First practical test: Gorewear Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 + Distance Jersey

Gorewear makes cycling and outdoor clothing for everyone. In the cycling sector, it all started with this rain jacket:

Mullet - short at the front, long at the back - the bright orange jacket is reminiscent of a circus ringmaster's tailcoat. In reality, it is the first cycling-specific rain jacket from Gore.

The manufacturer, which has a background in mountain sports, has gradually expanded its range of cycling clothing. In 2016, product development set itself an ambitious goal: to develop the most comfortable cycling shorts. After countless prototypes, the first version of the Long Distance Bib Shorts was launched on the market in 2019. However, this was not to be the end of the line; the development team gathered a lot of feedback on the shorts in order to further improve them. The aim was to reduce friction points and problem areas, because the fewer potential disruptive factors there are on a pair of cycling shorts, the fewer problems will occur.

Comfort is the absence of discomfort - comfort is the absence of discomfort.

The Gorewear Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0

According to the Gore Wear team, the first version of the Distance Bib Shorts received a lot of positive feedback. But there were also points of criticism. It was therefore clear that every single piece of feedback would be collected, taken seriously and incorporated into the development of the next version of the shorts.

Potential problem areas were to be improved. In the end, the seams were reduced by 50 per cent - fewer seams, fewer problems. The construction of the seat pad has also been revised, which also reduces irritation and increases durability at the same time. The fit has been improved with a higher waistband and the leg cuffs have also been redesigned.

The first test riders felt pretty naked in the new trousers - "you can hardly feel them".

This is new

• 50 % fewer seams
• no more continuous silicone strip on the leg cuffs
• Revised upholstery
• white straps - knitted from one piece, more durable, wider for better pressure distribution

The upholstery

The seat pads used by Gore Wear are not "off the peg", but individually developed. The gender-specific padding of the Long Distance+ 2.0 Bib consists of three layers of different densities and is incorporated into a central panel - Central Torso Architecture.

Durability was a decisive factor in the development of the cycling shorts and padding. And to increase the service life of the product, the density of the bottom layer of foam was increased from 80 kilos per cubic metre to 120 kilos per cubic metre. Laboratory tests carried out by the manufacturer show an extended service life. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the service life in practice, as countless factors have an influence. Body weight, riding style, washing and drying, etc. all influence durability.

Carrier

The straps of cycling shorts have one primary function: they hold the padding in place. In the new Long Distance Bib from Gore Wear, the mesh straps are made from a single piece. Compared to its predecessor, they are wider and therefore distribute the pressure better on the shoulders.

And otherwise ...

The previous model of the Gorewear Distance+ 2.0 Bib Shorts had a continuous silicone strip on the inside of the leg cuffs. However, thanks to the choice of material, this was not needed. And so this was also revised. Now there are individual plus signs that hold the leg ends in place.

Another new feature is the cup construction in the men's model and the linker in the women's model. A breathable windstopper material, which sits over the padding at the front, protects against cold wind, for example during a descent. Thin foam layers from other manufacturers also have a similar function, but as Gorewear is an expert in functional textile membranes, it is obvious that they are taking a different approach here. According to the manufacturer, the Windstopper membrane is more breathable than foam and therefore more comfortable.

The Gorewear Distance+ 2.0 bib shorts in the first practical test

The manufacturer doesn't say that Gorewear's new bib shorts for long days in the saddle are the most comfortable on the market. But it is "the most comfortable bib shorts from Gorewear", according to the press release.

And indeed, the material of the trousers feels very comfortable as soon as you slip them on and they fit like a glove.

The biggest disadvantage for people with a female anatomy is that there is no quick solution for the bio-break. If you need to take a break, you first have to take off your jersey and then slide the bibs off your shoulders. More and more manufacturers are coming up with solutions for this and Gorewear already has bib shorts with an opening mechanism (zip) on the market. However, the zip was out of the question for the Distance+ 2.0 as it would not do justice to the design, which excludes as many potential irritation points as possible. So you have to weigh things up: Do I want Gorewear's comfortable trousers but have to undress for a pit stop, or can I find another pair of trousers that offers a solution for a quick toilet break?

Facts about the trousers:

• Price: 199,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 160 grammes
• Details: reflective logos
• Material: 70 % polyamide, 30 % elastane

>> Cycling shorts for the long haul: 18 models for women & men put to the test

Gorewear Distance Jersey

The Gorewear Distance Jersey is designed to offer a similarly comfortable feel as the trousers, so that you can focus on the essentials on the longest rides.

The neckline has a V-shape to avoid pressure points in the larynx area, while the neck is half-set to provide protection from the cold or sun. A similar choice of material to the trousers also ensures comfort. The jersey uses slightly less elastane and a lighter material (130 grams per square metre instead of 180 grams per square metre as in the trousers). As with the trousers, as many seams as possible have been omitted from the jersey. Sometimes the fabric was glued, sometimes it was simply folded over. And the cuffs are also cut, not lasered, not sewn. The back pockets have been made extra-large to suit long distances. A small zip pocket securely stows your keys or other valuables.

• Price: 129,95 Euro
• Weight: 117 grams (manufacturer's specification)
• Details: reflective logos on all sides
• Material: 86 % polyamide, 14 % elastane