GORE C5 All Mountain Short Review
Summary
The GORE C5 All Mountain Shorts are a fresh look on what is currently available. Using the shorts in a variety of conditions from 50 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, from pump tracks to 9000 ft 50 mile rides. The short are a lot more comfortable that I thought they would be with the tight fit. Because of the stretchy panels, they wrap your leg and move with you, instead of your leg moving inside the short like most modern mountain bike shorts fit. I personally love the new look, the high waist. They are great to pair with any chamois or bib. The pockets are a little tight to hold much in them, but wallet, keys and a phone are no problem. The price point is fairly high for these shorts, but they are more featured that a typical short. If you are looking for something to stand out, with a unique look these are the shorts for you.
I have been riding the Gore Wear all mountain short about 10 times over the last month. They are a unique style not commonly seen in the states with a long slender Euro cut to them, and a high waist ut took some getting use to. An all mountain biking short from a name like Gore, you know is going to be a quality build with all the bells and whistles. While this bike short doesn’t come with a chamois, it’s fairly reasonably priced at about $150 retail for what you are getting.
Features:
- 2 Way front zipper vent
- Tough enough for laps in the park, but comfortable enough for all day rides
- Long 14 inch inseam for better coverage
- Zipper pockets on both sides
- Ventilation zippers for heat management and room for pads
- Stretch panel in hips and rear for comfort
- Adjustable waistband with velcro
The front of the short takes some innovation from the top of the line road kits with a multi panel construction. The dark black close to the inside hip is a breathable mesh that still is holding up strong. The inner legs have a silky smooth abrasion resistant feel to them. The material slides very smoothly when peddling. The grey panels of the shorts have a semi stretch to them in a material similar to a tough swim suit, and overall feel very durable.
The back side of the C5 mountain bike shorts are made of an abrasive resistant material that has been standing up well to the 50+ hours I’ve had them against the saddle.
There is a unique venting zipper that can be opened from the top or bottom of the zipper. Also, shown is a oversize pocket on the side, big enough to hold even large cell phones.
When opening from the top it keeps the shorts tight against the leg while allowing venting to the rest of the shorts. The dark black you see through the mesh is my chamois.
When opening the shorts from the bottom you get a bit more flair out of the shorts. I like to ride knee pads most of the time and have found that I need to leave a couple inches unzipped just to get the shorts over my pads, because of the long slender fit.
There is a waist Velcro adjustment and show are the other zippers on the shorts. These are defiantly a premium short made with 95% Polyamide and 5% Elastane on the outer shell. The internal is soft Polyester. They are machine washable, and have held up well in the washer and dryer.
You can check out all the colors and sizes from GORE Wear website here: https://www.gorewear.com/us/en-us/gore-c5-all-mountain-shorts-100147.html
Or Check GearChase.com for Sales and Deals on all GORE Wear Cycling and Outdoor Clothing here.