MT500 Vs Gore Endure

Lots of jacket threads just lately but with Black Friday, I’ve noticed MT500 for about £130 and Gore Endure for not much more.

Which one wins for long days in shit weather on a mountain bike?

Both great jackets, don’t think you’ll be disappointed in either. MT500 probably the warmer option, but less packable and (on paper) less waterproof than the Endure. Based on last weekends Lake District bash where we had both jackets in shit weather, 8 degrees, light rain….Guy in the 500 was sweating buckets, Endure was spot on with a merino base layer underneath. Both stayed dry. Think the Endure (in Green anyway) looks great and doubles as a casual jacket. The new 500 looks more mtb specific. I needed to size up in the Endure, normally a large but needed XL. It seems like a more generic cycling fit than the 500.

Lack of pit zips would put me off the gore a little bit. However I have an mt500 and it is definitely a jacket for the colder months as it is warm even with pit zips open

ive had 2 different MT500 jackets and never been very impressed with the actual waterproofing. I always end up soaked wearing them, even if they have just been reproofed. (And my walking coats reproof really well!)

Ive just bought an Endure jacket and so far its superb, miles better than the MT500 at actually keeping you dry!

Thanks all. The other one to consider might be the Madison DTE.

I really rate the Madison kit .

Having had both i definetly go for the Endure. The MT500 i had needed to be reproofed contantly and even then it wasnt very waterproof.The taped seams failed quickly even when taking care and hand washing in techwash. It was more like a wind proof jacket in the end. Its probably a warmer jacket then the Endure though.

I’d size up though. Im usually a L and went for an XL.

How does the Gore Endure hold up with a hydration pack?

Few people saying the MT500 runs warm which is strange. I don’t find it warm at all.

I wore it on Sunday in constant rain at ~13’c and I was actually quite cold so had to close up the vents.

Even with them all closed, it was still far from warm.

I typically run warm and sweaty. I don’t often feel cold.

Older thread but hope you find my input useful!

I have the MT500 Jacket – the black one. I don’t find it runs particularly warm, in fact I find it quite breathable. You can open up the pit vents too, and the pockets for more venting if you really want. It seems decently waterproof, I’ve never had it get me soaked inside I don’t think, but I do keep it proofed as much as I can. It’s probably true to size, and kind of a boxy fit.

However, after 2 years, and not *that* much wear or washing, it has started to delaminate. The face fabric is getting crinkly in places as it separates from the membrane. So I suspect waterproofing will start to be affected before long! Not very happy about that.

Also – the main zip is SHOCKING. My mate has the same jacket and we both struggle to actually zip it up without catching it on the inner storm flap. It’s a total faff if you’re already cold up a mountain. Both of these issues are not really appropriate for what was a £200 jacket (though it’s permanently on sale seemingly).

It looks like they now have a new version out this year in a quite nice olive green colour (which won’t be the one on sale), with a much different material feel closer to Goretex Pro sort of jackets. From trying it on in the shop as well it seems to fit nicer for me, and the zip feels good too. But Alpine Bikes has it at £270 which is a ridiculous price for something that’s just gonna get dirty every ride.

I ordered an Endure to try, seemed a nice jacket but funny sizing / pretty short on me so it’s gone back.

Settled on a Fox Defend 3L which is a bit heavier but fits well and seems well made.

I didn’t try the Endura as I’ve been put off recently with zips on my trousers breaking, not particularly great customer service and quite a few reports of the jackets not lasting.