Over the years, we’ve become fans of GORE Wear’s cycling gear and get a lot of enjoyment out of wearing their pieces from season to season. Cycling is a great year-round workout and even more suitable these days for practicing physical distancing. GORE recently sent us a couple of women’s pieces from their spring/summer C3 collection to road test.
In case you’re not familiar with GORE Wear’s naming system, their cycling, running and cross-country ski clothes are rated by performance level, starting with Multi-Sport (essential gear for all athletes), followed by C3 (Active level), C5 (Advanced level) and C7 (Expert level).
C3 Women’s Short Tights+
If you’re looking for a great, all-around cycling short, the C3 Women’s Short Tights+ might just be your go-to for rides around town, race training or commuting. I’ve been wearing these all week on rides and plan on getting lots of use out of them throughout summer too.
The 23 cm (9”) inseam is an ideal length. The shorts have a wide, flat grip elastic around the thigh band to keep them from riding up.
They’ve got a built-in ACTIVE comfort seat insert as well as reflective logos on the left side and on the rear of the shorts below the waistband. They’re also breathable and quick-drying.
These all-around padded shorts are made of 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane and come in Black plus Black/White and Black/Hibiscus Pink combinations in sizes XS to XL; USD $79.99
C3 Women’s Jersey
A great match for the C3 short is the C3 Women’s Jersey, made of 100% polyester for warmer weather rides. It’s got the classic dropped tail with three compartments in the back to stow snacks, a map or other small essentials, as well as a zippered compartment for ID, cash or credit card.
Along each edge of that three-panel pocket area is a reflective strip (plus a reflective logo on the front).
The collar zips up to offer a close fit and includes a zipper garage to protect against the zipper nicking your neck. Around the waistband is gripper elastic to prevent the jersey from riding up.
I’m really liking the Hibiscus Pink colour that GORE uses: it’s not too bright yet is visible enough to other cyclists and vehicles on the road.
The C3 women’s jersey is available in Hibiscus Pink, Nordic Blue and Orbit Blue in sizes XS to XL; USD $79.99
[GORE C3 Women’s Jersey with C3 Short Tights+]
[An added layer of warmth with GORE C3 Women’s Thermo Jersey, also in Hibiscus Pink]
Visit GORE Wear online for ordering. In Metro Vancouver (once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted), 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.
