Strengths: mesh side pockets, with zipped central pocket. Reflective piping is very visable in headlights, but subtle in the pub. Streachy breathable backpanel and on inside of arms. Sheds water well
Weaknesses: If thumb loops are used, the yellow quickly dirtys from my rubber grips. Best worn under gloves, this also stops wind comming in end of sleeves. Breathing panels in arms let in a bit of wind.
Overall: Superb top, snuggly warm. But as usual from Gore, no info on the garment, should it be a tight fit? for use on road bikes or MTB, is it even for bike use? how do you clean it?
'WHY DOESN'T EVERYONE HAVE TOASTIE WARM BIB TIGHTS?'
Strengths: reflective patch behind ankle Toastie warm (fleecy inner lining) + repels water well. hooks under feet to keep down. Tight fit and long in the leg is good for MY skinny legs.
Weaknesses: I would prefer more reflective stuff, eg on the side + calf. After a prolonged soaking, the water seeps through to the fleecy inside :o( Wont fit the a short dumpy build. AND normal bib trouser problems; No pockets, dificult to go to the loo in!
Overall: Comes in 3 different types of stiching on the seams, black, red or blue; red the most common in the shops, presumably because it looks bad? and the black is very rare - took me ages to get mine.
Strengths: Only has a small amount of padding, so easier to run in and it dries quicker. Stiching is grey and looks superb, with the curvy cut of the shorts
Weaknesses: only washes at 30 degrees Not much point in drawstring, as don't fall down, though I havn't swum in them much.
Strengths: Light Wicks well looks good its so baggy you can satisfy yourself by going for a smaller size!!
Weaknesses: bit too baggy only washes in a cold wash. I wore it once (for a 1/2 hour ride) with my Camelbak Mule and the shirt severly suffered under the arms where the fabric has been 'pulled'
Strengths: Roll fast. Grip the road very well. Foldable, so easy to carry a spare. Can get them everywhere. Lots of colours so easy to match bike!
Weaknesses: Wear out quickly espically if you skid under breaking. Seem to get small slits/slashes in rubber, which don't cause any trouble but worry me!
Strengths: No hassle lighting. Loads of light that never runs out. (6V, 3W) Hardly any drag (equilivant to a 6 meter rise in 1 mile) Not having to bother about charging batteries or taking light on/off bike when bike is locked up.
Weaknesses: Difficult to find a supplier (I used SJS) Fiddly to fit light bracket to forks.
Overall: No hassle lighting. (apart from the setting up)
Strengths: Superbly styled Lots of nice touches, like the way loose straps are delt with. Air directors for airflow between you anfd the pack Built to last
Weaknesses: Maybe too much attension has been put on Styling over its use. Thermal Isolation of bladder from rider doesn't work, you get to drink warm water after about 10 mins. When full of luggage its hard to remove/fill/replace bladder. Also hard to get things out of bottom of front compartment when rest of bag is full. Someway to attach drinking tube head out of the way would be good. Whats the point of having mesh compartments?(it can't be much slower to have zips, as you have to take the pack off to get into a comartment) Unscrewing the lid from the bladder is a pain on the fingers, screwing it up is Fine.
Overall: I'm very happy with it, but as it's so good the bits I'm not happy with stick out a mile.
