GORE WEAR Men's Gore C5 Optiline Jersey Jerseys

Product Information

The Gore-designed pad is made by market-leading specialists Elastic Interface. The angular-shaped design mimics that of a channelled saddle and, on the bike, I was very impressed with the comfort level from what is a fairly thin, minimal pad; it’s easily the equal of many dedicated endurance pads I’ve tried. There's a lot of overlap between arm warmers and a long sleeve jersey. The obvious difference being that one is easy to shed while the other is not. When I head out for a cool, dry day with no wind, but I know I won't be shedding layers mid-ride, then I'd rather use this Thermo jersey instead of arm warmers. The protection might be similar but there are fewer layers. Gore-Tex obviously has a very strong household brand name and it protects that with a very specific language. Here are translations of the keywords you need to know when navigating the range. The C5 Thermo jersey is an extremely impressive top, and I've thoroughly enjoyed testing it over the last month and a bit. It can be used in a large range of temperatures and, although not suitable for wet rides by itself, it can easily be paired with a shell whilst keeping bulk to a minimum. There are very few autumnal and winter rides I haven't found myself reaching for this jersey, and that's testimony to its exceptional versatility and performance. Verdict Gore Wear is fundamentally a science and fabric performance company with a massive multi-industry portfolio which its bike gear is only a tiny, tiny part of. That’s why its text and presentation tends to have a similarly sciencey feel, but it’s easy to decipher without a doctorate. Gore Wear cycling clothing range explained

The Gore Wear brand, with obvious access to some of the finest materials available, remains a sleeper brand to most people. With a wide range of year-round kits, the heritage of Gore remains cold and wet weather gear (although their summer range is quite nice). The Gore Wear C5 Thermo Jersey has been a great option for cold weather road, gravel and mountain biking this fall. Utah’s extended shoulder season has been perfect for testing thermal jerseys. With consistent temperatures ranging from 45-60 degrees, I have been testing a variety of long-sleeve thermal jerseys. The MAAP Training Thermal LS Jersey has been my go-to, but as temperatures have dropped slightly, the Gore C5 Thermo Jersey has jumped into the mix. File this one on the lower-temp end of thermal jerseys that can slip alongside thinner jerseys. I love how versatile the C5 Thermo Jersey is and the overall fit is fantastic. Kudos for extra length in the sleeves and hem for proper coverage. However, if you're of the more shapely persuasion and want something that performs extremely well without cutting off your circulation, this is an ideal option for you. The fit is true to size, with sensible arm widths and a perfect length for full splash coverage at the rear.

Perfect partner: Gore C7 Cancellara short pro glove

All full Gore-Tex fabrics are covered by Gore’s 'Guaranteed to keep you dry' program under which it claims: There’s no actual Gore-Tex in play here but using a mix of stretch Windstopper fabrics with a lightly furry inside face keeps the worst of the weather off and keeps them comfortable on single-digit temperature days. A bit of fabric stretch combined with an accurate pre-formed cut keeps them very snug fitting too so there are no flappy fingers to get trapped in shifters. The silicone palm and finger prints add wet or dry grip, index finger and thumb are touchscreen-friendly and the thumb junction is reinforced for long days on the hoods. The collar on the Gore C5 Thermo Jersey is a thing of beauty. Really soft and comfortable. (Image credit: Josh Ross) Verdict

As they’re a full Gore-Tex fabric they actually keep water out for a decent amount of time, even in the heaviest rain, and the adjustable cuff reduces draughts and sleeve leak. They breathe really well and dry relatively fast from inside out too, and they stay far more comfortable for longer than any other ‘waterproof’ glove we’ve used. The GORE C5 Thermo Jersey and C5 Thermo Bib Tights+ offer impressive warmth and lightweight construction for winter cycling By combining fabrics Gore has made a pair of tights that feel too light and thin to fend off the elements remarkably well. In fact, they’re so light it took us a while to actually try the C7 Partials when they arrived last winter and when we did, it was only for a short loop with a guaranteed warm up at the end. Turns out the thin Windstopper fabric that runs from mid-shin, up the front of the legs and around the seat and sides is very effective at fighting off wetness and windchill. There’s enough stretch in the material and clever enough multi-panel shaping that they don’t tug over the knees or shuffle down if you’re in and out of the saddle either.

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That’s where the super-thin Shakedry cap comes in, keeping water off your head and out of your eyes, yet staying remarkably sweat free if the weather improves. Plus it’s so thin you don’t have to pull out your helmet pads or perch your lid on top of your head like the Pope. Who is Gore Wear?