Kate Agathon

Sometime in the last few years, it became more difficult for me to find cycling kits that fit well.

I’m not sure if it is middle age gravity settling in, or if cycling apparel as a whole has been undergoing major design changes, or a combination of both. What I am certain of is that most cycling apparel doesn’t fit me; even brands that I loyally wore for years.

Gorewear Spinshift Cycling Kit Review

When I had the opportunity to try GOREWEAR’s Spinshift cycling kit for this spring, I was both excited and also somewhat trepidatious. Would I finally find something that fit me? Or would it add to my discouragement?

My worries were unfounded! Overall, GOREWEAR’s Spinshift kit fit nicely and didn’t feel uncomfortably tight, nor did any unflattering arm, thigh, or stomach fat ooze out in embarrassing places. Hoozah for good design!

Pieces of GOREWEAR’s Spinshift cycling kit that I tried included the Spinshift jersey, Spinshift long sleeve jersey, Spinshift short tights, and Spinshift GTX jacket.

Back in Black

Let’s talk about appearance and fit.

The first thing I noticed about minimalist GOREWEAR’s Spinshift collection is that the majority of the collection is offered in timeless and practical colors. No shiny fabrics, quirky scallop cuts, or trendy designs that will be outdated in a few years.

What I especially liked was that black was offered as a color option (black is a difficult color to find- even for cycling clothing designed for studio or off road adventures). Call it a Dark Knight obsession or that I just like black (all my bikes are black), I was super excited to have an all black kit!

I also liked the understated logos and reflective accents placed discreetly along the leg hems, center back pockets, and center zipper.

What did I think of the Spinshift short and long sleeve jersey?

Cycling jerseys seem to have recently become more tight. They also feature slightly longer sleeves and lower collars for a more aero look and feel. I was a little nervous about trying the Spinshift jersey and Spinshift long sleeve jersey because both come in “form fit” (i.e. race fit), and I generally go for the more relaxed club fit.

Cycling jerseys are designed to be snug to reduce drag, and the high stretch fabric provided a second skin like feel. Constructed from 91% recycled polyester and 9% elastane, the Spinshift jersey (both short and long sleeve versions) was not constrictive and I had full range of motion.

The sleeves on the Spinshift long jersey were a tad too long and I had to cuff them up, but that isn’t unusual for someone petite like me. While some active wear is available in extended sizes, cycling apparel is often not one of them.

The Spinshift long sleeve jersey is supposed to provide extra coverage in cooler environments, but I can see myself wearing it during sunny days because I get cold easily and I always wear sun sleeves to protect my skin. Wearing the long sleeve yet lightweight Spinshift long sleeve jersey eliminates the need to bring sun sleeves along.

My absolute favorite feature of the Spinshift jersey (both short and long sleeve) is the zip pocket along the back. In addition to the three spacious rear pockets to accommodate water bottles and energy chews, the zip pocket sewn along the side is perfect for holding keys and credit cards. I love having that peace of mind knowing that my cards and keys are secure!

Sidenote: When my partner recently washed our cycling apparel, he remarked on how much he liked the Spinshift jersey. He remarked that the fabric looked and felt softer and smoother than the rest,  like “it was a higher quality than the other cycling jerseys in the laundry.”

Overall, the Spinshift jerseys both fit well and looked better on me than I expected. Considering my recent difficulties finding cycling apparel that fit and looked good, GOREWEAR’s Spinshift collection was a welcome change.

Get a Grip

In keeping with recent trends, the Spinshift short tights  offer a longer leg.

Unlike some brands that have resorted to using elastic bands, GOREWEAR uses more discreet and more comfortable silicone grippers to keep the legs in place.

The Spinshift short tights with their wide elastic waistband and silicone grips were surprisingly comfortable and I was happy that my skin didn’t chafe.

GOREWEAR created the dual-density foam seat pad to be anatomically designed for women with strategically placed cushioning to reduce soft-tissue pressure. Although the padding covered a larger surface area than other cycling shorts I own, I didn’t feel like I was wearing a diaper.

To be honest, the extra padding is fine with me, as saddles have become more narrow. So far, the chamois has stayed in place, so no complaints.

Other Spinshift short tights features include: breathable GOREWEAR liner to protect sensitive areas from wind chill, reflective details for visibility, and interlock fabric construction that adds compression and support.

An Updated Classic

GOREWEAR has been making cycling apparel for nearly 4 decades (Gore Bike Wear and Gore Running Wear merged into GOREWEAR in 2018) and has a distinguished history of innovation; most notably the introduction of the first waterproof and windproof cycling jacket in 1985.

The 2024 Design and Innovation award-winning Spinshift GTX jacket has undergone a redesign. Thanks to its next generation GORE-TEX® ePE membrane, it is thinner, lighter and offers more freedom to move (it also boasts a smaller carbon footprint).

While I don’t have the original 1985 GORE-TEX® jacket to compare to the newest iteration, I can attest to its lightness, fit and appearance.

Advertised as a slim fit, I was pleased that it wasn’t too constraining. Usually, I can barely fully zip slim fit cycling jackets, but no problem with the Spinshift GTX jacket. It is nice to wear a cycling jacket where I am neither bursting at the seams or allowing in unsavory elements like wind because it is too cavernous.

 It was also surprisingly stretchy and paper thin, in terms of lightness.

A lot of research went into the Spinshift GTX jacket. The design was informed by the body in motion, rather than static forms. What does that mean? By using body mapping, the jacket mimics the body’s movements and acts more like a second skin than a jacket, while also performing its primary functions of protecting from wind and moisture.

Although I have not yet had the opportunity to try it in wet conditions, it famously carries a guarantee of keeping you dry.

Key features:

• 360- degree reflectivity (reflective details on sleeves, lower back and chest)

• Taped seams

• Bunch-free collar

• Zip pocket that doubles as a pack pocket

• Made from recycled content

Final thoughts?

The GOREWEAR Spinshift kit is thoughtfully created and artfully designed. Despite the form and slim fits, the Spinshift kit is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement. Thanks to GOREWEAR’s Spinshift kit, my frustrating hunt for cycling apparel that fits is over. THANK YOU!