GORE WEAR Men's C5 Shorts

Product Information

By combining fabrics Gore has made a pair of tights that feel too light and thin to fend off the elements remarkably well. In fact, they’re so light it took us a while to actually try the C7 Partials when they arrived last winter and when we did, it was only for a short loop with a guaranteed warm up at the end. Turns out the thin Windstopper fabric that runs from mid-shin, up the front of the legs and around the seat and sides is very effective at fighting off wetness and windchill. There’s enough stretch in the material and clever enough multi-panel shaping that they don’t tug over the knees or shuffle down if you’re in and out of the saddle either. The Gore C5 bib shorts occupy an interesting spot with their super lean Advanced Road insert. As one would expect, it's engineered for roadies down in a forward position. That's one of the reasons why it's so well suited to crits and short, hard rides. The padding is targeted to the front where you're grinding into the saddle down in the drops trying to crank out the watts. That relief is aided by the WINDSTOPPER Cup. In addition to protecting from the cold and damp, its concave shape and other internal features reduce pressure and undercarriage compression.

Gore really knows how to produce excellent cycling products, and these bib shorts are well designed, with some nice features that help them stand out in a crowded category. Getting a good pair of bib shorts is important, and I'm happy to recommend these if you're in the market for a pair that will cope with warmer temperatures and provide comfortable cushioning for long rides. Verdict The C5 Optiline Bib Shorts+ are part of a new range from Gore (formerly Gore Bike Wear, since rebranded with new logo and shorter name) aimed at enthusiast road cyclists. They provide outstanding comfort, while a panel of Windstopper fabric in the front of the shorts gives a little added, ahem, protection from cold winds. Gore Wear is fundamentally a science and fabric performance company with a massive multi-industry portfolio which its bike gear is only a tiny, tiny part of. That’s why its text and presentation tends to have a similarly sciencey feel, but it’s easy to decipher without a doctorate. Gore Wear cycling clothing range explained That’s where the super-thin Shakedry cap comes in, keeping water off your head and out of your eyes, yet staying remarkably sweat free if the weather improves. Plus it’s so thin you don’t have to pull out your helmet pads or perch your lid on top of your head like the Pope. Who is Gore Wear?Along with waterproofing, you also want enough breathability to stop sweat from wetting you from the inside. As they’re a full Gore-Tex fabric they actually keep water out for a decent amount of time, even in the heaviest rain, and the adjustable cuff reduces draughts and sleeve leak. They breathe really well and dry relatively fast from inside out too, and they stay far more comfortable for longer than any other ‘waterproof’ glove we’ve used.

The Gorewear C5 mountain bike shorts offer decent comfort for riders with a freeride feel, accommodating leg openings and a loose fit suited to more rowdy riding. Despite minimal ventilation, these shorts are still relatively breathable. The waist design feels minimalistic yet boosts all the modern features. The material used in the body of the shorts is a reasonably supple 4-way stretch synthetic blend that promotes unrestricted movement and has a relatively soft feel. Fit and Pedal Friendliness Gore-Tex material is rarely used on waterproof shorts but is a top performer when it is. Russell Burton / Our MediaThe Gorewear C5 mountain bike shorts feature surged, redundant stitching with medium-weight thread, the zippers are the reliable YKK brand, and the 4-way stretch synthetic blend can take a beating over the long haul. Moreover, the sturdy adjustable waistband features dependable Velcro adjustments tabs. All told, our only concern with these shorts is that the small double snaps at the waist closure feel a little loose – yet there are two of them to assume the burden. Style There’s no point in having a waterproof fabric if rain and mud can find their way in through the seams, so look for internal seam sealing to help keep the weather out. Breathability