GOBIK Envy, unisex jacket

In this article: review and opinion of the GOBIK Envy 2021 unisex waterproof long-sleeved jacket.

New to GOBIK for the 2021-2022 winter season (Cold Series 2122), Envy is a waterproof insulating jacket with a temperature range of 5 to 15ºC. Its fabric is Polartec NeoShell®, windproof and rainproof. It comes in a single unisex version in black: GOBIK Envy Jet Black

Aero days

After analyzing the incredible Armour Vanta thermal jacket, we continue our journey through the extraordinary Black Edition collection that GOBIK has released in this Cold Series 2122. Now it is the turn of Envy, a long-sleeved jacket that is one step below Armour and Skimo Pro in terms of temperature range (5 to 15 ºC), matching Mist. We are therefore looking at a garment for cool but not extreme days: autumn, spring, mild winter hours or days…

What does Envy offer us compared to Mist? Well, as in the case of the Armour, this jacket is the result of collaboration with the American manufacturer Polartec, the undisputed world leader in the development of technical fabrics for extreme temperatures, which endows it with the revolutionary NeoShell® membrane, gaining in protection against wind and rain. It’s also designed more slimmer and streamlined, with an impeccable fit. And it is even lighter, leaving the scale at 250 g for size L.

Polartec NeoShell®

A revolutionary membrane that achieves a perfect balance between waterproofing (10,000 mm) and breathability, always so important in intense sports such as cycling. One of the keys to this great perspiration is that it lets through a controlled amount of wind (0.1 %), which allows it to improve evaporation and regulate internal temperature. In fact, it holds the record of being the most breathable waterproof fabric in the world. Another very important point in our discipline is comfort. NeoShell® achieves this thanks to its good elasticity, adapting to our body much better than the classic technical mountain clothing.

Envy en detalle

We begin our usual tour of the garment. The first detail that catches our attention is the large iridescent logo that GOBIK has released in this Black Edition collection. It looks really good and you will never see it in the same color:

The inside of the neck is made of a very soft fabric to prevent chafing. Also in this photo we can see the inner face of the NeoShell® fabric, with a very soft and elastic touch:

The shoulder seams have been sealed with a silicone strip, which gives the garment a very characteristic style:

The zipper is the same as in the Armour, a Vislon® AquaGuard® waterproof model from the Japanese manufacturer YKK, but in the case of the Envy, the pull strap is minimalist:

The armpit area receives an extra breathable fabric, which will further facilitate heat extraction:

The cuffs are simple, finished off with a hem made of the same material as the rest of the jacket:

In the lower part, the large skirt stands out, with an interior silicone strip that covers the entire perimeter. Fit perfectly:

Here we can see the back. With 3 large capacity pockets and lower eyelets to evacuate possible rain. The rear skirt bears a large reflective logo of the brand:

In detail the eyelets:

Fitting

The first feeling when you put on Envy is that of a perfect fit. The NeoShell® fabric is very elastic and adapts to our body like a glove, very much in the style of the brand’s jerseys. The rear skirt fits very well to the lower back, it is a perfect accessory for a jacket like this one, waterproof and with epic pretensions.

The sleeves have just the right amount of slack so as not to be too tight and uncomfortable. Riding the first kilometers leaves a very pleasant sensation in the body, of freedom, few garments feel like this.

We have tested Envy on regular routes with temperatures of 5-10 ºC together with a merino inner layer. The great breathability of the latter together with the outer layer of NeoShell® makes us dry and comfortable. The wind blocking ability is perfect. We do not notice that it slips inside by zipper or seams. Of course, we will need some gloves with a good cane, to attach them on top of Envy and that the air does not penetrate.

As for its resistance to water, we did not have the opportunity to go out in the rain, but we did a test by wetting the fabric and checking that nothing passed inside. Be careful where you dry the garment when washing it, because we assure you that a lot of water will drain.

Final verdict

Envy greatly completes the GOBIK Black Edition special collection. They are garments of a palpable leap in quality compared to the brand’s usual ones, which are already of a high level. The use of leading Polartec fabrics gives them exceptional qualities in terms of breathability, waterproofing and wind protection. Not in vain have they been developed for the maximum competitive demand of the World Tour circuit together with UAE Team Emirates and it really shows.

Envy is a light jacket, but it offers great protection. With an aerodynamic and fitted cut that will delight the regulars of the brand. We really liked its ability to block the wind and at the same time breathe amazingly. With it you save wearing a vest and you will be more protected in the arms. The decision between Envy and Armour will depend on the temperature range, the latter being for more intense cold.

Sizing

As we have already mentioned, the Envy fitting is very tight, it looks like that of a jersey like Pacer. In my case, the photos were taken with a size L, for my measurements of 105 cm chest, 77 kg weight and 190 cm height.

Any question? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike

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