Goretex and similar materials such as eVent do indeed work, that's not even an issue for anyone who has done the research and properly tried the products. What's more, Goretex Packlite and XCR work even better (up to 25%) than regular Goretex. One of the major misconceptions about Goretex and similar materials is that you can put it on over your normal, everyday clothing and then exercise in the rain and not get wet. If you are riding a bike you are exercising and you are going to perspire. As Goretex is also windproof there will be no convection to aide in the evaporation of the moisture produced by your body, and if you are wearing your average everyday cotton shirt you will get soaked and come home and say "Goretex is a rip-off."

Before you even put on the Goretex, put on an athletic shirt specifically made to wick away moisture made from polymide, polyester or polypropaline. If that is not warm enough continue with a layer of fleece or 100% wool. Do not put any thing on your upper body made of cotton as this does nothing but absorb moisture and hold it. Finally put the Goretex or eVent shell on last. By opening pitzips or regulating the zipper (depending on the rain) you can even further ventilate your body. Goretex and similar materials transmit water vapor, so you need to have materials on your body that will wick away the moisture and convert it into a vapor so that Goretex can do its job.

Again, if you are wearing a cotton shirt under your Goretex shell you are going to get wet and stay wet.

I ride year-round day in and day out in a big city where it rains a lot in the winter and I wear Goretex shoes, pants/trousers, shell and gloves. I do not get wet. Do I perspire? Yes, but with proper regulation of layers it is quickly wicked off of my body and transmitted out through the shell as vapor.

Mountaineers the world over have been perfecting the system of clothing materials, layers, and waterproof breathable shells. They leave their cotton at home.

I encourage everyone to research this subject for themselves and then go out for a ride in the rain with different sorts of gear to compare results.