The new Gore Bike Wear Element collection is aimed at the recreational cyclist with weekend rides of up to about two hours and those who commute to work. Gore Element Thermo Lady Bibtights+ have a padded insert for seated comfort. The Element Thermo Lady Bibtights (without the +) have no pad.
I personally prefer to wear a combination of padded cycling shorts as a baselayer and non-padded bib tights on top. So I chose the Element Thermo Lady Bibtights.
Having worn these for all kinds of riding, from road bike rides to mountain bike rides, and for longer than two hours in winter I reckon they are a great buy at £79.99. (£89.99 for the padded version.)
They also have a lot of great features, not least the back zips that allow for easy toilet breaks. If you want me to spell this out… when you wear bib tights and need to go to the loo as a female you would normally have to strip off your top layers to be able to access the tights – and then pull them down so you can use the loo.
With these Gore tights there’s have an “access” zip at the back. The two zips run horizontally along the back of the tights, just above hip height. They are high enough up not to annoy you while cycling and low enough to offer fairly easy unzipping. These are the best zipped tights (I also have similar Gore bibbed shorts) that I have worn.
Other features include:
- Doubled up fabric for extra warmth in more exposed areas, such as knees
- Pre-shaped knees and flat-lock seams for comfort
- Female specific padded seat insert
- X-shaped bibs top with hook closure in the chest area
- Mesh insert in back for extra ventilation
- Reflective detailing on sides
- Additional layer of thermo-stretch-functional fabric in knee-area
- Pre-shaped knees
- Reflective logo on back
What I like about the Gore Element Bibtights
The zips, for easier toilet breaks. These are brilliant and easy to access and utilise.
The high waist, bib top position and mesh back are well thought out and work really well.
The fit. I am a tall UK10 and I found the medium size to be pretty perfect.
The fabric is lovely to wear; soft on the inside and stretchy in the right places (around the knees and waist) while supportive in others (bum and legs).
There are no irritating seams.
The price is really good for a high quality pair of cycling bib tights.
What I would like to see
The leg length is just about okay and I do have long legs but it would have been good to have a few more cms and stirrups to go under the feet. I find stirrups on other cycle tights (such as Assos) help to stop the tights fro riding up at the bottom.
Because I have been wearing the Gore tights with cycling boots and overshoes this means there is no problem with a gap at the bottom but this might happen if I was to wear them only with normal cycle shoes.
There is an alternative design with bright green panels. It would be good to see other colours in the range but preferably without a price rise.
See Gore Bike Wear to buy.