GoreTex Shorts
I have to say that this idea (waterproof shorts) is a genius of one which was lost on me until recently. I’ve never bothered getting full length waterproof pants because I knew that after the first climb I’d be taking them off due to overheating, irrespective of what the weather was like! I have tried various mudguards to keep my backside dry but none are very effective. Enter GoreTex shorts. It was like a light went on!! No problems of overheating ‘cos you have ventilation, being shorts, but they keep the area which is just awful to get wet – your arse! I went out and got some and rode in them for the first time yesterday. They are great. Backside dry. I’ll keep the review up to date. Maybe a little hotter than usual but I could see myself wearing these in the summer with the sort of rain we get in the UK.
At £85 they are not cheap but fit very well, with reinforced seat and stretch upper backside where it is needed. There are draw cords around the legs and in the elasticated waist. Reflective piping is on the outside of the legs too. The workmanship is as one would expect from Gore with taped seams and quality finishing.
My only reservation is the zip pocket at the back. Could this let water in when conditions are really mucky? We’ll have to see! The legs are rather narrow and if you have really big cyclist thighs this may be a problem!
After the first outing I am impressed and converted to this very simple idea. Do not mock as I did at first!!! They work!
Update 14th March 2009
I love these shorts. Took the rear mudguard off today and my backside was completely dry. The zip pocket at the rear does not seem to be a problem. They are not too hot when worn with lycra shorts underneath. Impressed so far. Are they worth the money. ????Update 19th May 2009
Well went for a ride at Llandegla. Wore these shorts 'cos the weather was unpredictable. Didn't fall off!!! It was a fairly muddy ride. Put the shorts in the machine for a rinse. Today I noticed that the backing was pealing off on the inside rear of the leg. Not very good. The panels which are stretch have a kind of polyurethane coating. It's that which is pealing off. Not waterproof anymore! I will be returning them! Watch this space. Gore have an excellent after sales reputation. We will see.
11th June 2009
Well took the shorts back and decided to go for a full refund. I reckoned that this was a fault and the stretch panels at the back of the short were just not up to the job. At £85 I wasn't going to get another pair! A great idea, however, but needs more R&D.Images
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