GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts “Review”: Performance-Focused Comfort
GOREWEAR’s Ultimate Bib Shorts are suited for keen cyclists who want to prioritise comfort and a degree of compression.
With a sleek design and cutting-edge N3XTM technology, these bib shorts aim to meet the demands of keen cyclists and competitive amateurs. The company sent me a free pair in 2024, which I will keep and use. After three months of use, they performed well in various autumnal, winter, and testingly hot indoor conditions.
GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts Quick Review
GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts ... three months on
Key Features
- Elastic Interface N3XTM Technology by CyTech: 3D-printed chamois designed for improved support, sweat-wicking, and quick drying.
- Lightweight Build: At just 178g, the bib shorts offer an unobtrusive fit for long rides.
- Minimal, Breathable Straps: Wide straps ensure even tension distribution.
- Secure Fit: A tight but comfortable design that stays in place during intense efforts.
Performance and Insights
The N3XTM chamois felt similar to traditional foam pads, with a slight edge in support and sweat-wicking performance. While the difference wasn’t groundbreaking, it’s a welcome improvement, especially for maintaining comfort on warm and sweaty rides. The straps stood out for their minimal and breathable construction, adding to the overall lightweight feel of the shorts.
The snug, compression-like fit of the shorts kept them securely in place, making them a reliable choice for any long ride. However, while any innovation is commendable, the shorts didn’t significantly outperform other premium options from ASSOS, Whoop (ASSOS) or Castelli in my collection.
Pros
- Excellent balance of compression and breathability.
- Lightweight design enhances comfort on long rides.
- Innovative, eco-friendly N3XTM padding technology.
- Reflective details for increased visibility.
- Slightly better sweat-wicking and support from the N3XTM chamois.
- Lightweight and secure fit.
- Minimal, breathable straps enhance comfort.
- Innovative pad design with potential for long-term benefits.
Cons
- A tight fit may not suit riders preferring a more relaxed feel.
- Padding is comfortable but thinner than some competitors
- High price, though in line with premium competitors.
- No dramatic performance or comfort leap compared to other high-quality options.
Made for your most demanding days in the saddle, we collaborated with the most advanced fabric makers and the world’s leading seat pad manufacturer to create an award-winning bib that delivers long-lasting compression comfort and support with zero compromises. It’s the perfect choice for big training days on roads and gravel.
The multi-layer 3D printed seat pad delivers long-lasting comfort and support, while functional fabric engineering seamlessly targets compression and breathability in key areas while minimizing chafing or pressure points with reduced seams. It’s no wonder the innovative and feature-rich Ultimate Bib won Europe’s distinguished ISPO Award for design. [GoreWear]
Sizing Guide
Technical construction & Manufacturer Claims
Here are some of the highlighted and important claims with my note where appropriate.
- Functional fabric zones blend compression and breathability
- Quick-drying fabric (seemed and felt subtly different to standard lycra)
- Wide, breathable mesh bib straps distribute tension evenly on the shoulders (not especially wide)
- Central Torso Architecture helps keep seat pads in place (they stayed in place)
- Multi-layer 3D seat pad with breathable GOREWEAR Cup (they seemed to be more breathable than usual)
- Flat seams for next-to-skin comfort (comfortable)
- Reflective details for visibility
- Weight: 178 grams
- 79% Polyamide, 21% Elastane
Take Out
The GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts are a good choice for keen cyclists seeking lightweight, high-performance gear with some compression. While the snug fit and thin, yet supportive, padding may not suit everyone, the innovative design and sustainable production slightly set these bib shorts apart.
Good grief, you weren’t kidding when you said expensive. $280 USD is expensive for bike shorts.