Gore Bike Wear Xenon Race bib shorts

Gore Bike Wear reportedly spent two years developing these new Xenon Race shorts specifically for the demands of longer rides that involve in the region of five or more hours in the saddle. It really shows: these are incredibly comfortable shorts that are now my go-to shorts for any ride that might involve many hours on the bike.

Inside the shorts is the Xenon Man Seat Insert. It's a splendid insert with a two-layer structure and central channel that provides amazing comfort. I've tested some of the best bib shorts currently available and this one ranks up there with the best from the likes of Assos, Castelli and Sportful. It really is that comfortable, though I wouldn't say it's significantly more comfortable than comparatively priced bib shorts.

The insert uses high density open-cell foam padding in the main pressure points, and thinner padding where it isn't really needed. This is a similar approach that many top-end bib short manufacturers also use. The insert offers good breathability and sweat absorption so it remains dry even during the hottest and sweatiest rides.

The shorts are constructed from a polyester material with the seams carefully placed to avoid pulling or chafing. The fit is snug; they aren't called race shorts for nothing. There's enough stretch in the fabric that they size medium shorts never felt constricting, however. They just feel like a second skin, comfortably taut around the legs, hips and buttocks. The fabric also does an excellent job of keeping you dry, and staying dry, when you're getting a bit of a sweat on.

The leg openings have a wide band hem. This design spreads the pressure better than a narrow elasticated band right at the edge and keeps the shorts in situ comfortably. The bib straps are constructed from a mesh fabric and the straps are generously wide and there well sized to not feel tight over the tops of the shoulders.

I've been using the shorts for the past eight months, so it's a pretty long-term test, this. I've used them for everything from one-hour blasts and crit races to longer rides, and even used them in a 200km Audax earlier in the year. The comfort they provide really is top-level stuff, I've not once had an cause for concern, no chafing, sores or a sore bum, they've been simply superb.

There are a lot of very good shorts in this price range and while Gore might not be the first name that trips of the tongue if you're in the market for bib shorts, the work that has gone into these definitely makes them worthy of consideration.

They look good too; very understated with the simply Gore logo and reflective details. They're brand neutral too so you can wear them with any brand jersey, if you're the sort to worry about mixing your cycling tops and shorts from different brands.

It's also worth shopping around as several places are selling them quite a bit cheaper than the RRP, at which point they are a bit of a steal.

They're available in a range of sizes and colours, though some user reviews suggest the colour scheme with the white band across the back produces an affirmative answer to the question "Does my bum look big in this?"

They come in a nice presentation box with a wash bag for sticking them in the washing machine. I've since stopped using the wash bag and the shorts go through a typical 30 or 40 degree wash just fine.

Verdict

Impressive comfort from Gore's latest top-end bib shorts