Gore Bike Wear may be priced at the premium end of the market, but the investment usually pays off because of its garments quality materials and attention to detail.
The Fusion Cross 2.0 uses Gore's water resistant and windproof Windstopper Active Shell material, and has some nice touches, such as the zipped Napoleon pocket with captive lens wipe hidden neatly within.
The cut is very good, but on the slim-fitting side. It slots in neatly between a full-on roadie cut and baggier trail fit, with pre-shaped arms that rest comfortably when in a riding position. There are underarm pit vents to help control airflow, plenty of subtle reflective detailing and reinforcement on the shoulders to prevent premature wear from backpack straps.
The waist isn't elasticated, and nor does it have silicone grippers, so it occasionally rides up, especially when it gets tangled with waist straps. The velcro straps on the wrists can be securely cinched down, but we prefer the Neoprene cuffs of Gore's own Alp-X 2.0 softshell, which do a much better job of sealing the gaps for less bulk.
That warmer, slightly insulating jacket also highlights another issue with the Fusion Cross. When it does give up the battle with rain and wets out, it's not particularly insulating and the material tends to leech heat from your body rather than help keep it in. On warmer, dry days it also gets quite sweaty.
It excels in cold, dry conditions, where it cuts out wind chill effectively. It is also very hardwearing and the quality is beyond reproach.