Test: Gore Bikewear is a permanent fixture in the field of cycling clothing, not least because of its technical and name-related relationship to the world-famous Goretex membranes. The range includes a wide range from touring to performance-oriented products - the Gore Oxygen WS SO Bibtights+ we tested are designed to keep your legs warm and dry even in the most adverse winter conditions.
Right from the start, we notice the color scheme of the Gore pants. Almost traditionally, Gore relies on bright neon colors in terms of design, which not only stand out pleasantly from the big black crowd of the competition, but also significantly improve visibility in traffic. With the Oxygen WS SO, a neon yellow stripe runs from the seat area down the side of the pants to the leg ends, which are designed in the bright color. There are also other smaller reflective prints on the back and on the sides - even in poor road conditions, the trousers should be noticeable in traffic. However, the pants are also available in all black for people who don't like the color.
There is a short zip in the stomach area, which makes it easier to put on and take off – but there are no zips on the legs, which is understandable in view of the weather protection and comfort, but makes putting on the jacket a bit of a feat, especially at the beginning. Like the back area, the straps are made of a thin mesh fabric, which is intended to prevent sweating and thus rubbing on these sensitive areas. Otherwise, the in-house Windstopper membrane, which has been tried and tested millions of times, is used for the Oxygen WS SO.
The fit of the Oxygen is good - however, we found the legs to be longer than average, which led to drape. In addition, due to the rather firm Windstopper membrane, the pants lack some stretchability. It's never uncomfortable, but the pants are always clearly noticeable. The Oxygen Men is used for the seat pad, which is beautifully finished and offers a successful compromise between comfort and "diaper feeling".
However, the real strengths of the Gore Oxygen WS SO bibtights only come to light when they are used in winter: no matter whether it's gusty winds, freezing temperatures or light snow and rain - the pants always kept our legs pleasantly warm and dry for an amazingly long time. The roughened inside warms the legs as soon as they are put on and preserves this pleasant climate even in really adverse conditions. True to its name, the Windstopper membrane keeps the wind out and the effective impregnation even keeps us dry through a half-hour light rain shower. But the pants are not just warm - as already mentioned, the climate in the Oxygen WS SO is pleasantly warm at all times, but it never gets uncomfortably sweaty. Even without laboratory tests, we can therefore issue top marks for breathability.
