Review: Gore Power Windstopper Jersey, Bib Shorts and Oxygen Active Shell Jacket

As we boldly venture in the autumn/winter season I have been testing three of Gore’s seasonal offerings designed to keep you in the saddle as the temperature drops and the moisture level increases. Each of the three pieces reviews is currently available from Sigma Sport and is on sale with 25% off.

Gore Power Windstopper Soft Shell Short Sleeve Jersey

Being a British cyclist, if I only rode when the weather was good, I wouldn’t get to ride very much at all. It’s a good thing, then, that there are some innovative cyclewear brands developing garment technology to help cyclists combat the elements.

Gore Bike Wear have created the Power Windstopper Soft Shell Short Sleeve Jersey for those difficult British weather conditions. Fully lined with Gore’s Windstopper material, the Power Windstopper jersey is both fully windproof and water resistant. This is going to be incredibly useful as autumn sets in.

I have ridden in the jersey for a number of weeks now and it is really coming into its own now the weather has turned. As we still clung on to the end of summer I found it a little too warm when the temperature was in the mid teens, but it has certain found a solid place in my wardrobe now the mercury has dropped.

It is a piece that layers well and allied to a good set of arm warmers and base layer will see you in the saddle comfortably this autumn.

While the blue colour-way variant probably won’t set your world on fire, the Gore Power Windstopper jersey isn’t short on practical details.

It has three rear pockets which provide plenty of storage for everything you need to carry (Lezyne tool pouch, wallet, iPhone, keys, snacks and a bike pump) and it has reflective elements which are useful when you’re commuting home at night as the light fades. You can see from the image above how bright the reflective detailing is. The jersey also features a close fit collar to stop drips and draughts creeping in, and a good gripper strip at the hem to keep everything in place.

Gore Bike Wear Power Bib Short

Made from a mixture of polyamide and elastane to provide a good level of compression for medium distance rides, these Gore Bike Wear Power Bib Shorts have become a go-to bib shorts when the weather isn’t too chilly. Gore’s Power Men seat insert is highly breathable and features a preformed windproof front to keep your valuables both well ventilated and protected.

The mesh bib tunnel design ensures that the seams are lifted away from the skin, which reduces friction and stops material from digging in when riding. With pressure directed toward the hems and shoulders, the bib short is kept in place whether climbing, sprinting or descending. This keeps the Power Men’s seat insert in place, too.

Reflective logos on the back and side of the bib short make for increased visibility in poorly lit conditions.

The full retail price of the Gore Power Windstopper Soft Shell Short Sleeve Jersey is £124.99 and it is currently on offer at Sigma Sport with 25% off. The Power Bib Shorts retail at £99.99 and also have 25% off at Sigma Sport now.

Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper Active Shell Light Jacket

As we move firmly into autumn/winter season and all the interesting weather that will bring, the Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper Active Shell Light Jacket is rapidly becoming a vital part of my daily cycling arsenal. It is a brilliantly engineered lightweight jacket, that is substantial enough to shelter you from some really crappy downpours, yet compact enough to fit into your back pocket with ease.

Constructed from windproof and water resistant Active Windstopper fabric it feels really well crafted and the fit is exemplary, absolutely no flapping about here. The jacket borders on race-fit, which is a welcome change from the bin-bagesque attempts a rainwear that are often seen.  The dropped tail keeps you protected from wheel spray while the full length zip with an underflap allows for customisable ventilation whilst also making sure wind does not penetrate through the zip.

Gore’s material technology is not only protective against the elements, it is also highly effective at regulating body temperature, allowing your skin to breath and for moisture to be transported away comfortably.

Reflective logos on the sides, sleeves, front and back aid your visibility to others out on the road and the two dynamic colour options ensure you turn heads wherever you ride.

Overall this has become one of my favourite pieces of the year (and that reminds me – I must do a round up of the best cycling kit of 2016!) and currently on offer at Sigma Sport with 25% at £112.49. I would definitely recommend purchasing it.