# Assos S7 — Four Patents for a New Era of Cycling Shorts

> Assos presents the S7 generation — four new patents, including goldenGate: the first floating chamois without a continuous seam. Plus memory foam, denser textiles and four models from entry-level to flagship. The successor to the S5 after five years of development.

- Published: 2013-12-13

In December 2013, Assos replaces the S5 generation, which has set the standard since 2008. The new [S7 line](https://pezcyclingnews.com/newswire/assos-introduces-s7-cycling-shorts/) brings four new patents — six in total — and an idea that changes the cycling shorts market forever: goldenGate.

## goldenGate: The floating chamois

Before the S7, seat pads were sewn into cycling shorts all the way around. Every seam in the crotch means potential friction, every kilometer, every hour. [goldenGate](https://endurance.biz/2013/industry-news/assos-introduces-s7-game-changer-next-generation-cycling-shorts/) interrupts the seam in the most sensitive area — the chamois is only attached at the front and back and floats freely in between. Three-dimensional freedom of movement, no seams between the legs.

That sounds simple. It took five years of development.

## Memory Foam

Assos introduces **memory foam** in cycling shorts pads for the first time. The closed-cell material yields under pressure and immediately returns to its original shape when the pressure is released. With every change of position on the bike — sitting, standing, pedaling — the pad adapts itself anew.

## Four models, clear hierarchy

The S7 comes in [four gradations](https://www.condorcycles.com/en-us/blogs/journal/45468545-new-assos-s7-shorts-range-explained):

- **T.neoPro** — the entry level
- **T.équipe** — the racing workhorse (appears first)
- **T.cento** — the comfort reference
- **T.campionissimo** — the flagship, Assos' best shorts

All four share goldenGate and memory foam. What separates them: textile density, compression level and padding complexity. The Équipe is the first to appear, Campionissimo follows in March 2014.

## Assessment

The S7 defines how modern cycling shorts are built. goldenGate is copied across the industry — floating chamois constructions are now standard. The S7 remains in the range for five years until the S9 replaces it in 2018. Few products in cycling have a longer lifespan.

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Source: https://kilometro.ch/en/articles/assos-s7-four-patents-for-a-new-era-of-cycling-shorts