Gore have worked hard to design around the limits of their Windstopper Soft Shell fabric – it’s pretty stretchy, but not compared with typical Roubaix-style materials, making cut and construction more important.
They've fed in plenty of shaped panels and curved seams to get everything in the right place, along with the odd Roubaix panel in critical areas to help the ﬁt, which is great.
The low stretch and lack of ankle zips does mean larger feet need a bit of encouragement to get through, although once in, all is well. Given the snug ﬁt, the well-shaped, low-proﬁle foot loops possibly don’t have that much to do, although they ensure against draughty gaps.
Up top, there’s a front zip and comfortable bib that incorporates a mesh panel behind the shoulders, where ventilation is more important than insulation. A substantial but suitably shaped pad ensures in-saddle comfort. These tights aren’t the warmest, but they make up for it by keeping wind (and a fair bit of rain) out.