The brand Gore Bike Wear, the German brand with headquarters in Bavaria; It is one of the points of reference with regard to the in apparel accessories for the biker. Especially in colder periods clothing becomes all the more crucial, and not just for big mountain tours: already a simple exit behind the house can put a strain on the body, if we are not properly equipped. We received from Gore Bike Wear a reflective jacket of the line Power Trail, in Soft Shell, one of the top models of the German brand, among the 26 jackets in the catalog.
We speak in essence a windproof product, breathable, to be used directly above the intimate technical winter, as one layer against the cold. The high product quality is noticeable at first glance, and tangible analyzing seams, zippers and finishes. It 'definitely a high-end jacket in which no detail is left to chance. The color of the model being tested is a bright red, but it is also available black and blue ink.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Wearing it for the first time leap to the eye the peculiarities of this jacket: decentralized front zipper, which comes to the side of his neck.
The amplitude of life is adjustable with a drawstring usable with one hand.
The inside is soft and comfortable fabric, in the shell, as well as the collar.
The comfortable elastic cuffs are caught between thumb and forefinger, to stabilize the sleeve.
On the chest is a pocket with hidden zipper.
At the sides, in the front position, there is two of the keeper ventilation zip, with integrated pockets.
A "flap" retractable protects the rear from possible water and mud splashes.
Reflective fabric inserts are present on the zip, and in all written, in a bright lime green.
The jacket, as his name indicates, integrates Gore Wind stopper: impermeable to the wind, waterproof and breathable.
Gore Wind stopper with the well-known laminate ensures total protection from the wind. The Gore Wind stopper products offer comprehensive protection of body heat from the cooling caused by the wind, thanks to the windproof membrane. At the same time the membrane is breathable, to minimize overheating and the accumulation of moisture, allowing sweat to escape. The treatment called DWR (Durable Water Repellent) applied to the outer material provides good protection from moisture, snow or light rain.
HE TEST
Winter days that has made the setting for the jacket test Power Trail Windstopper Soft Shell was perfect to appreciate all the qualities. We went from abnormal days of pleasant warmth, in foggy days, the most recent very cold starting temperatures in January.
We begin with a comment on the fit, which is slightly abundant. A size M, despite having a pretty tight fit and ergonomic pedaling, it is still generous and fits well on a biker who sometimes opts for large sizes, on other heads. The practice drawstring waist helps us to shake his head in life, if necessary.
The first releases are pleasant temperatures, so we take advantage from the first ascent of the side zip, front on the sides. They are comfortable to operate even with one hand, and the ventilating effect is perceptible, a sign that were well positioned.
Even the retractable pocket can be used as a small air intake, as well as the main zip (decentralized) is easily operable with one hand, and in case of need we can lower it slightly to increase ventilation.
This is a distinctive feature of the center zip, which is not only an aesthetic whim. As said you cannot even use in the race, with one hand, it guarantees full amenities under the chin, where in some cases the zip can be annoying.
We never had feelings of overheating, up hills with temperatures around 10 ° C, indicating that the breathable membrane does his duty; a great feedback also resulted from the use with very low temperatures, close to 10 degrees below zero. Combined with an intimate long-sleeved top quality, the Gore jacket with reflective tape has never disappointed and the cold air infiltration are almost. Warm and comfortable in the uphill sections and a windproof shell in the downhill stretches. We never felt the need to add a feather duster or cape on the way down.
As regards the ancillary practicality of use, there is failure to a quick-access pocket: the classic on the back for example, where quickly insert a finger, a gel or Smartphone.
And 'This is a comfortable, spacious pocket with horizontal zip, but it is not very fast to use and requires us to remove both hands from the handlebars or to stop. But on the other hand, the lack of bulky back pocket enhances comfort when we used to go mountain biking with a backpack.