Gore Bike Wear enjoy an enviable reputation for their high quality windproof and waterproof jackets, and you can add excellent base layers to that list as well. The Windstopper base layer is one of the best of its kind that I’ve tested, offering incredible protection against the elements.
Gore cleverly use their proven Windstopper membrane technology that has been used in their range of jackets for many years, and apply it to a base layer. The resulting performance increase over a regular non-windproof base layer is simply incredible. For riding in really windy conditions having a windproof layer next to the skin makes a huge difference to how warm you feel on a ride.
It also opens up a more flexible layering approaching to getting dressed for a mountain bike ride. Because the base layer stops the wind in its tracks, you can get away with wearing less over the top. When it’s warm enough, it’s possible to leave the bulky winter jacket in the car, wear a lighter non-windproof long sleeve jersey over the top, and still keep warm.
The base layer is 100% polyester and the Windstopper membrane is a large second panel on the chest, over the shoulders and on the front of the arms. It’s a second layer flat-lock stitched over the top of the base layer, and is seamless. The rear of the top is a single layer material and provides good breathability.
I found it to keep my temperature well regulated on rides and it does a very good job of dissipating sweat away from the body. I never once felt it keeping me too warm, and on colder days it’s good at keeping heat inside. It’s not quite as comfortable on the skin as a Merino base layer though.
The only downside to the use of the Windstopper fabric is the reduced stretch. This means getting the base layer on is a bit of a mission, and getting it off is downright tricky. It’s a small price to pay for such a good base layer though.
Verdict
The use of Gore’s Windstopper membrane makes Gore Bike Wear’s base layer the most high-tech and best performing base layer I’ve yet tested. It comes with a high price tag, but is a serious investment if you do a lot of mixed-conditions riding.
Pros
Extremely good protection from the elements
Cons
Tight fit
More information: Gore Bike Wear Windstopper Turtleneck
Price: £74.99
What Gore Bike Wear say about the Windstopper Turtleneck base layer:
Windproof long-sleeve turtleneck shirt with front zipper is ideal for windy and cold days. Provides warmth and quick moisture management. Protects from cooling at neck, breast, shoulder, arm and kidney-area.
- Extra-long back
- Elastic WINDSTOPPER® insert on front, at sleeves, over shoulders and on kidney area
- Thin and soft fabric
- Minimized seams for less chafing
- Flat-lock seams
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