Gore Windstopper

“For time trials, everything has to be right: the wind, the weather, the timing, your state of mind on the day and the right material for the different requirements on the route. When a lot is right, a lot has already been won.”

Over his 16 year career, the Swiss former professional cyclist, multiple world champion and two-time Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara has been regarded as the undisputed specialist in individual time trials and difficult one-day races, in particular the prestigious Spring Classics.

“I am an absolute perfectionist. As well as optimum preparation, the material also always plays a large part in difficult races. Even in my professional career, I was always the first person wanting to test new prototypes in order to develop products further and to get the most out of them.”

As a global brand ambassador for GORE Bike Wear, Fabian will bring his experience to the product development of highly functional bike wear. As with time trials, the details in product development are the key to functionality, innovation and perfect features.

Fabian has shared his favourite items from the current GORE Bike Wear collection, starting with The ONE Gore-Tex Active Bike jacket (pictured below). Weighing just 107 grams (in size L), the wind and waterproof road cycling jacket is extremely lightweight and more breathable than ever. The revolutionary Shakedry product technology repels water and keeps you comfortably dry under maximum strain and in every weather. We’ll be bringing you an in depth review of the Shakedry bike jackets soon.

Fabian has been enthusiastic about the jacket: “The fit is perfect. The ergonomically designed stand-up collar adapts to every cycling position and is so light that you can hardly feel it. It fits in every jersey pocket.”

Fabian has a clear idea of what he needs when he’s choosing an outfit. In temperatures of 20°C and above, he cycles in the Oxygen 2.0 Bibtights short which is made with performance-oriented cyclists in mind. It has a supporting structure, flat hems which will not dig in, and a seat insert to ensure comfort and wind protection on long rides. He also wears a short sleeve jersey with high breathability. His current favourite garment is the Power Windstopper SO jersey.

“The details are well thought out. The 3-compartment back pocket is slightly tapered on the side for easy access. It works perfectly. You also have no friction thanks to the minimised seams.”

GORE Bike Wear products drawing on Fabian’s expertise and experience in multiple cycling disciplines will be coming soon, so watch this space… You can see more of his favourite products here.

We’ll also be reviewing the GORE Bike Wear Shakedry jackets very soon, so keep your eyes on Vamper.cc and our Instagram feed for all the details.

You can read Matt’s review of the GORE Power Windstopper Soft Shell Short Sleeve Jersey here.

I’ve been trying out the Löffler Windstopper FZ women’s cycling jersey. The jersey features a Gore 1beats2 Windstopper membrane, making it windproof, water-repellent and breathable. It’s been such a mixed summer in the UK – particularly in the north – that a windproof jersey has been surprisingly welcome, despite it being August.

The Gore 1beats2 Windstopper laminate is designed to work best at temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees, so for less-than-perfect British summer days and early autumn, it’s ideal. It was developed to help protect cyclists against the cold and the wind, without having to add extra layers. Windstopper jerseys are designed to keep riders comfortable from dawn to dusk on the bike without the need for adding jackets and gilets. They’re said to provide the same thermal insulation as the combination of a regular jersey plus breathable windbreaker jacket while weighing up to 35% less than the two together.

Löffler is not a well known brand in the UK cycling market but this Austrian cycle wear company makes serious, sensible bike kit. It might not set your heart racing, but it performs solidly.

I can’t say that I have been all that interested in short-sleeved windproof jerseys before. I was of the opinion that if it was cold enough to need a windproof garment, it would probably need long sleeves. Testing this has actually made me realise that there is a place for short-sleeved windproof jerseys, after all. We’ve had a lot of windy weather this summer and – to get all up close and personal – does anyone else find that cycling on windy days causes really sore nipples? It doesn’t have to be a cold day for me to be in some serious discomfort if the wind is up. So, for that reason alone, I take back what I said. Short-sleeved windproof jerseys might have a place in my cycling wardrobe after all.

I’d be lying if I said the Löffler Windstopper jersey excited me; it’s a very functional-looking piece of kit. But, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the photographs: I actually think it’s quite flattering, and it was very comfortable. I like the stand-up collar – again, good for keeping draughts out – and the fabric feels nice. As autumn approaches, it will be useful paired with arm warmers (more on those later).

However, it’s a bit lacking in design features. It only has one pocket, a rear pocket which zips. It’s generous enough to fit my enormous Sony Xperia Z5, but there isn’t enough storage for inner tubes, bananas and the like. I would also expect a bit more reflective detailing on a very functional garment.

It’s a fast drying jersey which is remarkably breathable considering how robust the fabric feels. Wind is blocked really effectively, and sweat is wicked away nicely. The jersey is stretchier than I expected, though a little bit short in the body and prone to riding up. Another inch in length and a stickier silicone grip strip on the hem would be useful.

If you’re looking for a good quality, windproof jersey for commuting, the Löffler Windstopper jersey is a decent buy with excellent windproofing thanks to the Gore 1beats2 Windstopper technology. However, future iterations would benefit from additional pockets and reflective details.

A word of warning – sizing is quite small. I usually wear size medium jerseys but this one is pretty snug, and I would be more comfortable in a size large. (I’m 172cm and weigh 69kg).

I have also been testing the Löffler Windstopper Softshell Light Arm Warmers, when I can wrestle them off Matt who is particularly taken with them. In the summer it’s unusual for me to reach for arm warmers as I’m quite a hot blooded sort – but Matt’s clearly spent too long in the south of England and feels the need for warmth on early morning rides, no matter what time of year!

The Löffler Windstopper Softshell arm warmers are really nice to wear. They are lined with Thermo-Velour for warmth and it is really soft and cosy – lovely against the skin. They stay put, and they are very lightweight and flexible – no bunching inside the elbows.

The reflective logo on the left arm is really bright, but it’s a shame it isn’t on both arms. We’re not huge fans of hi-vis cycling kit, but as bike commuters we are very big fans of reflective detailing.