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Gorewear presents three new windbreaker jackets that have been specially developed for mountain biking, road cycling and running. According to the manufacturer, the Fernflow, Spinshift and Concurve models are intended to set a new standard in terms of comfort. All three jackets are based on a breathable and wind-repellent material that is equipped with a DWR impregnation against light rain. A special feature is the specially woven inner lining, which prevents the material from sticking to the skin and ensures optimum moisture regulation. Gorewear's development is based on the so-called Kinetic Garment Design, in which the cut is orientated to the dynamic movement patterns of the body. According to the manufacturer, all jackets are easy to pack and made from recycled materials.
Gorewear Fernflow windbreaker for mountain biking and commuting
The Gorewear Fernflow model is aimed at mountain bikers, gravel riders and commuters. We have already taken them on tour for a short test - more on this in the next section. The Fernflow is characterised by a casual cut that is suitable for off-road use as well as everyday wear. A key feature is the helmet-compatible hood, which offers additional protection in changeable weather. The collar is lightly lined to increase comfort.
The bike jacket has a full-length front zip and two front zip pockets with large hand-warming pockets. The hem is equipped with a drawstring for a customised fit. The cuffs have elasticated inserts. Gorewear has added reflective details on the arm and lower back for safety in poor light conditions. The Fernflow Windbreaker from Gorewear is available at a price of 129.95 euros. It is available in a total of five colours: blue, beige, black, green and grey, which we tested.
Test: The Gorewear windbreaker jacket in practice
When I first put it on, I was surprised by the feel of the material. Overall very soft and quiet, but on the inside the windbreaker feels almost like a super thin cotton T-shirt. Gone are the days when you almost had to shiver when the smooth polyester of the windbreaker met your sweaty skin.
The Fernflow is also very light (weighed 198 g in size M). It is a pleasantly thin layer both in the pocket and on the body, but provides effective protection against the wind. The Gorewear bike jacket has a good, not too tight fit and is cut long at the back and sleeves - even in a more sporty riding position. It is also noticeable that the jacket is very breathable. This is particularly noticeable when you're carrying a rucksack: it gets damp underneath, nowhere else. Unfortunately, the hood is probably too small for most MTB helmets - it is very bulky for the head alone and billows extremely in the wind.
The Gorewear Fernflow can be packed quite small. But unlike the other models, it doesn't have a small bag or the option of rolling the jacket up in its own pocket. It's a shame, because a small pack is also easier to handle in MTB luggage than a loose jacket.
As described, the inner lining is very pleasant on the skin, but super sensitive. A Velcro fastener on the trousers, a sharp edge on the tool etc. and the fabric pulls threads, as you can see in the photos.
Conclusion
The Gorewear windbreaker jacket Fernflow for MTB is actually very comfortable to wear thanks to the roughened fabric on the inside. They are lightweight and breathable. However, the inner fabric is very sensitive to friction or Velcro fasteners, for example. We have not yet tested how it behaves in the washing machine. The price of just under 130 euros is quite high, but it's okay for the great wearing comfort - now it just has to show in use that the cycling jacket will last longer than one season.
Spinshift windbreaker for road cyclists
Gorewear has developed the Spinshift Windbreaker for road cyclists. Similar to the existing range of waterproof and warm cycling clothing such as the PFC-free jacket or the Combination of bib and top. The new wind jacket is characterised by an aerodynamic cut that is tailored to the typical lower handlebar position when riding a road bike. Particular attention was paid to the pre-shaped shoulder and elbow sections, which are designed to ensure an optimum fit in the riding position.
The ergonomically shaped collar is lined. As with the Fernflow model, the cuffs are also equipped with elasticated inserts. The full-length zip features a logo. The back pocket, which also serves as a stow pocket, is a practical feature. This allows the jacket to be stowed compactly and fits easily into a jersey pocket. Silicone cuffs at the hem ensure a secure fit. The Spinshift Windbreaker is available for 119.95 euros.
Gorewear Windbreaker Concurve for running
For the sake of completeness, the Concurve windbreaker for runners should also be mentioned. Two zip pockets at the front also offer storage space, with one of the pockets also serving as a pannier. Like the other models, the Concurve also has elasticated inserts at the cuffs and silicone cuffs at the hem. The hem also has a drawstring. The price for the Concurve Windbreaker is also 119.95 euros >> available here.
The Gorewear windbreaker at a glance
Fernflow Windbreaker (MTB/Commuting)
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Lined collar
- Full-length front zip
- Two front zip pockets
- Hem with drawstring
- Cuffs with elasticated inserts
- Reflective details
- Material: 50 % nylon, 35 % recycled nylon, 8 % polyester, 7 % elastane
- Price: 129,95 Euro >> available here
Spinshift Windbreaker (road bike)
- Aerodynamic cut for lower link position
- Pre-shaped elbow and shoulder area
- Ergonomically shaped collar with lining
- Full-length zip with logo
- Back pocket as pannier
- Silicone cuffs at the hem
- Cuffs with elasticated inserts
- Reflective details
- Price: 119,95 Euro >> available here
Concurve Windbreaker (running)
- Ergonomically shaped collar with lining
- Full-length front zip
- Two front zip pockets (one as a pannier)
- Hem with drawstring
- Silicone cuffs at the hem
- Cuffs with elasticated inserts
- Reflective
- Price: 119,95 Euro
All models
- Breathable, wind-repellent material
- DWR impregnation against light rain
- Moisture-regulating inner lining
- Kinetic garment design for optimum fit
Marc Strucken
Editor
