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GORE Bike Wear designed the Xenon Bib Tight Short for a cycle-specific posture, which means this short feels the most natural when you’re in riding position. No more awkward crotch-pulling and shoulder-strap discomfort. The Xenon chamois uses a fast-wick, fast-dry fabric and permanent antibacterial treatment. And to get graphic for a moment, the chamois’ perineal central channel and multi-density gel foam in the ischial area help absorb shock during long rides and races.
Nice chamois design. It has a center cutout that minimizes saddle pressure while the padding is thicker on your sit bones, although it might not be thick enough for some cyclists or for longer rides in general. I found the thigh grippers on a Medium to be on the tight side, but I have muscular legs and many shorts give me the same problem. Well designed bibs. I'd seriously consider Gore shorts again, but I might size up to a large for more thigh room, even though my waist is a 32.
Gore makes great shorts, period. I own three models of their shorts, and all are very good at their respective prices. The Xenon is highly technical, with an advanced, thin chamois that doesn't get in the way. It's much thinner than the chamois in Gore's lower-end shorts, so that's something to consider for long rides - I use the Xenon for short, fast rides . The styling is excellent - I love the black and white, but consider that this short puts the white panel in the middle, where it is more easily stained by road spray or dirt on your saddle. Most black and white shorts have a black panel down the middle (and so do many black and white jerseys). Otherwise, these are highly recommended. Medium works well on my thin 6 foot frame.
I'm very concerned about the seams and stitching on the chamios.
I'm very concerned about the seams and stitching on the chamios. Also, the fabric type and whether or not they have gel inserts. Do you have a pic of the chamois? I've had issues with saddle sores recently and long rides are uncomfortable. I'm very impressed by the reviews and your 30 day guarantee but would feel better knowing this info before ordering.
Hi John I've just posted some pictures of the chamois so that you can see what it looks like. You'll be able to see that it is made of ventilated gel foams of multiple densities and that there is a deep perineal channel in addition to being pre-curved so it takes the shape of the saddle. Dave - GORE BIKE WEAR™
John, There is no stiching or notable seems in the chamois on this short. On the subject of saddle sores. Unless you are new to cycling, are currently overweight, or have recently and significantly upped your milage saddle sores shouldn't be part of your life. Try a google search for saddle sores and you will find alot of great advice on where to start.
Here is a picture of the chamois- http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/XENON/XENON
You can also have a look and read about the chamois in the Xenon Sonic bibs on that site and look at the review in Pezcycling- the link is lower down on this webpage.
I can say this much- I have the Gore Power Bibs and the Gore Xenon Sonic (2 pairs each). I have tried many other brands but Gore is light years ahead. Quality is top notch, stitching and seams are flat and cause absolutely no irritation. The Power Bibs are on the lower end compared to the Xenons and yet perform better than bibs at twice its price so you should expect great performance from the Xenons.
The Xenon Sonic has gel cushioning and you will not notice any impression of stitching or chamois on the outside when you wear these. I will not wear anything other than Gore gear (the jerseys are first class as well) because they have proven to be the best- comfort, functionality and quality. Oh, and I don't need to use chamois cream even on a 5 hour ride with the Sonics. Excellent chamois, perfect compression.
One last thing, when you shop at Realcyclist, you become a customer for life- best service guaranteed.
This would be a five star review if not for the poor construction on the gripper band. Incredible fit and great comfort. But where all my other bibs have reinforced stitching on the gripper band, these have two single lines of wobbly stitching that started to break apart after two weeks of wear. I have Pearl Izumi, LG and Assos where the fabric has worn through from years of riding and there are still no breaks in the stitching! Hated sending them back.
The single best bib shorts I have worn and I plan to get more when the 2010 production is available. No more small black Xenon bibs anywhere that I or Gore could find. I did order the 3/4 Xenon bibs which will be here tomorrow - hoping for a colder weather fabric and length but hopefully no other changes. The Xenon bibs in a small size are a little snug in the legs but fit me (I always seem to be between a small and a meduim) really well elsewhere, no handful of fabric above the rear to contend with. The small but effective pad was great Sunday on a 4 hour ride with lots of climbing, finishing in a cold drizzle, therefore the order for the 3/4's. Again, the small pad avoids the oversize/overhang of some very expensive bibs that just have a big pad for the sizes of their shorts. Thanks to realcyclist for the assistance on this purchace.
This is a tough review. These are the best riding shorts I own. I prefer them above all others for fit, comfort and performance. The slimmer pad fits my smaller frame (5' 8", 158 lb), provides superior comfort without bulk, and I like the tight, crouched fit which is superb when riding although a little binding if you stand around too long. The problem is where the leg meets the gripper hem cuff. This is the second pair where the threads break and separations occur between leg and cuff. Realcyclist replaced the first pair quickly and affably. Now they are probably calling Gore. There is either a design or material problem, maybe just the wrong thread for those stitches. Anyway, these are high dollar shorts and you don't expect stitching failure. I pull these on just like I do my Pearl Izumi PRO bibs, which are very good but with a bulkier chamois, and no problems. I hope they figure it out, but for now I will have to ask for an equitable replacement of another brand. Like I said, tough. Great shorts, small but still serious problem.
Just got these and they're a little snug. I have pretty thick quads, but every other pair of shorts I've owned were Mediums and fit well enough to know they were my size. Will have to swap for a Large pair. Seem to be very well made... can't wait to try out a pair that fit me better
I stumbled onto these bibs after a friend recommended Gore products. After the recommendation and reading several reviews on the net I decided to try them out. The best decision I've ever made with cycling gear! Hands down these are superior to any other bibs I've ever owned...ever! The materials as well as the styling are superb. The bibs feel silky smooth, the leg grippers work perfectly, and the pad is extremely comfortable. I've worn them for both long and short rides and races, and they perform beautifully every time. The chamois is exceptional. It does its job perfectly, and is not bulky at all. The mesh back panel is awesome and it pairs perfectly with the Gore Xenon jersey.
I intend to order 2 more right away to ensure I always have a pair ready for a ride!
For anyone skeptical about paying this much for shorts (and believe me I was)...don't be. I can honestly state that the material comfort, design, and performance of these shorts is well worth the money!
These bibs have been fabulous. The chamois is a great fit and doesn't bunch. The tights fit a bit small on the sizing but I find that ideal so they don't expand when i'm hot and sweaty. The fabric and seams are comfortable and well made. After buying one pair, gone for a ride, I immediately bought a second pair. Worth the money.
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