Both the Gore Oxygen Windstopper jersey and the Oxygen Windstopper Softshell+ bib tights are great keep wind chill at bay, but this is also a comfortable and functional set of winter clothing.
Oxygen Windstopper jersey
£139.99 / €159.95 / US$169.99
The Oxygen Windstopper is a new jersey in Gore’s winter lineup, and the brand wants it to be your go-to jersey for winter riding. We can see why – it’s got a winstopper membrane covering all the crucial areas at the front, which protect kidneys, upper abdomen, chest, and shoulders from the wind.
We wore this on its own for cold night-time commutes home and found we were totally protected from windchill. It is insulated enough for us to work up a sweat, but thanks to the Oxygen’s breathability, much of this moisture found its way out.
The close fit is unrestrictuve and comfortable with cuffs that will easily fit under a set of gloves. The high collar does its bit to keep drafts out, without becoming an irritation on your neck.
There are four rear pockets – three open and one with a zip closure. With white spikes rising up from either side of the waist, which resemble bib straps, this is not the most stylish-looking winter jersey, but it’s definitely one of the most functional.
Oxygen Windstopper Softshell+ bib tights
£159.99 / €189.95 / US$199.99
Like the Oxygen jersey, these tights use a functional blend of materials to keep you protected from the elements, and their forte is also fending off windchill.
Thanks to a thin fleece lining round the legs, the tights are comfy and warm, and do a great job of keeping you insulated. The piece de resistance is the inclusion of a Windstopper membrane.
Both the jersey and the bib tights are adept at protecting you from windchill
The elasticated ankles stay in place well and flatlocked seams are used to prevent rubbing where the panels meet. There’s a zip at the front which means the front of the bibs comes higher up the abdomen area than many tights we’ve worn, effectively adding an extra layer to work with a baselayer, jersey and jacket on a really cold day.
The rear of the bibs covers the central back area, and is made of mesh to help moisture transfer. The bib straps are simply wide and flat, and we found them to be really comfortable. We thought the pad was comfortable and positioned in the just the right place.
Like the jersey, these tights aren’t lookers, but anyone would benefit from having a pair to hand.
- Jersey score: 4 stars
- Bibs score: 4 stars
- Overall score: 4 stars