30 hours of gold plating. Hand-engraved Team GB logos and sterling silver and gold-plated decals add to its exclusivity. These bikes will be used by Team GB in London and Paris, and post-Games, they will be auctioned to benefit the British Olympic Foundation.
In a separate collaboration, Brompton has teamed up with high jumper Morgan Lake and BMX Freestyle World Champion Kieran Reilly to produce a special edition P Line bike with Team GB colors. This bike is part of the ‘Sporting Journeys’ campaign to promote sustainable travel to sports events. After the Games, these bikes will be added to the Brompton Bike Hire network in the UK, offering a chance for enthusiasts to ride one. Some of these limited edition bikes are also available for purchase.
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