Gore Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 Women’s review

The Gore Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 are sublime if you’re looking for outstanding comfort.

I tried to find fault with them but couldn’t. The fit is excellent, the bib straps are comfortable and secure, and the chamois performs brilliantly too.

While they are expensive, the overall impression is these are among the best bib shorts with carefully thought-out details.

Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 Women’s specifications and details

The range-topping Gore Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 are designed for comfort, and targeted specifically at those riding long distances.

The material is an ultra-fine knit polyamide/elastane mix, with a soft reinforced waistband. The bib straps are made from a seamless wide mesh, constructed in a single piece to ensure comfort.

The chamois is Gore’s Expert Distance 2.0 pad, with a Gore Windstopper liner – claimed to offer greater durability and comfort, while protecting you from wind.

The legs are laser cut with subtle silicone grippers, in the same cross pattern as seen on the bib straps. Seams are minimised throughout, in the name of reducing chafing.

Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 Women’s performance

It’s hard to fault these women's bib shorts; each feature is designed well and does the job it was intended for to a tee.

The ultra-fine knit material wicks moisture away from the skin effectively and dries rapidly too. It’s luxuriously soft, giving the shorts a premium feel.

I found them aesthetically pleasing, sleek in their design with thoughtful details.

The laser-cut hems sit neatly, gripping to your legs thanks to the thin criss-cross silicone print just inside the hem.

This functions brilliantly and I had no issues with chafing or constriction, because it’s not a complete band.

This is interesting because (in contrast to a traditional gripper band) it allows the material to stretch between the gripper crosses and prevents them feeling too tight, while keeping them firmly in place.

The straps echo the same quality. They are wide, feature the same cross pattern found on the legs, and sit flat against the body. The material is elasticated but retains a firm, robust feel that's likely to last without losing elasticity.

I found the wide elasticated waistband sat snugly and, in combination with the straps, kept the shorts firmly in place.

This is a big plus, because I often find I have issues with chamois comfort in shorts where the pad isn’t secure. As such, I had no issues with chamois chafing or friction when riding in these.

The chamois itself was incredibly comfortable on longer rides and when riding off-road – performing brilliantly and providing support without being sweaty.

I liked the inclusion of the ‘wind stopper liner’, where the chamois pad is stitched separately to the short outer at the front. This felt as though it allowed greater airflow, and prevented build-up of moisture in the pad.

Additionally, I’d argue that having the wind stopper liner as an extra layer of material over the front of the shorts should help prevent the material from wearing too fast through excess friction with the rider.

The only thing I’m left a bit confused about is the sizing. I’m a standard UK10, with cyclist’s legs and glutes.

I tested the shorts in a US XS (0-2)/EU 36, which was a perfect fit, but according to Gore’s size guide I should have needed a couple of sizes up.

Having a UK-specific size guide for how the sizes match up would be handy because it seems as though something isn’t quite right.

The best approximation seems to be opting for your UK-equivalent size in an EU size. If you’re in between sizes, trying them on before buying, or ordering two sizes and returning one, are viable options.

Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 Women’s bottom line

These bib shorts are heavenly, and have quickly become a go-to piece of kit.

The design choices have resulted in shorts that are incredibly comfortable. The wide and firmly elasticated straps hold the shorts securely in place, with the soft, stretchy waistband for back-up.

The material feels great and the near-seamless design reduces possible sources of chafing to a minimum.