GORE C5 Thermo Jersey and Bib Tights Review

By Rick Schultz

Thorpe Marketing was kind enough to send some brand new sample clothing from Gore. C5 Thermo Jacket and Thermo Bib Tights+. Jersey is made from 84% polyester and 16% Elastane. Bib tights made from 85% polyester and 15% Elastane (plus windstopper). Check out Gore’s website at gorewear.com.

Price MSRP:

C5 Thermo Jersey $130

C5 Thermo Bib Tights+ $170

Source: Bike shops, Websites

Features: Micro fleece lined, quality construction, exactly right for 45°F to 62°F

How obtained: Manufacturer’s Sample

Hot

• Micro Fleece lined
• Slightly tighter fit, no flapping in the wind
• Sizes: Jersey: S – XXL, Bibs: S-XXXL
• Longer sleeves and 3 pockets
• Jersey: 9.9 oz
• Bib Tights+: 9.5 oz
• Breathability
• Moisture Management

Not

• Nit-pick: I actually prefer bib knickers vs full tights, especially in SoCal. Bib knickers are not available. In colder locations, full length tights are great.

GORE C5 Thermo Jersey

Aero fit, and made for colder weather.

The early morning temperature in SoCal has been dipping into the mid-40s, pretty cold for us just getting used to the 100°+F late October weather at the beach. So, mid-40’s is pretty cold and a jersey like this is perfect.

On today’s ride, it was 45°F at 6:45AM when I rolled out of the parking lot. To dress for this, I first put on a polyester mesh no-sleeve baselayer followed by the new Gore C5 thermo jersey. This jersey includes 3 rear pockets, convenient for my cell phone and later my team vest. First thing I noticed when pulling on the jersey were the longer sleeves. During the ride, I didn’t have to keep pulling them down like with other long sleeve jerseys. This jersey is thin so I was concerned as to how warm it would keep me. No worries, it was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, just right.

The entire inside of the jersey is lined in micro-fleece, including the sleeves. I wore my team vest using it to keep the cold wind from penetrating the front of the jersey. After the temperature warmed, I took the vest off, rolled it up and placed it in the jersey’s middle rear pocket. The jersey also includes a covered front zipper which further keeps the wind from penetrating as well as a wide elastic band along the entire bottom preventing the jersey from riding up as well as keeping cold air from coming in from underneath. All-in-all, a very well designed jersey for a fraction of the price that I thought it would be.

GORE C5 Thermo Bib Tights+    

Again, a tighter fit, but not too tight as to prevent easy movement of the legs. A tighter fit also minimizes material bulk, which minimizes air resistance — meaning you can go faster 😊. Ideal for mid 40’s F – low 60’s F. Includes a Windstopper cup, which increases both breathability and wind protection for the groin area. The front of the bibs include thermal insulation, which protects the knees and keeps the leg muscles warm. Again, these bibs will be a little more on the tighter side — more like a racing cut vs club cut.

I wore these bib tights on my second ride. When I rolled out, it was 43F. Once up to speed, I quickly noticed the wind protection located in the front panels. There was a slight amount of bunching in and below the calf area, but all full-length tights do this.

These tights were full micro-fleece and were very comfortable during the ride. Getting back a couple of hours later, the weather had warmed to 63F. I never overheated in these tights and I would think they would be good to wear to 66-67F. Hotter than that, they might start feeling too warm.

The chamois pad was very comfortable and I never had any discomfort.

In the photo above, you will notice the Windstopper material in the knees.

Gore offers tights, bib tights, shorts, bib shorts with and without Windstopper.

Other Details

C5 Jacket

Style: 100641; Color AUAH ORBIT BLUE

• Reflective details
• Ergonomically shaped collar
• Mesh insert to prevent back pocket from sagging when stuffed
• Aero road cycling fit: lengthened sleeves and dropped tail
• Thermal stretch fabric
• Secure zip pocket on rear for keys or valuables
• Zip with zip port
• 3 back pockets
• Elastic grip on bottom hem
• Mesh insert in back for optimum ventilation
• Slim(mer) fit

C5 Bib Tights+

Style: 100643; Color 9900 BLK

• Designed for freedom of movement
• Full mesh bib construction for optimum fit and breathability
• Close-to-skin comfort, reduces friction
• Full Inseam length (not 3/4 knickers)
• Reflective details
• Slim(mer) fit
• Thermo-stretch fabric
• Wind and spray protection panel along the groin and center back
• Active Comfort seat insert with GORE Windstopper Cup

Both jersey and tights are of the highest quality. They are comfortable and work as advertised. Pick up either or both, you will be glad you did.