What is it?
It’s an ASSOS prototype short which features a totally seamless, but yet anatomical, pattern design. An R&D project which ASSOS of Switzerland SA started to work on, and co-developed, in the mid ‘90’s.
More technology, why?
More technology only serves a purpose if it results in an increase of well-being. The consequence of well-being is an increase of performance, mentally and physically. ASSOS’ belief is that if more technology does not serve the above-mentioned purpose, it is simply pointless and not attractive.
The advantages of seamless?
Less volume. But remember; the winning formula for a Total Comfort cycling short is not the sewing technique in itself but rather the fabric and pattern design technology behind it. Here lies the art, here lies the challenge! A seamless cycling short which is not cut “optimally” and is not using the “right” fabrics is a marketing gadget, nothing else.
What are the current potential disadvantages of “seamless” for cycling apparel applications?
1. Seamless technology has been - and still is - limited in terms of pattern design. There are shapes and curves which simply cannot be achieved with a seamless manufacturing process. As long as you make straight cut underwear, no problem. But if the intention is to provide a proper functional, total comfort performance cycling short, the issue gets much more complicated.
2. When going seamless, one is limited in the type of fabrics that can be used. Certain fabrics and finishes on textiles do not allow for perfect bonding. But those might be exactly the “perfect” fabrics for cycling applications…
When will the FI.sl_v2 be available in the store?
Never! The FI.SL_v2 is the result of years of research in the field of fabric bonding. It’s a prototype essay of potential, future technologies which might one day be introduced, entirely or partially, on some ASSOS products.
Why not? Other manufacturers have started to offer seamless shorts.
Firstly, at ASSOS, we don’t believe this technology is quite ready yet for high performance cycling shorts and we don’t feel it is right to have our customers do the testing for us.
Secondly, the traditional threaded seam has many advantages: more elasticity, more breathability, more sewing precision. It is a certified, recognized, perfected technology and, last but not least, it is 3 times faster in assembly which results in an “honest, real value price” for the end consumer.
Thirdly, on some rare occasions a stitch can break but the same can happen to a “welded seam”. The difference is that the ASSOS rider can easily and quickly have a broken stitch fixed. When a “welded seam” fails (and they do) it gets very complicated for the end consumer to have it fixed.
Last but not least, although perfection does not exist, ever since ASSOS started, our customers tell us that ASSOS shorts are as close to perfection as it gets. Hence, no immediate need to change formula and to put our customer’s comfort at risk.
Will seamless technology ever substitute traditional seams?
Not very likely.
What about the costs?
Good question. Figure that producing a seamless yet anatomical cycling short today (2006) requires 3 times more assembly time (main reason for the embarrassingly high retail price). It’s not a robot who welds those seams, those are man hours and they cost! We don’t think it is right to have the end consumer pay quite some extra money for a technology that sounds great but that does not (yet) return real value in proportion to its cost.
Conclusion
Bonded seams are part of a promising technology and it for sure has a future on certain applications. ASSOS of Switzerland SA is working for your Total Comfort; rest assured that in the future ASSOS will incorporate this technology but only when and where it makes sense. The goal being to provide true comfort, performance advantages, as well as true value for the ASSOS cyclist.