Gobik Kit Review: Gobik provide race clothing to the INEOS Grenadiers and Movistar teams, so it is being put through its paces at the highest level, now it has come to me for a thorough testing… Fifteen years ago, Gobik started making customised cycling club clothing in Murcia, Spain, which is not that far from where I live. Obviously, I’ve seen the team clothing at races, but you need to go for ride to feel how it performs… in action!
I don’t remember ordering pizza
When the kit arrived, I was sure it was a pepperoni pizza. Unlike so many top end bike clothing companies, they use ‘normal’ packaging, not following the Apple style of fancy boxes. In the end, it comes down how good the clothing is… You don’t wear the box it comes in.
Men Lancer Bib – Black
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Gobik’s Lacer bib shorts are their newest and ‘most advanced’, in their own words. My first impression was of comfort and a very good fit. I gave them the Zwift test for an hour and there were no complaints. The seat pad is made up with two separate pads, which at first I thought was going to be too thick, but once on the saddle it compresses down and gives a very comfortable ride. With many people now using 3-D saddles, you can feel the pattern with a thinner pad, no problem with the Gobik pad. It does feel thick, but in no way is it like a child’s nappy.
The material of the pad that goes next to your skin is nice and soft and also doesn’t move around on your butt. It’s not as thick in the mid area and round the edges and the front area has breathing holes for your ‘family jewels’, to keep everything ‘fresh’. Gobik say the leg length is 2cm longer, but I didn’t really notice as the leg fits very snugly, you can pretty well chose how far down your leg you want them to go. The legs are held in place with three sets of dots which stop any riding up or falling down, without any constriction. There are two seems on the legs, which feels and looks good.
The straps are wide and elastic at the front and over the shoulders, but of a mesh material at the back. There is a race radio pouch on the back, which could be handy for something else, although I can’t think what. The bibs are made of different materials (read the tech bellow), the legs and side panels have more of a lycra feel and the central part seems thicker, but breathable. The logos are small and not obtrusive, subtle.
Unisex Avalon Long Sleeve Jersey – Ink Black
I was a bit surprised when I saw that Gobik had sent me a long sleeve jersey, but the weather we have had to endure at the moment, I was quite pleased, although black is not my favourite colour in jerseys. For a lightweight jersey it is warm enough for a spring day, it was 16ºC and overcast, the day I had a test ride, but in combination with the base layer, I was warm enough. Again it was a comfortable fit, body hugging without any squeezing. The sleeves are tight, but not constricting.
Full zip, obviously, with a nice touch of Gobik printed on the teeth of the zip. There is a low collar at the back that comes down at the front. The waist is elasticated, with a broader section at the back that has rubberised grip to hold it down, or up. Three rear pockets in a different material that has been double stitched for extra strength, although no small zipped pocket, which training jersey’s should have. Talking of stitching, all the seems are double or triple stitched with extra strengthening at the pockets. Logos back and front and on the sleeve, again subtle class.
Men Base Layer Second Skin – Salt
Base layers have got thinner and tighter over the years, but they work so much better that the old vests us ‘old guys’ had in the past. The Gobik second skin base layer is made from breathable material which keeps you cool and takes the sweat away from the skin, although I didn’t sweat much. As it is another layer, it does also add warmth, which I was more interested in at the moment, but come August…
The base layer is body hugging and fits nicely under any jersey without rucking up. The tail at the back is longer to tuck in and look after the lower back. All the stitching is perfect and strong and well made. Nice to wear in all weather conditions.
Unisex Socks Vortex – Salt
I’ve never worn aero socks, which must be the explanation for my slow speeds. Fellow PEZ-man, Chuck Peña, would love the hight of these socks, maybe a bit high for ‘old school’, but at least they are white. The upper part of the socks is made of a breathable stretchy material that you don’t even feel on your legs and holds the shape of your legs. They wont slide down (even with hairy legs), as there is a silicone band around the top, which isn’t too tight.
The foot section is shaped for the heel and toe and is soft and elasticated. The foot is a thicker material for extra comfort and are clearly marked ‘left’ and ‘right’, handy as long as you know which foot is which? I don’t know how many watts the aero socks saved, but they fit well and are comfortable. I need to try them on a longer ride for full test.
My overall opinion: The Gobik kit is very nice to wear. Apart from not having a small rear zip pocket, I have no complaints. I would say the bib shorts and the socks are excellent. The jersey, which I really like for cooler days, and the base layer are well made, work and fit well, but there are similar on the market. The bib shorts are very good, well fitting and with one of the best pads I’ve ridden. I have found a new favourite piece of clothing. The socks are super comfortable. The hight doesn’t really bother me, but I wouldn’t want the tan marks later in the year. Great kit, i just need the weather.
Gobik sez:
Men Lancer Bib Black
Discover the ultimate expression of innovation and racing performance. Designed with a minimalist approach and made with 4-Way Stretch fabric, these shorts offer optimal muscle compression and unparalleled adaptability. Its extended leg length is designed to meet the highest demands of the pros, providing greater coverage and compression in the thighs.
