GORE WEAR Men's C5 Shorts

Product Information

However, if you're of the more shapely persuasion and want something that performs extremely well without cutting off your circulation, this is an ideal option for you. The fit is true to size, with sensible arm widths and a perfect length for full splash coverage at the rear. Gore-Tex material is rarely used on waterproof shorts but is a top performer when it is. Russell Burton / Our Media

Gore-Tex obviously has a very strong household brand name and it protects that with a very specific language. Here are translations of the keywords you need to know when navigating the range. 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. Along with waterproofing, you also want enough breathability to stop sweat from wetting you from the inside. 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. We feel these are reasonably priced, especially if a majority of your riding is crit-style or spin classes. We'll reiterate here that for you lighter, leaner guys who tend to have longer comfort windows, there's a bit more value to these. Conclusion

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On the other hand, too thin and it may not be so durable or as comfortable to ride in. So there’s a compromise here. These are primarily for short, hard rides, like criteriums, time trials, and road races under 90 minutes. Lighter guys will likely see more versatility and comfort in these, but they do best on short, intense rides. They're also great for spin classes! Value All full Gore-Tex fabrics are covered by Gore’s 'Guaranteed to keep you dry' program under which it claims: 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. 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?

Gore gives a number and letter code to every garment to show primary function and performance level. 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 Again, there’s an objective measurement of this – grams of water vapour transmitted per metre squared per 24 hours. A good level is 10,000g/m²/24h, but the best breathable waterproof fabrics can improve significantly on this. 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 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