omniform™ inserts by
MADE IN ITALY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. The Giordana difference is found not just in quality cycling apparel, but in the care with which garments are made. We deliver the technology and performance of authentic Made in Italy apparel, from initial design to final tailoring.
OUR PHILOSOPHY The Giordana OmniForm™ collection of inserts gets its name from the Latin ‘omni’ meaning ‘all’ and ‘form’ or ‘shape’. The name illustrates the way OmniForm chamois move as one with the body in motion, conforming to the cyclist during activity. INVEST IN SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY Giordana is one of very few cycling apparel brands to manufacture their own inserts. We invested in High-Frequency™ (HF) technology to allow us to make inserts without using excessive heat. When inserts are formed with heat, they can become hard and result in irritation. Most processes, create the grooves in chamois by heating molded metal plates and pressing into the material to melt it into place. In contrast, Giordana’s High Frequency process uses a lower heat applied only to the material, not to the plates. Grooves are formed primarily with sound waves that remove the cells and air from the areas and compress to form the channels. DEMAND THE HIGHEST QUALITY All seams are sewn with a three-needle interlocking stitch, which is deeply imbedded into channels molded into the pad. This ensures that stitching will never contact your body and prevents unraveling. Many manufacturers use a zig-zag stitch for attaching the insert, something Giordana abandoned long ago as this stitch can quickly unravel, should it become damaged. ENSURE OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE Our inserts are made with a stretchable microfiber layer closest to your skin. This ensures optimal breathability and wicking of perspiration to keep you comfortable. With Giordana inserts you won’t find colorful printing as you sometimes see in other brands. We have tested printed inserts and found that printing decreases their functionality by limiting their breathability and moisture wicking properties. Because these properties are of the utmost importance to us, we won’t add any inks that could adversely affect them.
Our inserts are made with a stretchable microfiber layer closest to your skin. This ensures optimal breathability and wicking of perspiration to keep you comfortable. The microfiber materials are created from ultra thin threads; a single gram of fiber is at least ten kilometers in length. The fiber make up thus includes a great amount of space around the threads so there is more opportunity for air to pass through. We don’t recommend using chamois creams, balms or butters with our inserts. Among other drawbacks, we have found that these products decrease the ability of the insert to breathe and wick moisture by filling in the open spaces. Chamois creams were designed to soften the leather materials that chamois were originally made of. These were materials that will harden and crack why dried out. In the past, creams were used to soften dried leather and lube the area of friction that would be present between the skin and the chamois. Modern day microfibers are completely different from those old style chamois. Our Giordana microfibers temporarily and lightly bond with the skin during the ride, so no friction is present to irritate. The use of creams creates a slippery surface and prevents the microfiber from bonding to the skin and in turn, causes friction. Repeated use of creams can soften the skin, increasing the likelihood of sores. For those riders who feel there may be times when a little ointment is beneficial, it should be used sparingly and only on the skin, not the insert. SELECT THE PROPER FIT Probably the most important consideration when choosing shorts is choosing the proper size. If the shorts are too loose, the insert will not move with you as it should. It must fit close to the skin and not droop. If the insert fits loosely, you will experience friction, which will irritate your skin. This is one of the advantages of properly fitting bib shorts – the straps help hold the insert in the proper position, reducing the risk of chafing.
OmniForm™ The OmniForm™ family of inserts is made by Giordana in our Italian factory. Revolutionary technologies utilize HF™ (High Frequency) waves and low heat processes during fabrication. Both techniques avoid the high temperatures of other processes in shaping the channels and bonding the layers. Thus, OmniForm pads are formed without the intense heat that can damage materials, compromise fabric properties and create hard edges. Each material used in the construction of OmniForm inserts is chosen for its elastic characteristics. These chamois protect while stretching and conforming to the body on the bike, then return to their original shape every time. The results are inserts that are smooth, supple, soft and supportive.
Aloe Vera Infusion (avi) Giordana is constantly at the forefront of innovation, developing and testing new materials, processes and technologies that will enhance the cycling experience. In 2011 Giordana introduced the first and only chamois on the market to harness the benefits of Aloe. Giordana’s top-of-the-line Cirro™ and Cirro-W™ inserts utilize a special Nylon microfiber that incorporates Aloe Vera. The Aloe component is
permanently incorporated into the material so the benefits will not lessen or wash out over time. Particles of Aloe Vera are infused into the threads of the microfiber during the manufacturing process. The integrated Aloe cools, protects and even heals the skin while the rider is in the saddle. In addition, Aloe Vera is a natural defender against bacteria.
