You wouldn’t know there was a supply chain issue when a box from the GOREWEAR rep landed on my porch containing an array of gear ideal for fall, winter, and even cool spring rides. The pieces listed below are unisex unless I’ve noted specific men’s and women’s sizing. During testing, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of each item and prices that won’t break the bank.
C3 GORE WINDSTOPPER Helmet Cap
Price: $35.00
Sizes: Medium, Large
Colors: Black, Black/White, Black/Neon Yellow
The GORE WINDSTOPPER helmet cap’s snug fit is perfect for wearing under a helmet to keep you comfortable on cold, windy rides. The front and sides are windproof, with the entire hat being breathable and water-resistant. The sides provide ample ear coverage for warmth without blocking out sound, keeping you well-aware of your surroundings either on the trail or road. The cap comes in two sizes, medium or large. The medium fits a person with a smaller head with thicker hair or a medium head with thin hair. If you wear a medium helmet and have thicker hair, I suggest sizing up to the large cap. Lastly, the lightweight fabric makes this head covering easy to stow in a jersey pocket if the temps heat up during the ride.
C5 GORE-TEX Gloves
Price: $56.00
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Colors: Black
I always have cold hands, and these C5 gloves kept my hands comfortable in temps from 40-60 degrees F without getting all sweaty. They are lightweight, waterproof, windproof, breathable, and touch screen compatible. The silicone print provides a good grip on the handlebars, water bottle, or when grabbing the phone for a quick picture. Velcro cuff closures let you tighten at the wrist to prevent a cold breeze or snow from getting inside. Reflective elements help drivers see you when in low light situations for added safety.
M GORE WINDSTOPPER Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt
Price: $63.00
Women’s Sizes: XXS/00, XS/0-2, S/4-5, M/8-10, L/12/14
Men’s Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Fit: Slim Fit
Colors: Black or White
Available in either men’s or women’s versions, this base layer is great for cycling or any outdoor sport. For example, the shirt has a Windstopper insert on the front, shoulders, and kidney area to block the wind and keep you warm. The fit is typical for a base layer with a next-to-skin for a tight fit enabling wicking and fits easily under a jersey with little bulk. In addition, there’s a minimal number of flatlock seams which reduces the chance for chafing.
Phantom Jacket
Price: $200.00
Men’s Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Men’s Colors: Neon Yellow/Black, Red/Black, Terra Grey/Black, Sphere Blue/Orbit Blue, Urban Gray/Orbit Blue
Women’s Sizes: XXS/00, XS/0-2, S/4-6, M/8-10, L/12/14, XL/16-18
Women’s Colors: Neon Yellow/Black, Lab Gray/Fireball, Orbit Blue/Scuba Blue
Fit: Slim Fit
Versatility is what I use to describe this chameleon of a jacket. For example, you can use the Phantom as a jacket with a base layer underneath, as a long sleeve jersey with or without a base layer, or zip off the raglan sleeves, and presto, you have a short sleeve jersey.
The fabric is windproof, water-resistant, lightweight, and breathable, making it ideal when weather conditions change during a ride. The drop tail provides additional coverage from road spray and wind. There is plenty of room to store the sleeves mid-ride with two large rear pockets, a mid-back water bottle pocket, and a side zipper pocket for valuables.
GORE WEAR Shield Leg Warmers
Price: $60.00
Sizes: XS-S, M-L, XL-2XL
Colors: Black
Leg warmers are an ideal way to extend your current cycling wardrobe. The GORE WEAR Shield Leg Warmers are perfect if your ride starts cool and then warms up later. The lightweight fabric easily rolls up to fit in your jersey pocket with little bulk. These leg warmers are windproof, breathable, and water-resistant. The 4-way stretch, pre-shaped knees (for left and right legs), and silicone gripper cuffs make for comfort and a stay-put design. There is no more stopping the whole peloton to pull up a sagging leg warmer. Slip it on, and it remains in place the entire ride.
Note these are not thermal-lined and are best for cool fall or spring rides, not very cold winter rides. The inseam can run a little long, and there aren’t any ankle zippers, thus requiring you to remove your cycling shoes to remove the warmers.
GORE M Thermo Mid Socks
Price: $30.00
Sizes: 3.5-5.0, 6.0-7.5, 8.0-9.5, 10.5-12
Colors: Black/Graphite Grey or White/Black
Sock Height: 6.3”
Fit: Run big
It can be hard to get excited about a pair of socks that don’t have tacos, sugar skulls, or some other fun design on them. But these Thermo Mid Socks are great: made of wool, highly moisture-wicking, and comfortable. The thin construction lets air circulate within your shoe keeping feet warm and dry. I wore the socks in temps down to the 30s with only toe warmers over my shoes, and I stayed warm on a 2-hour ride.
I found the socks to run big, where I wear a 45-46 EU shoe, the 41-43 EU fit just fine.
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.
When I went to the web site your price listed here 63.00 their web site = M GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt
$90.00
This could have been because I wrote this during their sale and prices went back up. Sorry for any confusion.