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On Test: Gore Bike Wear Part 1, November 20, 2006
Cycling line from the outdoor legend lives up to its pedigree
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The Gore brand name is virtually a household name worldwide if only due to its ubiquitous Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane. Only within the last few years, however, has the company ventured out into the cycling world with a full line of apparel. Cyclingnews Tech Editor James Huang puts a season in on a few key pieces.
Gore Bike Wear has been available in Europe for several years now and has been met with critical acclaim, including a number of design awards. Only recently, though, has the line made its way over to the United States… well, sort of. Some of you may remember the obscure (and short-lived) Concurve brand name, which was actually Gore's first attempt at breaking into the US market. Given Gore's stellar reputation in the outdoor world, we'll likely never know why it didn't try to capitalise on an established brand name the first time around, but no matter. Gore Bike Wear is available now, and our expectations were very high for its line of cycling clothing. Included in our test round up are its Power Bib shorts and Xenon short sleeve jersey, with the Helium vest, Windstopper arm and leg warmers, Thermo knee warmers, and Gore-Tex socks to follow in Part 2 tomorrow.
Hello, sunshine
Lying at the core of any good warm-weather cycling wardrobe is a pair of shorts and a jersey and our box of Gore stuff included its Power Bib shorts and top-end Xenon short-sleeved jersey. The shorts are constructed of a 74% Nylon/26% Elastane blend that Gore designers claim offers a substantial level of compression for better muscle support. In addition, the material is said to be highly abrasion resistant for enhanced wear characteristics in the inner thigh area, but also for improved durability in off-road situations. The bib portion of the short uses an open weave mesh and all of the anatomically cut panels are joined with flat-lock stitching.
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Gore continues the Plastic Man theme with its Elastic Interface chamois that, as the name suggests, is highly stretchable and flexible for a better fit while riding and, presumably, reduced chafing. The edges of the chamois are notably soft and the padding thickness is, refreshingly, on the thinner end of the spectrum, which should minimise the 'wet diaper' feel as compared to some other high-end inserts currently available.
The Xenon jersey offers an anatomic semi-form fit crafted from 100% polyester with a 'mock eyelet' structure for high breathability. The front lower portion of the jersey uses a particularly open mesh weave and Gore thoughtfully includes a three-quarter length zipper for even more ventilation control. As with the shorts, flat-lock stitching is used all around. Three pockets adorn the rear, plus there's an additional small zippered pocket for more security. In addition to utility, Gore also obviously places a high premium on safety as the Xenon jersey also sports subtle reflective transfer printing on the front, back, and shoulders, as well as reflective logos and piping.
Out on the road, the Power Bib shorts proved to be exceptionally comfortable on long rides, both on- and off-road, with an especially silky feel that somehow managed to keep from being too slippery on the saddle. I can't comment much on the effects of Gore's compressive material on muscle function (pain still hurts), but the chamois was certainly effective over the long haul with no saddle sores or chafing to report (not that you'd want to hear about it if there were).
Fit-wise, those stockier-legged riders amongst us will be happy to hear that the Power Bib shorts shirk the often-too-tight fit of some Euro brands for one that's a bit roomier. Yes, as a matter of fact, I will take fries with that, thank you very much. The mesh bibs were a good length for my decidedly medium-length frame, and as an added bonus, the low-cut front proved especially useful for bathroom breaks after you've downed that Biggie-sized Coke.
In spite of the jet-black color, the Xenon jersey actually proved to be quite comfortable even in the steamy grips of midsummer. Gore's open-mesh weave fabric allowed for a surprising amount of ventilation, and the ¾ length zipper provided plenty of additional air conditioning when needed. As with the Power Bibs, the Xenon jersey's fit wasn't overly restrictive for my mesomorphic frame, and could probably be paired with some baggy shorts, too, without looking too silly. Geeky practicalities aside, Gore actually manages to integrate the Xenon's generous helpings of reflective material in rather stylish fashion and the added measure of confidence they provided when late-day rides ran just a wee bit too long was most welcome.
Black is the new black
Gore packs a lot of punch into its Power Bib shorts; while they may not offer some of the super technical features of its more premium competition, it also doesn't carry their premium price tag. At just under US$100, the Power Bibs offer solid performance, an excellent fit, as well as subtly timeless styling. Likewise, Gore's Xenon Jersey doesn't utilise the latest multiple density co-knit fabrics, yet it manages to deliver outstanding warm weather ventilation as well as an ergonomic fit and a host of useful features.
Price: Power Bib shorts: US$99.99; Xenon jersey: US89.99.
Pros: Quality fabrics and sensible fits, functional features, excellent
chamois, good value
Cons: None
Cyclingnews rating: Power Bib shorts: 
;
Xenon jersey:
Also see: Gore's Thermo knee warmers, Helium vest, Gore-Tex socks and Windstopper arm and leg warmers
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- Gore Bike Wear comes well-equipped to the crowded cycling apparel party with its Xenon jersey and Power Bib shorts.
- The Power Bib shorts include extensive sections of open-weave mesh for ventilation and comfort.
- Cycling-specific fit bunches up a bit when standing, but fits perfectly when on the bike.
- Subtly contrasting flat-lock stitching is used all around to prevent chafing.
- Gore designers also incorporate a large open-mesh panel in the lower portion of the Xenon jersey for better airflow in warm conditions.
- Three standard pockets adorn the rear of the Xenon jersey, plus one small zippered one for smaller or more secure items.
