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GOBIK Second Skin
GOBIK presents Second Skin, an ultralight technical shirt made of SILKY, a comfortable and breathable 3D fabric, designed to perform at its best in hot and humid conditions. With a recommended temperature range of 15-30ºC (59-86ºF), it is available in a male and female version, in black and white colors.
In this article we analyze the male version in black, Black Heaven model, but first, a bit of theory.
Layers, breathability and performance
It has long been known that dressing in layers is essential when we practice sports or outdoor activities. We gain much more versatility and performance this way than doing it with a single coat. In cycling this is even more important, because in addition to doing it outside, we add the wind and speed factor to the equation. Both, added to the humidity that our body gives off during activity, generate a very important thermal sensation of cold.
The classic theory of the 3 layers allows us to dress appropriately for any situation, combining several garments that will allow us to perspire (key point) properly and maintain an optimal body temperature and adaptable to descents/ascents.
And we are not just talking about winter, it is also indicated to dress in layers in warmer seasons, such as in summer, since when the skin is covered with sweat, the body’s ability to lose heat is impeded. Let’s see what these types of undershirts can do for us in these situations.
Unboxing
A good name for this garment, Second Skin, because this is precisely the function that a first layer should play: being in maximum contact with our skin to evacuate the moisture generated and be as comfortable as possible.
As soon as we take it out of the box, we see that the shirt is very light and with a look of being really comfortable, as it also does not have sleeves. The fabric is a mesh with a slight volume, which acts as a heat exchanger, helping to expel sweat and humidity. It has a good elasticity and all the seams are flat:
In a garment as simple as this, all the prominence is taken by its fabric, but even so, GOBIK (as always) does not skimp on quality details, such as the insert of the entire inner area of the neck, with a super soft material, to avoid annoying chafing:
The SkinLab label appears at the bottom of it, the GOBIK division that is responsible for designing and manufacturing all the garments that are in direct contact with our skin:
On Route
We have tested Second Skin on our usual routes, taking advantage of the improved temperatures in eastern Spain in spring, in combination with a second layer garment such as CX PRO and Pacer. Its integration with the Absolute 4.0 bib shorts is sensational, looking really good:
The comfort of the shirt is very high, even though it is tight, and the fabric is very elastic and soft, acting like a true second skin. This, of course, allows the real objective of the garment to be met, which is none other than to instantly transfer moisture from the body to upper layers.
It is an ideal garment to wear when the winter inner layer begins to be warm. Its lightness will allow us to wear it even in summer, where we can combine it without problems with short-sleeved jerseys. In this regard, some people do not wear base layers in hot weather, but my personal preference is that yes, even at high temperatures, I feel that such a shirt absorbs excess sweat better than a simple jersey.
Our opinion
First layer garments are often overlooked in our cycling clothing, especially in summer. Second Skin will help you better remove sweat from your skin, allowing it to evaporate faster and keep your body dry in spring and cool in summer due to the effect of the wind. For us, an essential garment.
As for the size, in my case, with a height of 1.90 m (74″), 77 kg (170 lbs) and a 100 cm (40″) chest contour, size L is perfect.
Good route!
