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. 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. 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. Gore gives a number and letter code to every garment to show primary function and performance level. Gore-Tex material is rarely used on waterproof shorts but is a top performer when it is. Russell Burton / Our Media

There’s no point in having a waterproof fabric if rain and mud can find their way in through the seams, so look for internal seam sealing to help keep the weather out. Breathability Waterproofness is rated in millimetres of water head. Look out for shorts made of fabric with at least 10,000mm head, more if possible. All full Gore-Tex fabrics are covered by Gore’s 'Guaranteed to keep you dry' program under which it claims: Again, there’s an objective measurement of this – grams of water vapour transmitted per metre squared per 24 hours. A good level is 10,000g/m²/24h, but the best breathable waterproof fabrics can improve significantly on this. But you don't generally get compression without a bit of resistance. They can start to feel a bit heavy or resistant if you're at the end of a ride or feeling weak. It's your choice whether you interpret that extra tightness as form-support or extra resistance training. We generally reduced their score because the fabric, thin though it is, doesn't allow that same sense of freedom and flexibility as higher scoring cycling shorts.The C5 Optiline Bib Shorts+ are part of a new range from Gore (formerly Gore Bike Wear, since rebranded with new logo and shorter name) aimed at enthusiast road cyclists. They provide outstanding comfort, while a panel of Windstopper fabric in the front of the shorts gives a little added, ahem, protection from cold winds.

These are primarily for short, hard rides, like criteriums, time trials, and road races under 90 minutes. Lighter guys will likely see more versatility and comfort in these, but they do best on short, intense rides. They're also great for spin classes! Value 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. We feel these are reasonably priced, especially if a majority of your riding is crit-style or spin classes. We'll reiterate here that for you lighter, leaner guys who tend to have longer comfort windows, there's a bit more value to these. ConclusionGore really knows how to produce excellent cycling products, and these bib shorts are well designed, with some nice features that help them stand out in a crowded category. Getting a good pair of bib shorts is important, and I'm happy to recommend these if you're in the market for a pair that will cope with warmer temperatures and provide comfortable cushioning for long rides. Verdict 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? On the other hand, too thin and it may not be so durable or as comfortable to ride in. So there’s a compromise here. The Gore C5 bib shorts occupy an interesting spot with their super lean Advanced Road insert. As one would expect, it's engineered for roadies down in a forward position. That's one of the reasons why it's so well suited to crits and short, hard rides. The padding is targeted to the front where you're grinding into the saddle down in the drops trying to crank out the watts. That relief is aided by the WINDSTOPPER Cup. In addition to protecting from the cold and damp, its concave shape and other internal features reduce pressure and undercarriage compression.

The Gorewear C5 mountain bike shorts offer decent comfort for riders with a freeride feel, accommodating leg openings and a loose fit suited to more rowdy riding. Despite minimal ventilation, these shorts are still relatively breathable. The waist design feels minimalistic yet boosts all the modern features. The material used in the body of the shorts is a reasonably supple 4-way stretch synthetic blend that promotes unrestricted movement and has a relatively soft feel. Fit and Pedal Friendliness Along with waterproofing, you also want enough breathability to stop sweat from wetting you from the inside. The Gorewear C5 mountain bike shorts feature surged, redundant stitching with medium-weight thread, the zippers are the reliable YKK brand, and the 4-way stretch synthetic blend can take a beating over the long haul. Moreover, the sturdy adjustable waistband features dependable Velcro adjustments tabs. All told, our only concern with these shorts is that the small double snaps at the waist closure feel a little loose – yet there are two of them to assume the burden. Style

Buyer’s guide to what to look for in waterproof mountain bike shorts

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