As I mentioned in my Gorewear Distance Bibs review last year, I specifically asked to be involved in reviewing Gorewear products for the bike-discount blog. Working at a bike shop gives me access to some of the best cycling gear brands in the world, including those that supply the WorldTour teams. But instead of going for the famous pro team gear like I used to, I wanted to try something I was seeing more and more on the road. On group rides, it’s hard to miss the GOREWEAR logo (sometimes still the old GORE logo, since the bibs last a long time) – there are always a few riders wearing one of the “Cs” kits, and the feedback has been consistently positive. So I decided to pick up some Gorewear products myself and asked the product manager to keep me posted on new arrivals from the brand.
The Distance Kit introduced last year was, as I mentioned, a mega step in strengthening the brand’s position as a high-end road cycling gear manufacturer—a niche that has been rapidly evolving in recent years, with an increasingly selective audience.
This year they came up with 2 big products for us: The Spinshift collection and the Ultimate bib shorts. So the C’s are slowly giving space for Spinshift, Distance and Ultimate. My choice for bibs was the top of the line Ultimate Bib Shorts. Over the summer, I paired them with the Distance Jersey, and now, as autumn sets in, I’ve been wearing them with the Spinshift Long Sleeve Jersey. After more than 1,500 kilometers, my Ultimate Bibs still look brand new, and the pad feels just as firm as it did on day one. So, do the Ultimate Bibs really live up to their grandious name? Let’s start with the tech:
Contents
The Pad – 3D-printed EXPERT N3X
The 3D printed EXPERT N3X pad is at the heart of what makes the Ultimate Bibs cutting-edge. According to the brand, they worked very closely with Elastic Interface on its development and chose 3D printing technology to build-up the pad in multiple layers. To walk us through the construction of the pads “open grid”, they’ve added a video to their website, and I’ve included a screenshot below.
The pad is firm and, even after all these kilometers, it’s stayed firm. Despite that, I haven’t had any numbness, even on longer seated climbs, so the support is well-placed. If you’re like me and prefer a more supported ride, this pad does the job.
The material is hydrophobic but offers also very good breathability. On my rides, I’ve had no issues staying dry, even in wet conditions. The pad therefore also dries quickly, preventing that uncomfortable, constantly wet feeling that you often get with less advanced pads after riding on wet roads.
It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making this an “ultimate” product, for those willing to pay a bit more for superior quality—and you can definitely feel it while riding.
Panels and Straps – Feels like racing gear
My first thought when opening the box was, “These feel like my high-end race shorts,” but without all the stitched panels. The design is clean, much like the Distance Bibs. The seamless construction really stands out, avoiding the bulk and discomfort that can come with multi-panel designs on longer rides. The few seams that are present are placed strategically, so even in an aggressive riding position, the shorts stay comfortable. Plus, if you have a bit more mass in the legs, you won’t end up with marks after long rides.
The material provides plenty of compression to support the muscles without being restrictive. Since I prefer my bib shorts tight, I went with size S, and they’re still comfortable even on long rides. The fabric is breathable and dries quickly, which helps with overall comfort.
The shoulder straps are made from a wide, one-piece mesh that spreads tension evenly, so they don’t dig into my shoulders or feel too warm. I’ve used the Ultimate Bibs mostly without a base layer and had no issues with the straps against my skin. The simplicity and smoothness of the design make them feel less intrusive compared to other bibs I’ve tried.
The leg ends are raw-cut, and the branding is very subtle, with black lettering over black fabric, keeping the overall look minimalist.
Spinshift Jersey
Now that summer is over, long sleeve jerseys are back, and for this season, I’ve picked up a couple of Spinshift Long Sleeve Jerseys. I first got to know the Spinshift line from my girlfriend, who had nothing but positive feedback after using her Spinshift jerseys and bib shorts during the summer. I went with size S again, despite being 1.80m and 70kg, and had no issues with movement. The fabric stretches and accommodates as needed, so even if you have longer arms, there’s no need to size up—the sleeves are plenty long. The jersey feels great on the skin and, in my opinion, looks pretty good too.
Like other pieces in the Gorewear 24 collection, the fabric is breathable and quick-drying. Even during hard efforts, the moisture-wicking material keeps you comfortable, making it perfect for early morning or after-work training sessions when it’s chilly but you know you’ll warm up fast. The close-to-body fit helps reduce wind resistance, and the soft silicone gripper at the hem ensures the jersey stays in place throughout the ride.
The pockets stay in place as well, which I really appreciate—saggy side pockets can be really annoying. The addition of a zippered pocket is a nice touch for securing keys or documents. As always, Gorewear focuses on visibility, with reflective details that help keep you seen, especially during the shorter daylight hours in the cooler months.
The fact that it’s made from recycled content is a step toward sustainability, which I respect and appreciate a lot. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a functional, comfortable jersey that works perfectly in between seasons.
Fazit
After putting both the Ultimate Bib Shorts and Spinshift Long Sleeve Jersey through their paces, I can say the brand is reaching their target. The Ultimate Bibs offer seamless, firm support that stays comfortable on long rides, while the Spinshift Jersey balances breathability and warmth for cooler weather. Gorewear also focuses on practical details—my girlfriend’s Spinshift Women’s Bibs even have a magnetic closure on the straps for quick bathroom breaks. It’s clear they’ve put thought into these designs.
Whether you’re after a reliable bib short or a functional jersey, the Gorewear 2024 line-up is worth trying. Just ask around on a group ride—I’m sure a few people will have good things to say about the brand. For me, the comfort, functionality, and durability make them easy picks for my kit. The fact that they’re made with recycled content is an added bonus.
