Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights+ review

The Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ are pitched towards less intense training rides and commutes, offering warmth and some weather protection.

In practice, they do these specific jobs well, with the Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabrics up to the task of keeping out the cold.

However, the bulky bib straps and a somewhat unbalanced fit will be low points for some riders.

Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ details and specifications

The Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights+ come from Gore’s more relaxed line of cycling clothing.

This means the cut is less ‘tight’ than is standard for the best bib tights, with the intention of supplying more space for those who don’t want such a compressive garment.

The tights use Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabrics for protection from cold wind, with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment applied to help water bead away.

Gore isn’t specific about the fabrics used, but it's a little thinner on the rear side of the knee for improved articulation.

Inside, brushed fleece has been applied for warmth in colder weather, although Gore says the combination of this and the Infinium Windstopper fabric should provide good breathability.

The ankle cuffs are zippered, as is the upper-waist section, which fits up around the mid-stomach.

The bib section also has some fleecy backing in the upper section and flanks, and has ski salopette-esque straps, with adjustable tensioners.

Gore suggests the C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ fit larger than average, indicative of the relatively relaxed cut.

I tested a size large, as is standard for me, and (accepting the looser cut) it fitted well for leg length and in the upper body. The looser cut will be beneficial if you have a larger stomach or particularly bulky legs.

Reflective of the more relaxed approach is the use of the brand’s ‘Active’ chamois pad – the most basic of the three Gore uses, with a less-dense single-layer foam construction.

Gore offers the C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ in five sizes (S-2XL) and in two colours: all black, and black with high-visibility shins and contrast stitching.

Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ performance

The Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ perform very well, offering a good level of shielding from cold winds and light rain.

In heavier rain, the DWR treatment impressed from the first ride, and it hasn’t lost much beading ability in my two-month test period.

Once washed, the leg fabrics became a little more flexible, but it continued to bunch a little behind the knee. No chafing was felt, but it remains noticeable.

The hi-vis shins have stained slightly with the usual spray and muck one encounters in the winter.

I found the calf area to feel noticeably tighter-fitting compared to the thigh and roomy space offered around the gut and crotch.

To my mind, this lends a sense of imbalance to the fit, although it’s fair to say those with a larger belly and smaller calves could easily disagree, and find the fit spot-on.

I found the open space around the crotch a little disconcerting, though. The fabrics in front do a great job of keeping wind out, but the sensation of looseness and occasional breath of circulating air feels slightly exposing when compared to a tighter-cut bib tight.

That said, when you ride more sedately – say, when cruising to the train station on your commute – the sensation is less pronounced.

The bib section’s straps are relatively chunky (not dissimilar to a set of ski salopettes), thanks in part to the adjustment clasps.

These are less noticeable when you’re riding steadily or in a more relaxed position, but seem to feel unnecessarily bulky when riding more aggressively.

The ability to tweak the tension to suit you is welcome, and the looser fit overall makes donning them at the start or end of a working day nice and easy.

Another thing that seems aimed towards a more relaxed type of rider is the chamois, which was dense enough to cushion me for a couple of hours. After this, though, I’d start to feel a little sore around my sit bones (more so than average).

I had no complaints with the general positioning of the pad.

Of course, chamois pads (and saddle interactions) are very subjective, but if you know you like a denser, thicker pad, or perhaps favour a particular model, it’s worth bearing in mind as a key decision-making factor in any bib tights or shorts purchasing decision.

The price of the C3 Windstoppers isn’t extortionate compared to many bib tights, although racier types might be better off considering the dhb Aeron Lab Winter Bib Tights (£180 / €210).

The Scott RC Warm WB＋＋＋ Bib Tights (£134.99 / €149.90) are even cheaper, but with a slightly sportier fit. These have a similarly less-dense chamois, though.

Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights+ bottom line

The Gore C3 Windstopper Bib Tights＋ are well-suited to riders who don’t want overly compressive fitting bib tights, with an accommodating fit and protective fabrics for deeper winter.

This naturally means they won’t suit everyone, while I found the crotch space overly roomy and the chamois low in padding.

Fundamentally, these bib tights are good – but it’s certainly worth trying them on before you buy, if you can.