Reviews

Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper Jersey Long – review

Superb windproof jersey for changeable conditions

The Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper long sleeve jersey combines superb windproofing with a good level of water resistance by taking advantage of Gore’s renowned fabric technology, making it a really versatile piece for winter, spring and autumn use.

As well as making their own clothing, Gore license their fabrics out to a whole heap of brands, and it’s easy to see why in a jersey like this.

A windproof jersey adds real versatility to your riding wardrobe – it can be layered with a gilet and warm base layer in colder temperatures, or used on its own if it’s milder.

The Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper is an excellent long sleeve jersey for winter, spring and autumn use

Specification
Price: £139.99
Sizes: S-XXL
Size tested: M
Colours: red/black; blue/black; green/black; fluoro/black; orange/black
Website: Gore Bike Wear

Gore’s excellent Windstopper fabric is used across the shoulders, chest and kidney area, and it’s a material which has first-class windproof properties, while always retaining enough breathability to allow most moisture to pass out through the jersey if you’re working hard.

On top of that, the side panels are made from a lightweight, mesh-style fabric as while Windstopper is an adaptable fabric, there is a limit as to what it can do, and these panels help improve the jersey’s ventilation and breathable qualities. The same mesh fabric is also along the spine of the jersey, where it’s well-placed to allow heat to escape from a non-wind facing area.

In terms of fit, the jersey is close, but not super-tight or figure hugging. I did find the cut a little square and more in common with what you’d expect from northern European brands, as opposed to the racier, closer cut of Italian cycle clothing, for example. The arms are quite long and this ensures there’s a good overlap with gloves – if it’s cold enough to wear them. The collar is close, providing a little more protection from the wind and the full-length is baffled – again to stop wind getting in from an otherwise vulnerable area. There’s also a dropped tail at the rear.

There’s a little extra room under the jersey for thin layers, but really the jersey is meant to be worn on its own with a base layer underneath and it’s ideal for rides in squally, windy spring weather.

Gore’s Windstopper fabric has excellent windproof and water resistant qualities

Those kind of conditions often mean there’s a rain shower not too far away and, while not waterproof, the Windstopper areas of the jersey are water resistant and will keep a fair amount of rain and road spray off – enough to not have to reach for an additional layer as soon as rain begins to fall – though heavy rain will begin to seep in over time. If that does happen, the Windstopper fabric is quick to dry. The jersey doesn’t have any notable thermal lining but that ensures it doesn’t get too warm, and the close fit and windproof fabric work together to provide some insulation.

There’s a heap of storage out back, with three large, accessible pockets, while there are also two additional smaller pockets on the either side of the jersey – perfect for gels or a pump. On top of that there’s zipped valuables pocket with a reflective tab. It’s a well thought out pocket setup and even when loaded up, there’s minimal movement or sag in the fabric.

All in all there are six pockets, providing storage space for everything you’ll need on a long training ride

As well as the reflective tab on the zipped pocket, there’s reflective print on the shoulders and arms, and an additional reflective pattern on the wrists. That detailing, along with the fluoro highlights of the jersey tested, make it a good option for early morning or evening training rides, but there are four additional colour options available.

Conclusion

The Gore Oxygen Windstopper is a great jersey for the British climate, with the choice of fabrics making it a piece which works well across a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions: cool mornings, mist and fog, wet and windy, or just damp, making it perfectly suited for everyday use. The fit will be kind to a lot of riders, but it’s not a race cut. While not cheap, the price tag isn’t outrageous given the jersey’s functionality and adaptability.