GOREWEAR’s SWIFTRIDE series combine their popular C5 Opti items with fresh graphics and functionality for road and gravel cycling. For this review, we have two of the latest pieces in the SWIFTRIDE collection: the SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and the SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey. The bib shorts retail for $100 and use a tightly knit fabric material with elastic mesh bib straps. GOREWEAR has integrated their cup into the bib shorts as well as reflective details. To match the bib shorts, GOREWEAR has the $100 SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey which features matching graphics. The jersey uses recycled materials and features four pockets with silicone grippers. Together the bib shorts and jersey offer unique graphics and race-ready fit.
The GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE combines unique optical line graphics with high-tech materials and a performance fit for all day comfort.
| Swiftride Optical Bib Shorts | Swiftride Optical Jersey | |
| Rating | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A |
| Retail Price | $100 | $100 |
| Likes | + Chamois is comfortable on short or long rides + Raw edge hems eliminate fabric bunching + Wide bib straps and breathable mesh | + Eye catching graphics on shoulder + Lightweight and form-fitting design + Premium appearance and look |
| Dislikes | – N/A | – N/A |
| Where to Buy (US) | GOREWEAR | GOREWEAR |
SWIFTRIDE BIB SHORTS
The SWIFTRIDE Optical bib shorts are an evolution of GOREWEAR’s popular C5 Opti+ bib shorts and add new graphics and softer fabric. These are marketed as everyday bib shorts for road or gravel riding that are optimized for comfort on the bike. As a part of the mid-level C5 lineup, these are high-performance bib shorts with a slim fit and affordable price point. GOREWEAR currently offers the optical bib shorts in a men’s variation with three colors: orbit blue, black and utility red. We have the utility red version which is a nice crimson red color with white bib straps and contrasting black and white graphics on the thighs. The graphics are unique to the Optical products and have a fun zebra style on the right leg and an oversized GOREWEAR logo on the other.
Each of the hems have open mesh silicone grippers which eliminate fabric bulk and help keep the bib shorts from moving. Inside the bib shorts you’ll find GOREWEAR’s Active Comfort 2.0 seat pad which has a multi-density foam construction. These have been updated to improve comfort on longer dies and have the GOREWEAR Cup integrated. The combination of the two features is designed to improve breathability and moisture management. As far as the straps, GOREWEAR has utilized a Y design with two front straps that combine at the rear in a Y shape. Unlike higher-end bib straps which have one piece designs and laser perforations, these straps have an elastic mesh material with small seams along the rear. Each of the straps are wide to prevent discomfort and mesh back panel for breathability.
SWIFTRIDE OPTICAL JERSEY
GOREWEAR has taken the C5 Opti jersey and also created this Swiftride Optical jersey with updated graphics and soft fabric. The jersey is offerent in both men’s and women’s variations with five color options: orbit blue / cargo blue, white / black, utility red / lab red, tech beige / utility red and black / white. With all the colors you have a solid center section and then the zebra patterned sleeves. For this review, we have the utility red / lab red combination which has a crimson red center portion and lighter red contrasting color on the sleeves. It’s a bright jersey with a color matched zipper that stands out with its unique colors. Branding is limited to the GOREWEAR logo on the chest and rear along with reflective details along the sides and rear.
The jersey is constructed from 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane for additional stretch. To the touch, the material is soft and breathable which is optimized for warmer weather riding. The front of the jersey has a simple contoured design with standard shoulder seams. There is a full length front zipper with a bottom zipper garage and smooth operating color matched zipper. The sleeves really stand out here with the contrasting graphics and silicone along the edges to help hold them in place. GOREWEAR has also designed the jersey to be contoured for a slim fit that stretches around your body.
The backside of the jersey has large panels and three large open pockets. Each of the pockets has reinforcements to prevent sagging and a reflective GOREWEAR logo on the center pocket. There is also a zippered pocket which is great for smaller items above the center pocket. Along the hem of the jersey you’ll find a silicone gripper and extended drop tail that ensures the jersey stays in place even if you are in an aggressive aero position.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Having ridden with various GOREWEAR kits like the Ultimate and SPINSHIFT, we were eager to see how the SWIFTRIDE would compare. As with the other kits, we chose the medium size for both the jersey and bib short for our 6’1” 165lb rider and found the fit to be spot on. Unlike the previous C5 Thermo kit we reviewed which fit a bit loose, the SWIFTRIDE has a nice performance fit that’s tight but not constricting. While it isn’t as skin tight as the Ultimate or SPINSHIFT kit, it still looks and feels premium which is impressive given the lower $100 price point for each item.
With our matching bright utility red bib shorts and jersey and unique optical graphic effects on the sleeves and bib short hems, the kit stands out on the road. It’s a nice match to our Trek Emonda’s red to orange fade but is obviously not for everyone. We liked the subtle but unique optical graphical treatments and premium details like the color matched zipper. The kit was comfortable for short morning rides as well as multi-hour weekend rides with no pressure points. While the kit is tailored more toward warm weather riding, with a base layer and jacket the SWIFTRIDE worked well in the colder coastal weather we ride in.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE to be a well made and comfortable kit. GOREWEAR has taken their popular and C5 Opti apparel and upgraded it to create the SWIFTRIDE lineup. The bib shorts and jersey feature unique graphics with zebra-like details on the jersey sleeve and bib shorts that set the lineup apart. We were impressed with the soft fabric and performance fit that feels like an upgrade from the previous more recreational C5 kit we’ve reviewed. Despite the budget friendly price, the kit features premium details like color matched zippers and silicone grippers. For those looking for a premium cycling kit without the premium price tag, SWIFTRIDE apparel is a great choice with unique graphic designs.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by GOREWEAR. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.