In my last post–a long time ago, I recounted purchasing some winter clothing in summer. Of course, since I live in southern Louisiana my version of winter is likely different than yours. We rarely get daytime temperatures in the 30s. Even during the recent east of the Mississippi polar freeze, our daytime temperatures were still in the
high 30s and low 40s, which is cold by the way.
With that out of the way, on to a quick review of Gore Bike Wear’s Men’s Power WindStopper Softshell Short-Sleeve Jersey.
Overall, it’s a good jersey. I run hot–see pictures below so I find it’s a bit warm for most of the weather I encounter. I’ve tried it in low 60s and 50s and have found it warm and that means sweat, which means chill. The first few rides I did in the jersey were afternoon rides that started in the low 60s and maybe dropped into the high 50s. They were spirited rides–tempo or better. I ended up unzipping the jersey. Recently I did a ride in similar weather with a heavier, but not a winter jersey and the same base layer. Overall, the level of sweat on the base layer was the same, though I felt a touch less clammy.
One ride I had a zipper malfunction and ended up fully unzipping the thing. Luckily it was warm enough that I didn’t have to stop or try to be pro and sit up and zip up.
I generally layer so on all occasions I had either a short or long sleeve base layer on–basically if I’m wearing this, I’m going need some covering on my arms, but I think the long sleeve version would be too much for my temperatures. Perhaps paring the Gore jersey with no base layer and arm warmers might be the ticket.
Perhaps Castelli is on to something with the lighter Perfecto jersey?
That said, I’ve ridden a few times in the low 50s and high 40s and it seems to be fine. The last time I wore it, I appreciated the windstopper fabric as the wind was blowing and while my arms were a bit chilly, my chest, shoulders, and back were comfortable. It was only the last three or four miles of the ride that I noticed I felt like I needed to unzip a bit–disclosure the pace picked up a bit.
What I Like
At first look I was skeptical of the long tail, fearing that it would get in the way, but it hasn’t.
It’s comfortable–other than the overheating issues. The high collar works. Even though I’m not a fan of things around my neck, I’m growing to like it early on in the ride.
It’s held up to four or five washings and a few repeat wearings with no washing. The reflective lettering on the back (which may not be to everyone’s taste) seems to be holding up well.
The rear pockets do their job–they’re not too big, not to high or low, and despite feeling stretchy don’t seem to droop with my standard load–iPhone 7, small wallet, three or four keys, asthma inhaler, and occasionally a bar or gel.
Back in July I thought the inside felt a bit gummy, but I haven’t noticed it on the bike and overall the fabric feels soft.
I’m not sure I’d pay full retail for the Gore Bike Wear’s Men’s Power WindStopper Softshell Short-Sleeve Jersey.
For me, this is best for temperatures that max out in the low to mid 50s and could probably work into the low 40s with the right base layer and arm warmers.
Off the Back 