Explore Shirt
Hot!
- Merino wool provides excellent moisture management and odor control
- Lightweight and packable for bikepacking or bike vacations
- Super soft next-to-skin feel for added comfort
- Back zip security pocket for keys
- Wash in cold water and line dry for no wrinkles
- Multiple uses since it looks great on or off the bike
- Reflective logo adds visibility in low light conditions
- New sizing offers a better range for fit
Not!
- Sheer, lightweight fabric for the shirt requires women to wear a sports bra
C5 Shorts
Hot!
- Laser-cut air vents on inner thigh for temperature control
- Plenty of zipper pockets for safe storage of keys, money, and nutrition
- A highly adjustable waistband with Velcro tabs for the perfect fit
- Water-resistant fabric protects from creek crossing splashes or wet weather
- A longer inseam provides the ideal length and coverage
- Reflective logo adds visibility in low light conditions
- New sizing offers a better range for fit
Not!
- None
Price: $90 (shirt); $100 (shorts)
Fabric: Merino Wool and polyester (shirt); Polymide and Elastane (shorts)
Women’s Sizes: XXS – L (shirt); XXS – XL (short)
Men’s Sizes: XS – XL (shirt); XS – 2XL (short)
Fit: Slim Fit (shirt);Regular Fit (shorts)
Colors: Graystone, Nordic Blue, Black (shirt);
Hibiscus Pink, Orbit Blue, Black (women’s shorts); Nordic Blue, Orbit Blue, Black (men’s shorts)
Availability: Online, retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Get Out and Explore
GORE Wear launched their Spring/Summer Explore series for men and women, including shirts, shorts, and bib shorts. As with everything related to cycling, there was limited inventory for media samples, and I could only snag the Explore shirt for testing.
The shirt’s merino wool blend is incredibly soft and lightweight. The neckline has a four snap closure allowing for additional ventilation if necessary. A longer rear hem keeps you covered, and the small rear zipper pocket keeps keys and money safe. The two logos, one on the back hem and the second on the left sleeve, are reflective to help with visibility in low-light situations.
According to the GORE specs, the Explore shirt is a slim fit which means it hugs your curves but isn’t a second skin. I really like the silhouette for the women’s version, and from the marketing pics, it looks like the men’s is not as form-fitting.
My experience wearing merino wool gear is it’s excellent for managing moisture and controlling odor. This Explore shirt did just that. I wore the shirt in temps up into the 90s even though GORE rates it for temperatures between 60-75 degrees F. A 15-degree range is silly if you ask me. The fabric performed well, and it didn’t feel it was too warm. With the fairly sheer fabric, I highly suggest women wear a sports bra underneath the top.
Since the fabric is so lightweight and controls odor, it an excellent option for bikepacking and bike vacations. It doesn’t take up much room, and you can wear it multiple times before washing.
Speaking of washing, the instructions recommend cold water and line dry. I laundered both the shirt and shorts numerous times, and it always came out wrinkle-free and ready to wear.
The Explore series looks just as good on the bike as off. Being able to wear it for multiple applications helps to justify the investment.
Trail Shorts: Do Anything, Go Anywhere
Like the Explore shirt, the C5 trail shorts are perfect for various disciplines and on or off the bike. I gave them a perfect 5 out of 5 stars because of the fit, style, and performance. First, there’s the fit. The waistband is adjustable using Velcro tabs at the sides. The tabs aren’t bulky and lay flat even when cinched. The waistband keeps the shorts from slipping down, so the bottom doesn’t get caught on the saddle’s nose like some other brands.
Adjustable waistband, longer inseam, and loads of storage
Go from trails to lunch in style with the C5 shorts. The longer inseam provides coverage, and the three colorways are classic.
For performance, the C5 shorts have laser-cut vents on the inner thigh to help keep you cool, while the water-resistant fabric protects you from the elements. There’s plenty of zipper pockets with lots of storage for phone, keys, money, and nutrition. Lastly, the reflective logos provide added visibility in low light conditions, keeping you safe on early morning or evening rides.
Now Offering Real-World Sizing
I’m not alone when I say the cycling industry’s sizing is unrealistic for the real world. Some manufacturers have me wearing a 2XL jersey when I wear a large in non-cycling clothing.
GORE recently updated their sizing and made their gear a little roomier, and now their Large is a Medium. They are now better aligned to the real world, but be sure to check the size guide on their website before ordering.
Bottom Line
Whether you are riding trail, gravel, or MTB, bikepacking, or bike vacation, these two pieces from GORE Wear are a great addition to any cycling wardrobe. Great fit, style, and performance. You can’t go wrong.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Sheri, thanks for offering your critical thinking about the temp range! Now, how about the measly small pocket on the shirt? Don’t you use your 3-pockets for phone, wallet, food, etc?