CIRRO O.F.™ The Cirro O.F.™ pad is the new and most advanced insert in the Giordana 2011 collection. It has been specifically designed for Giordana’s top-of-the-line bibs and shorts. The thickness of the Cirro O.F. varies and is 14mm at its thickest point. The uppermost layer of the Cirro utilizes a special Nylon microfiber that incorporates Aloe Vera. Giordana’s Cirro is the first and only chamois on the market today that takes advantage of Aloe. The Aloe component is not a treatment, but is permanently incorporated into the material. Particles of Aloe Vera are infused into the threads of the microfiber during the manufacturing process, so that the benefits will not wash out or fade over time. The integrated Aloe cools, protects and even heals the skin while the rider is in the saddle. In addition, Aloe Vera is a natural defender against bacteria. Below this uppermost layer is a 4mm thick expanded memory foam with a waffled texture. The divots that create the texture aid in ventilation and perspiration management so that the pad does not retain moisture, but moves it to the outside where it can evaporate rapidly. The foam is bonded on the bottom with an ultra-fine protective liner. Together, these three layers make up the primary portion of the chamois that you see.
Underneath the upper layers is a 8mm thick section of open cell padding that is hand sewn to the materials above. This highly ventilated padding is cut to a unique smaller shape that protects and supports the rider at crucial points against the saddle. The shape of this bottommost layer is designed to comfortably contour to the rider’s anatomy and provide protection where needed most. A prostate relief cut-out in the center and independent glute panels allow maximum comfort and movement with the body in motion. To ensure that seams never come in contact with the rider’s body, all stitches are completely concealed in recessed channels. The Cirro O.F. insert is elastic– stretching and conforming to all movements on the bike, then returning to its original shape after exercise. The advanced technology and attention to detail make the Cirro O.F. the ideal pad for demanding athletes who always require maximum quality.
CIRRO O.F.
NIMBO O.F.
NIMBO O.F.™ The Nimbo O.F.™ pad is a new addition to the 201l Giordana OmniForm™ family of inserts. It was created in response to consumer feedback that called for more substantial padding at the Performance and Sport levels. The Nimbo is a seamless insert with variable thickness from 4 to 13mm at its thickest point. The uppermost layer of the Nimbo utilizes a polyester microfiber that incorporates a subtle texture. The square-shaped recesses that create the texture aid in ventilation and perspiration management so that the pad does not retain moisture, but moves it to the outside where it can evaporate rapidly. Directly below this layer is a 3mm thick expanded memory foam. Underneath the two upper layers is a 10mm thick section of open cell padding that is thermal bonded to the materials above. This ventilated padding is enhanced by perforations that allow air to circulate more effectively. It is cut to a smaller shape that protects and supports the rider at crucial points
against the saddle. The shape of this bottommost layer is designed to comfortably contour to the rider’s anatomy and provide protection where needed most. A prostate relief channel in the center and independent glute panels allow maximum comfort and movement with the body in motion. The Nimbo O.F.™ is molded with a low heat process that eliminates hard edges caused by the intense temperatures used in normal molding techniques. A new advanced thermo-form process and revolutionary bonding agent are used to form the pad into a single piece. This process applies the minimum amount of heat necessary and does not alter the inherent material properties. The Nimbo O.F. insert is elastic– stretching and conforming to all movements on the bike, then returning to its original shape after exercise.
NIMBO-W O.F.™ CIRRO-W O.F.™ The Women’s Cirro O.F. pad has been specifically designed for Giordana’s top-of-the-line women’s bibs and shorts. The thickness of the Cirro O.F. varies. The uppermost layer of the Cirro utilizes a special Nylon microfiber that incorporates Aloe Vera which is permanently incorporated into the material. The Aloe cools, protects, fights bacteria and even heals the skin while the rider is in the saddle. Below this layer is second layer of expanded memory foam with a waffled texture that aids in ventilation and perspiration management. The foam is bonded on the bottom with an ultra-fine protective liner. Underneath the upper layers is a section of open cell padding cut in a unique smaller shape that protects and supports the rider at crucial points against the saddle.
The Women’s Nimbo O.F. is part of the OmniForm family of inserts. Created in response to consumer demand for more substantial women’s specific padding. This seamless insert has a variable thickness. The uppermost layer of the Nimbo utilizes a soft polyester microfiber that incorporates a subtle texture that aids in perspiration management. Below this layer is expanded memory foam, then a thick section of perforated open cell padding that is thermally bonded to the materials above. This bottom layer is cut to protect the rider at crucial points against the saddle, comfortably contouring to the anatomy. Independent glute panels allow for maximum flexibility when the body is in motion.
WOMEN’S O.F.
DON’T LET ANYTHING ELSE COME BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SADDLE.
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