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Gore C5 Thermo Jersey 2020

9
£99.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Warm, versatile and high-quality long sleeve jersey
Warm
Comfortable
Great temperature regulation
Breathable
Weight: 
285g
road.cc Recommends

This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Gore C5 Thermo Jersey is perfect for those dry, cold rides. It manages to maximise warmth without unnecessary bulk, and performs excellently both on its own or with other layers. The quality, pockets and breathability are all top notch.

Gore advertises the C5 Thermo jersey as being for 5-15°C temperatures, which in the UK – let's be honest – is most of the year. Over the last month and a bit of autumn/winter weather, it's become my go-to jersey on any dry ride due to its excellent temperature regulation and versatility.

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The brushed fleece lining might be thin, but it's more than comfortable enough without a base layer, and can indeed be worn in temperatures up to about 15 degrees. On chillier days a long-sleeve base layer easily slips underneath, and it's happy with a jacket over the top.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - back.jpg

In fact, I've happily worn it on dry rides approaching freezing, and even on cold, wet rides the low bulk makes it a top choice as a layer.

The C5 Thermo is a polyester/elastane mix and impressively warm, especially considering the mere 285g mass (size medium). The side panels and backs of the sleeves (the panels with subtle pattern) are a lighter version of the same thing – breathability is very good, which is particularly welcome during hard efforts.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - shoulder.jpg

The thicker parts have a good degree of windproofing despite not being advertised as such, and I found it comfortable on some pretty blustery rides.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - chest.jpg

The C5 Thermo is part of Gore's 'slim fit' range so sits close to the body, but it isn't at all restrictive or as tight as an aero jersey. At 70kg and 6ft (it's not me in the photos) I found the fit perfect, but if you do have less of a hill climber build you might consider a larger size than you usual.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - back detail.jpg

The sleeves are on the longer side of average, but again I found the fit great – comparable jerseys, for example the Castelli Puro 3, can sit slightly too short when not wearing gloves.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - cuff.jpg

The Gore also has a dropped tail for extra protection. It not only has a silicone finish to ensure a tight seal from the elements, but also reflective accents to aid visibility.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - gripper.jpg

Unlike the Pedal Ed Kobe thermo jersey, the Gore's collar is quite high – I've actually been leaving my Buff at home, without worrying about the chill creeping in. The zip garage ensures there's no discomfort, and is just one example of Gore's commendable attention to detail.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - collar.jpg

On the rear lie three gusseted pockets. The two outer pockets are slightly narrower than the centre one, which does limit what they can hold, though on the upside things like pumps and tyre levers sit more securely. I didn't find it an issue overall, despite being a paid-up member of the no saddle bag club – bigger items, such as a gilet, stow happily in the centre pocket.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - pocket.jpg

Another nice detail is the mesh insert behind the pockets, there to ensure there's no excess material to trap heat; Gore also says it helps stop the pockets sagging, and this too seems to work. Despite me cramming them full.

For valuables there's a single zip pocket on the right rear, which I found perfectly usable while riding and large enough for today's super-sized smartphones. Once again, it's mesh backed, but while that keeps it breathable it does leave your phone to get sweaty during hard efforts.

2020 Gore C5 Thermo Jersey - zip pocket.jpg

At £99.99 the C5 Thermo jersey isn't exactly cheap, but you get a hell of a lot of jersey for your money. The quality is exceptional, as is its performance, while it's versatile enough to serve as an excellent standalone jersey or as one of several layers.

While we haven't reviewed the Castelli Puro 3 jersey I mentioned earlier, I've used both extensively and now much prefer this Gore offering – impressive, seeing as it's also £10 less.

If you want cheaper, the dhb Classic Long Sleeve Jersey is only £65 but not quite as warm, while many truly comparable jerseys – such as the Pedal Ed Kobe Thermo (£150) I mentioned above – are more expensive.

David did rate the Sportful Moire Thermal Jersey highly, though, and it's a bit cheaper at £90 too – but it's missing a valuables pocket.

> Buyer’s Guide: 18 of the best winter cycling jerseys

The C5 Thermo jersey is an extremely impressive top, and I've thoroughly enjoyed testing it over the last month and a bit. It can be used in a large range of temperatures and, although not suitable for wet rides by itself, it can easily be paired with a shell whilst keeping bulk to a minimum. There are very few autumnal and winter rides I haven't found myself reaching for this jersey, and that's testimony to its exceptional versatility and performance.

