GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts+ Review

In man’s endless search for bib happiness, every manufacturer has their offering. GOREWEAR’s entry is the new Ultimate Bib Shorts+ and they have all the best features that GOREWEAR offers. Of course, I tested them across a variety of disciplines to test their mettle.

GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts+ Features:

• Functional fabric zones for optimized compression and breathability
• Wide mesh bib straps
• Central Torso Architecture to keep pad in place
• Multi-layer 3D-printed seat pad
• Flat seams for added comfort
• Reflective trim for added visibility
• MSRP: $280

Bib shorts du jour

After spending most of the summer with the GOREWEAR Distance Jersey, I most commonly paired them with the GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Shorts+ for a full kit. As usual, they were pushed hard on the road, gravel and dirt and with a variety of saddles. I also wore them both with and without a sleeveless summer base layer (Pactimo Summit SL). Throughout the various iterations, the quality materials and cut were always on display.

Pulling them on, it’s easy to finagle them in place. The wide mesh straps and chamois combine to make up the Central Torso Architecture. The goal is to consistently hold the pad in place and maintain optimum position. I will say that the straps do seem scratchy, but when worn without a base layer, they don’t feel scratchy at all and they stay put nicely.

In 2024, fabric knitting technology has come a long way and, upon inspection, it’s on display here. On the front panel, the knit fabric is made to block the wind, but as it goes higher, the final 2″ are knit in alternating rows to further allow your lower midsection to breathe (they look striped when held up to the light). It’s a nice little feature that helps improve breathability where the jersey and bib shorts overlap. Additionally, GOREWEAR also features a soft inner lining that attaches to the nose of the chamois. The double-fabric not only provides added comfort and wind protection, it also adds a little modesty to the frontside, which is a nice touch and something that makes these stand out from the competition.

The uppers do sit at just the right height for added midsection coverage (something any middle-aged dad can appreciate). But, at the same time, they do stretch easily for nature breaks. The wide, mesh straps pull the lowers perfectly in place without feeling restrictive at all. I really appreciate the strap width as it distributes the pressure so well that they just disappear — with or without a base layer.

I’ve appreciated the Ultimate Bib Shorts+ on cool morning rides since the luxurious fabric does block the cool air. In fact, just this morning, I wore them on a 50-degree road ride. As I rode through pockets of cold air (mid-40’s), I appreciated the added protection of the front and leg panels. On the flip side, I did notice a little more warmth on mid-day rides.

Leg cuffs are also an important consideration and these feature laser-cut edges and a subtle rubbery grippers on the lowest 2″ of them. They are easy to pull on and stay put like champs. The whole package offers a streamlined fit and good compression.

The multi-layer chamois is a nice one. It’s not too thick and the various densities allow both comfort and protection from road chatter and saddle pressure. While the chamois is comfortable for mostly-seated road riding, I did notice it can get slightly off-kilter for the repeated standing and sitting that’s necessary while mountain biking or gravel riding. When this happened, I would notice just a little chafing… nothing extreme, but just enough to notice. Part of me wonders if this would have happened had I gone one size smaller, but it would have been a snuuuuuuug fit. The exterior fabric can also get caught on the nose of the saddle. All of this bad behavior did get exacerbated after multiple uses between washing. Both to test the anti-microbial properties and expedite wear time, I tend to go a couple rides between washing.

Like any good bike kits, GOREWEAR does recommend hanging these to dry after washing inside-out. I probably caught them before the dryer about half the time and nothing has gotten destroyed. The subtle branding and reflective areas all remain intact.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs., wearing the size medium bib shorts.

Buy Now: Available from GOREWEAR