Review of GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and Jersey

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Since last year, I have been working on incorporating more cycling into my overall training. I needed something fresh after years of focusing almost entirely on running. Running had started to feel a little monotonous, like the excitement had worn off, and I didn’t want to lose my love for being active just because my routine felt stale. Cycling seemed like a natural way to shake things up, but to be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced I would enjoy it as much as I love running.

For me, running has always felt pure. Just my body, the road or trail, and nothing else. Cycling, on the other hand, seemed a little more complicated: the bike, the gear, the maintenance, the routes. It felt like stepping into a different world entirely.

That being said, I have always enjoyed mountain biking. There’s something about flying downhill, weaving through trees, and catching some air over a good jump that just lights up the adrenaline junkie in me. But road cycling was different. It wasn’t an instant love. It took some time and quite a few miles for me to appreciate the rhythm of the ride, the way you can cover so much distance, and the peacefulness of being out on quiet country roads.

Eventually, I realized that part of my hesitation had to do with my equipment. I was riding an older mountain bike on the road, trying to keep up with people who had lightweight road bikes. It wasn’t working. After finally upgrading to a secondhand road bike, cycling immediately became a lot more fun. I could feel the difference in every pedal stroke. It was easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

With my new bike and growing excitement for road riding, I realized it was also time to upgrade my gear, especially what I was wearing. Until that point, I had been wearing gym shorts and basic t-shirts. Not exactly ideal for hours in the saddle. That’s when I came across the GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey.

I already knew GOREWEAR from their running gear. Their gloves and pants have survived hundreds of miles of tough Michigan winters with me, so I trusted their quality. I figured if they could nail running apparel, there was a good chance they knew what they were doing with cycling gear too. I wasn’t disappointed.

Comfort That Made a Huge Difference

The first time I wore the SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts on a ride, I could immediately feel the difference. Compared to my old gym shorts, it was night and day.

The bib shorts fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight. The fabric felt soft and smooth against my skin. Even after longer rides, there was no chafing or hot spots. The Active Comfort 2.0 seat pad deserves a special shout-out. Before these, I didn’t fully realize how much good padding can change how you feel during a ride. It gave me just enough cushion to stay comfortable without feeling bulky, and it wicked away moisture so I never felt overly sweaty.

I also appreciated the construction: lightweight mesh bib straps that stayed in place without digging into my shoulders, and an elastic-free back panel that moved naturally with my body. These details might seem small, but together, they made the ride feel smoother and more effortless. The compression from the shorts also helped keep my legs feeling fresher during and after the ride.

The GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey Does Everything Right

The SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey impressed me just as much as the bib shorts. I picked the Orbit Blue/Cargo Blue colorway, mostly because it matched my bike, but it quickly became one of my favorite pieces of cycling clothing.

The jersey is incredibly lightweight and breathable. Even on warm spring rides, it managed sweat really well and dried quickly. I never felt like I was overheating, even during harder efforts or hill climbs.

The fit was spot on: close to the body but not restrictive. The silicone grippers at the waist kept it from riding up, which made a big difference over longer rides where constant fidgeting can get annoying fast.

Storage was another area where the jersey shined. It has three large rear pockets plus a small zippered pocket. I carried gels, my phone, keys, and even a mini hand pump without any issues. Everything stayed secure, and the pockets didn’t sag or bounce around, even when loaded up.

GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical High-Quality Construction That Lasts

One of the things I always look for in athletic gear is durability. Anyone can make a product that feels good on Day 1, but how does it hold up after dozens of rides and washes? So far, both the SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey are holding up beautifully.

The stitching is strong, the fabric hasn’t pilled or faded, and the zippers work smoothly. I also appreciate that GOREWEAR incorporates recycled materials into these pieces. It’s good to see a company paying attention to sustainability while still producing high-performance gear.

The reflective details on both pieces are a nice touch too, especially for early morning or evening rides when visibility is critical.

Final Thoughts on GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical: An Investment Worth Making

Looking back on the past few months, upgrading my cycling gear with the GOREWEAR SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my cycling experience. Having high-quality, comfortable gear doesn’t just make rides easier; it makes them more fun. When you aren’t distracted by discomfort, you can focus on the road ahead, enjoy the scenery, and push yourself further.

If you’re new to cycling, upgrading to real cycling gear might seem like a big step. But based on my experience, it’s one that’s absolutely worth taking. And if you’re already deep into cycling but haven’t tried GOREWEAR yet, these pieces would be a fantastic addition to your kit.

In short: If you want comfort, performance, durability, and style all in one package, you won’t regret giving the SWIFTRIDE collection a try. It made a real difference for me and I’m looking forward to every ride ahead. For more info or to check out a set for yourself, visit gorewear.com.