Gore Wear loves putting the best fabrics, technology construction on display. With access to the a closetful of the best fabrics, Gore Wear products are always well-constructed and built to perform at the highest levels. For 2022, the new Gore Wear Long Distance Bib Shorts+ come in swinging with an all-new design and a chamois built to go the distance (and then some).
Gore Wear Long Distance Bib Shorts+ Features:
- Expert 3D Long Distance chamois with GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Cup technology
- Super stretch, dense knit construction
- Central Torso Architecture anchors the bibs securely
- Wide, flat bib straps with silicone backing
- Flatlock seams
- Silicone leg grippers
- Colors: Black, orbit blue (tested)
- MSRP: $200
A size away from excellence
If you’ve seen my previous Gore Wear reviews, you’ll know that they are in the middle of a sizing overhaul. These Gore Wear Long Distance Bib Shorts+ samples arrived before I had a chance to reference their new sizing charts. The size medium arrived and the initial fit was good enough that I didn’t think too much about it. I figured a little extra wiggle room was acceptable, but after some chafing issues, I referenced their size chart. Sure enough, my 33-inch waist has me in a size small. I haven’t worn a size small anything since I was a teenager, but it appears that I’m now a size small in Gore Wear bib shorts.
So, that being said, much of the niggles I have experienced with these shorts would likely be resolved with a smaller pair. But, chafing issues aside, the full package is still praiseworthy.
With every pair of bib shorts, that first impression is of the utmost importance. Will I need a shoehorn to get them on? Will they slip on easily, or will the leg grippers make it difficult to pull them into place? Will the bib straps be scratchy and narrow or would they sit comfortably with or without a base layer? What about length, fabric quality, chamois feel, cut, compression and a myriad other things?
I’ll sum up my first try-on experience with the Long Distance Bib Shorts+ as fantastic. The leg length is great and the silicone grippers are sufficient to keep things in place without being massive overkill. As opposed to previous Gore Wear bib shorts, the leg cuffs aren’t curling up with use. The fabric feels luxe and stretches just right while also providing adequate compression. They come up to the right height (front and back) and the bib straps are comfortable and very stretchy.
Core to these bib shorts is the Central Torso Architecture, which aims to lock the chamois in place through every movement. Aggressive riding involves regular standing to climb or sprint, aggressive cornering at speed and micro movements when trying to maintain a proper TT position. For some bib shorts, all those movements can cause misalignment with the need to perform in-the-saddle chamois placement tweaks. The chamois does stay in place, but I’m still getting chafing without chamois cream. In my opinion, a 1-2 hour ride shouldn’t require chamois cream with any bib shorts. However, Body Glide or Chamois Butt’r has been a necessary co-pilot when wearing these bibs.
The chamois itself does offer good comfort and vibration absorption on long rides. And, that Windstopper cup is a nice feature on cold rides, but a little overkill for summer use. It does add comfort and some modesty in the frontal area though. But, a mesh front panel, combined with a windproof cup is somewhat of a conundrum, to be honest. Do you want breathability or not? Still, it does provide a nice pocket for your man parts, which I can appreciate on both long and short rides.
I’ve been comfortable wearing the Long Distance Bib Shorts+ for road, gravel and mountain biking across a variety of saddles. I appreciate that the fabric isn’t snagging when returning to the saddle — in spite of not being race-tight.
A “Small” Update (Oct 2022): I was able to get the size small and indeed that made a huge difference. The chamois fits right and I’m no longer getting any saddle chaffing. The tighter straps do cause nipple chaffing on gravel or MTB rides, so a base layer will be necessary.
Fit: I’m 5’11”, 173 lbs and have a 33″ waist. I rode the size medium throughout most of my test miles, as noted. Gore Wear’s sizing is indeed vexing, so double-check that size chart. I subsequently received a size small and the chamois issues were resolved and compression was much improved.
The Good
- Luxe fabric feels fantastic
- Silicone leg grippers are perfect size/placement
- Good leg length
- Simple look coordinates with many jerseys
- Chamois itself offers excellent absorption and ride feel
- Front pocket adds comfort for your stuff
- Nature breaks are great
The Bad
- Requires chamois cream to avoid chafing on 1-2 hour rides
- Bib straps are a little loose
- Sizing remains vexing (I think I should size down to small)
The Bottom Line: Gore Wear Long Distance Bib Shorts+
Gore Wear has obviously spent a ton of time designing these bib shorts. They look and feel fantastic — among the best bib shorts you’ll find. Everything about them is great, until I actually use them. Chafing issues are vexing and I’m guessing that I should size down to a small, which may solve that issue. My recommendation is to reference the size chart and consider it authoritative. If you can get the sizing right, you’ll be rewarded with a top-notch pair of bibs.
Buy Now: Visit Gorewear.com
2 Comments
Great review. Ironically, I bought these in the “right” size base on another review of yours warning about how Gore had changed its sizing. I’ve had no chaffing issues. These are a particularly good choice for use in a trainer as the padding is very thick.
Awesome to hear that you’re sized up correctly and aren’t having any chafing issues. It makes me feel much better. Outside of that issue, the bib shorts are great. I just don’t typically use chamois cream unless I’m going longer than a couple of hours.