Gore Wear-4

From the inventors of Gore-Tex products, GORE Wear is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, whether they’re into cycling, running, cross-country skiing, hiking or just being protected from the elements in comfort and style.

My husband’s been a fan of the brand since he picked up a pair of their thermo gloves a couple of years back. Lately, I too have been eyeing some of their German-engineered cycling gear.

In case you’re not familiar with the brand, GORE Wear was founded in 1958 by W. L Gore & Associates (Wilbert and his son, Robert). Their original intention was to produce products for a range of industries, from medical equipment to space travel.

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In 1969, Robert Gore stretched heated rods of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and created expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). His discovery of the right conditions for stretching PTFE was a happy accident, born partly of frustration. Instead of slowly stretching the heated material, he applied a sudden, accelerating yank. The solid PTFE unexpectedly stretched about 800%, forming a microporous structure that was about 70% air. It was introduced to the public under the trademark Gore-Tex.

Their products are easy to pop into the washing machine, are environmentally sound (adhering to bluesign’s code of sustainable production) and suited for high performance and long-life.

The range of goods we received (thanks, GORE Wear!) is geared to cyclists, as having lived in The Netherlands, we’ve become accustomed to the urban cycling life. Winter may be on its way, but that won’t stop us from getting our rides in!

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C3 Women’s Partial Gore Windstopper Tights+

Gore Windstopper products actually contain three layers: an outer, durable water repellent-treated fabric, a Gore Windstopper membrane and a backer.

These GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Tights+ (the “+” is for an additional level of water resistancy) are designed specially for the female body, containing a built-in chamois seat insert for comfort on longer rides, while the highly-breathable, warm and windproof elements are perfect for cool, cloudy and windy conditions.

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Each leg (as well as the bum) contains reflective logos and there’s a small zippered pocket on the back (just below the waistband) that will fit ID, credit cards and cash.

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The chamois padding is also highly innovative, courtesy of Elastic Interface, a company that takes cycling to the next level via their Hybrid Cell System material that gives the most demanding cyclists the ultimate comfort and high performance.

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I like wearing these warm tights on rides however I feel the knees could benefit from added articulation, even though they’re pre-shaped to move with your body. The warm, soft lining is super comfortable against my skin.

Material
Shell face: 100% Polyester
Shell backer: 100% Polyester
Back panel: 85% Polyamide/15% Elastane

They come in XS to XL, in Black; USD $159.99

GORE C5 Women’s Windstopper Thermo Jacket

C5 Women’s Windstopper Thermo Jacket

There’s nothing like a well-designed, warm cycling jacket to brave the elements! Gore’s C5 polyester WINDSTOPPER® Thermo Jacket has some great detailing for style and safety.

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The first thing you’ll notice is the left sleeve has a contrasting colour panel for visibility when signalling on the road. The next obvious element are the three elastic pockets in back for stowing essentials, from cycling maps to snack bars.

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The Thermo is all three things we’re looking for in a winter jacket: windproofness, breathability and water repellency.

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The back panel drops a bit for added coverage and in my case is neon yellow (there are four colour combos available).

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The lining is fleece and the jacket zips up high to protect the neck from cold (the thoughtful addition of a zipper garage keeps the metal away from your skin too).

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Sleeves contain elastic material at the ends to help trap in the heat.

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I also like the contrast stitching on the front; a few Gore reflective logos help with getting seen on darker days.

GORE C5 Women’s Windstopper Thermo Jacket

This highly efficient, form-fitting jacket comes in sizes XS to XL in Dynamic Cyan/Deep Water Blue, Black/Neon Yellow, Black/Terra Grey and Hibiscus Pink/Chestnut Red; USD $189.99

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C3 Women’s Thermo Jersey

I love how lightweight, yet warm and super cozy this jersey is! I’ve been layering it on top of a merino t-shirt and under a fleece for chilly morning rides. You can also pair it with a waterproof rain jacket.

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The Thermo Jersey, made of 85% Polyamide/15% Elastane, has a soft thermo lining, a front zip with a zippered pocket in back, plus reflective logo and piping for visibility.

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The collar zips up high with a protective flap that guards against the zipper rubbing against your neck. Mine’s in Hibiscus Pink, but the Thermo Jersey also comes in Black, Deep Water Blue and Cloudy Blue, sizes XS to XL; USD $119.99

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C5 GORE-TEX Thermo Gloves

These have become my new favourite gloves for both visibility (neon yellow on top!) and keeping warm. They’re insulated, waterproof, breathable and designed specifically for cold, wet weather rides.

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There’s a reflective strip under the pinky and absorbent, soft material on the thumb for wiping away those mid-ride sniffles. They’re adjustable on the wrist via a wide velcro closure and have a synthetic leather palm with foam padding to boot. Rain and wind, take THAT!

Material
Backhand: 94% Polyamide/6% Elastane
Palm: 65% Polyurethane/35% Polyester
Lining and insulation: 100% Polyester

Available in Neon Yellow/Black and plain Black in sizes XS to 3XL; USD $79.99

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GORE-TEX Helmet Cover

Getting out on the bike in rainy weather isn’t always on my mind, but this cover is easily packable for when the rain does take me by surprise. Both front and back have reflective strips and logo, the elastic hem easily fits over most helmets, and it’s breathable to boot. We tested this on a dry day and it definitely locks in the heat!

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GORE’s helmet cover is made of 100% polyester combined with a GORE-TEX®MEMBRANE and is available in black, sizes medium and large; USD $59.99

In Metro Vancouver, find GORE at Reckless Bikes, West Point Cycles, Speed Theory, Dizzy Cycles, Different Bikes, La Bicicletta, Cove Bike Shop, Cap’s Bicycles, and other retailers.

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