Technology
- Wraparound and minimalist pattern designed exclusively for competition. Its 4-way stretch lycra fabric provides great muscle compression and adaptability to the cyclist’s anatomy, avoiding parasitic movements that interfere with peddling.
- The use of bonding processes allows the elimination of seams, minimising friction and increasing the comfort of the garment.
- The selected fabric is highly breathable and lightweight, with great resistance to abrasion, while providing excellent sun protection of 50+. UPF.
- The new ergonomic shoulder straps with extended width are laser-cut and have thermosealed ends. Graphene yarn is used in their construction, which favours thermal regulation and provides antibacterial and odor neutralising qualities. It also prevents moisture retention, limiting weight gain due to moisture accumulation.
- A central mesh opening at the back facilitates the evacuation of body heat. Thanks to the heat-sealing, it has no seams and also has a pocket to store the radio transmitter if needed.
- It incorporates the prestigious chamois of the Italian specialist Elastic Interface®, one of the best options for long duration routes, with different density foams with elastic memory that provide great recovery capacity. The central channel improves blood flow and reduces pressure, while the fabric with graphene yarns prevents bacterial proliferation and manages moisture optimally. Its anatomical multidirectional curvature provides adherence to the cyclist’s movement and makes contact with the skin very soft.
- The leg length has been extended by +2 cm compared to the GOBIK standard, covering more of the thigh and increasing the degree of muscle compression.
- The adjustment to the thighs is carried out with a clean laser-cut finish. Inside, a 3D organic grip ensures the correct hold, avoiding the use of the classic silicone tape with seams.
Unisex Avalon Ink Black Long Sleeve Jersey
Enjoy cycling in intermediate seasons with a model that will provide you with the perfect protection without excess warmth. Easy to combine with other garments, lightweight, versatile and with a very soft feel, thanks to a solid high-performance fabric. Its refined structure will provide you with advanced aerodynamics with an avant-garde style.
Technology
- It has a solid fabric with high elasticity, which adapts to our body perfectly, without restricting the movements on the bike and providing a soft touch with our skin. Its studied grammage provides a perfect thermal protection without being hot, just what we are looking for in intermediate seasons, besides being perfect to combine with other layers and extend its temperature range.
- Textured areas have been carefully arranged on sleeves, yoke and pockets, improving wind dispersion and aerodynamics. Also contributing to this is a hidden collar with a clean, streamlined aesthetic that avoids turbulence.
- The sleeve cuffs are finished with laser technology, avoiding seams and contributing to the aerodynamic improvement and a clean and avant-garde aesthetic.
- The exposed zipper provides a dynamic visual appearance and features a screen-printed logo. It has a perfect elasticity to avoid the formation of wrinkles in the abdomen, improving aesthetics and achieving a better fit and aerodynamics.
- In the back, we have 3 pockets with the innovative patented GRS system (Gobik Retention System), which prevents the loss of our belongings.
- The waistband is carefully finished, with a minimalist looking heat-sealed front and an extended width back strap with integrated silicone, which conveniently secures the garment to the bib shorts.
- There is no shortage of reflective details to increase visibility in low light conditions.
Men Base Layer Second Skin Salt
Ultra-lightweight and highly breathable, with second-skin fit. Regulates temperature, transporting sweat to upper layers, making us feel dry and comfortable. Designed to perform at its best in wet and dry conditions. Heat and humidity.
Technology
- Silky 3D fabric has excellent breathability. It stands out for its high degree of elasticity, lightness and comfort. Together with its second-skin fit, it manages to evacuate sweat and transports it to upper layers, helping to regulate our body temperature.
- All seams are flatlocked for maximum comfort.
- A soft touch fabric is used on the inner collar to avoid chafing.
- Its light weight provides an unbeatable feeling of comfort and lightness.
Unisex Socks Vortex Salt
In the fight against the clock, every detail matters. We have designed these socks with an extended height within UCI standards, with a perforated fabric with low wind resistance, which offers optimal temperature regulation. The inner silicone print ensures grip by creating a second-skin effect, which also contributes to aerodynamics by dispensing with the classic hem.
Technology
- Made entirely of Meryl® Skinlife with silver ions, fibers that give the fabric bacteriostatic properties and favour the dissipation of sweat.
- Long length with height allowed within UCI standards.
- Made with a textured fabric with a high percentage of elastane for high elasticity and low wind resistance. Perforated structure for optimal temperature regulation.
- Internal anti-slip silicone print on the upper end that guarantees adherence during the entire outing, creating a “second skin” effect thanks to the absence of hem.
- Low profile seams that increase comfort in the instep area.
- Superior base density for optimal shoe feel.
- Elastic band in the plantar arch area for extra comfort.
- Reinforced structure in heel and toe for improved durability.
- More info at: gobik.com/.
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