Verdict

Warm, versatile and high-quality long sleeve jersey

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Gore C5 Thermo Jersey

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

Gore says the Thermo C5 is an: "aero fit jersey for cold weather with thermal fabric in the main torso to protect and insulate your core, with a lighter version in the lower part of the sleeves and side panels. Three rear pockets securely hold your ride essentials. A functional cold weather jersey with clean, sophisticated look for dedicated roadies." The jersey is extremely versatile and can be worn from anything from freezing up to about 15 degrees with appropriate layering. This jersey is ideal for cyclists looking for warmth without bulk for use in dry conditions."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Gore:

Fabric: 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane

Black reflective transfers

Ergonomically shaped collar

Front zip with logo transfer

Mesh insert to prevent back pocket from sagging when stuffed

Modern, aero road cycling fit: lengthened sleeves and dropped tail

Premium fabric feel providing thermal stretch comfort

Reflective details

Secure zip pocket on rear for keys or valuables

Zip with zip port

3-gusseted back pockets

Elastic grip on bottom hem

Mesh insert in back for optimum ventilation

Slim fit

Cool 5° - 15°C

Weight: 282 grams

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

Exceptional warmth and breathability, great for hard winter efforts.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems so far or reason to question it. Seems very well made: stitching is neat, and the materials and zips are high quality.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

I really like the fit: close and aero, but not like a second skin and thanks to stretch room for thin layers underneath. Sleeves are quite long and body length is average.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

Gore says it's slim fit, and it is. I have a climber's build and it fits well, but those with bulkier frames may need to size up.

Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10

The warmth to bulk is phenomenal.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's cheaper than rival products of this quality and performance. Those that are cheaper still don't appear to be as warm or as well finished. Its versatility helps too: there aren't many spring, winter or autumn rides where I haven't considered this jersey, either on its own or with baselayers or shell jackets.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

No problems, wash at 30C.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfort and warmth.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Performance, versatility and quality are all excellent. It's also cheaper than most jerseys of a similar calibre, which to me all adds up to exceptional, and a 9.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 22  Height: 6ft  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride: Specialized venge pro 2019  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

Jamie has been riding bikes since a tender age but really caught the bug for racing and reviewing whilst studying towards a master's in Mechanical engineering at Swansea University. Having graduated, he decided he really quite liked working with bikes and is now a full-time addition to the road.cc team. When not writing about tech news or working on the Youtube channel, you can still find him racing local crits trying to cling on to his cat 2 licence...and missing every break going...

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6 comments

Avatar
Sharpgt | 3 years ago
0 likes

Bought one of these in orange last month. It is distinctly on the slim side, measure yourself and trust the size chart, you may end up with a size larger than usual. The fit is perfect for my tall slim self, and has no bunching or sag when in the drops. That may mean it fits a bit too snug for less trim waists. My favorite bit is the pockets are deeper than average so they fit a modern phone

Avatar
Idratherbeonthebike | 3 years ago
0 likes

I really like Gore's stuff, but I struggle to understand who they are marketing at, or for what conditions. For example, where does this sit against my windstopper? Both seem to do the same job in the same conditions, and I'm even more confused with Infinium.

Avatar
NZ Vegan Rider | 3 years ago
0 likes

One can buy 7 of these for the price of a top Assos one! (a jacket though)

This seems perfect and great colour  3

 

Avatar
ktache replied to NZ Vegan Rider | 3 years ago
0 likes

It is available in black...

Avatar
I love my bike replied to ktache | 3 years ago
1 like

Unfortunately, once again - out of 11 photos, none show how it actually fits when on a bike!!! So it's a bit hard to compare it to Assos.

Also, it might be more useful to know how it fits the person we see in the photos, rather than the author whom we cannot!

Avatar
Tass Whitby replied to I love my bike | 3 years ago
3 likes

You're going to love our mannequin...  1

But yes, sorry, modelling clothing has been somewhat impacted by coronavirus - we're aware it's not quite as helpful as it could be. Please bear with us. 

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