GOBIK Absolute 4.0 bib tights

In this article: review and opinion of the GOBIK Absolute 4.0 K10 long bib tights.

The GOBIK Absolute 4.0 shorts are the top of the range from the Spanish manufacturer for cold winter days. Designed for professional performance on routes lasting up to 8 hours, it includes the K10 chamois and Rainlab fabric resistant to wind and rain with a recommended use temperature of 0 to +15ºC.

Unboxing

As is traditional in GOBIK, the packaging is very stylish. With a clean and sober design that gives the impression of opening the latest iPhone:

As soon as we unfold the bib shorts, the labels draw our attention, we have a comparative list of the different pads used by the brand:

The K10 is one step below the K12 of the Gravity model, the highest performance in the range. It has been designed with the aim of providing professional performance to the cyclist, for long-distance routes of up to 8 hours. It feels light, with a medium thickness (11 mm) and a good density, sensations that we will later verify with the road test.

GOBIK uses the pads of the Italian specialist Elastic Interface, a reputed manufacturer with one of the best technologies in the sector and with OEKO-TEX® certifications (we are sure to use safe cycling pads free of chemicals harmful to health) and BLUESIGN® (certification of materials and fabrics that respect the planet).

It is made with EIT ECO CARBONIUM FLASH fabric, which combines:

• Structure with channels on two levels: provides good sweat control. The first channel picks it up and directs it downward, while the second channel removes it.
• Carbon thread: with antistatic and bacteriostatic properties, which generates an extremely soft and highly breathable fabric.

Straps are a new design for this season 2020-2021. GOBIK has moved them further inwards, has improved the tape making it more elastic and the front shot where they connect has been widened by 1.5 cm, to achieve a greater height in the front.

They are really very comfortable, thanks to their great elasticity and good width, which means that the pressure is distributed over the shoulders very evenly, something that is missed in very narrow straps, which are difficult to lay flat. In GOBIK‘s this doesn’t happen, and as soon as we get dressed, they hug us like a glove. The front part exceeds our waist, which is appreciated in the cold:

Good design details are common at GOBIK. They make us feel that we are wearing a unique garment made in a traditional way:

The Absolute 4.0 fabric is medium thickness with a warm and comfortable plush interior. The flat and excellently stitched seams blend into it like a glove, making their presence imperceptible after long hours on the bike:

The best test was when I got to the shower after an intense 5 hour outing. Nothing marked our skin. The compression had been very uniform and it was like leaving home.

The outer face of the fabric (Rainlab) is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. For this degree of protection, the fabric feels comfortable and stretchy:

Two details mark the bottom of this culotte. First, two really nice Rainbow iridescent inserts, which reflect the colors of light with a curious effect increasing our visibility and safety:

Second, the wide elastic area for the ankle. It avoids excessive pressure like other shorts and seals the cold air entrance, great point:

On Route

What better setting to try this bib tights than a demanding mountain route with a minimum of 3 ºC in the early hours of the morning.

Our first feelings are very good. The Absolute 4.0 adapts to the cyclist physiognomy like a glove, with special relevance in the ankle area. The adaptable fabric inserts pamper our legs and prevent the entry of cold air in an exceptional way. As we already saw in the static test, the straps are frankly comfortable, so that we do not notice them on the go and they do not move or have to be repositioning them.

The fabric is soft and stretchy. Many shorts of this thickness have pressure problems on the knee, in this case it is not the case, and we finished a 5-hour route on the bike without problems in this regard. The flawless K10 pad, we already know it from the summer version, and in this winter garment it continues to earn its fame. Thickness and perfect fit, does not bother, does not rub, does not move, cushions and remains dry throughout the route. A top score.

The thermal control is perfect, avoiding the penetration of cold air on the descents, feeling the legs and the front area of ​​the abdomen protected at all times. During the course of the route, we reached the central hours of the day with temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius, where we did not suffer at all from a sensation of heat or overwhelm.

Who is this culotte for

• Mountain or road cyclists who do winter routes with temperatures around 0 ºC, without heat problems if the temperature rises and approaches 15 ºC.
• Rides in light rain or drizzle, due to the excellent repellent properties of the fabric (Rainlab).
• Days of moderate to strong wind, due to the good behavior of the garment when cutting off the wind.
• Routes of long duration, due to the excellent pad that it incorporates.

How is the sizing

In the photos you can see size XL. My height is 190 cm and weight is 77 kg. In general, GOBIK is suitable for users with a medium or thin complexion. In the case of winter shorts, leg length is also an important factor, which is why I opted for the XL.

Our opinion

We have had few winter shorts of this quality for this price. The comfort of its straps, of the inserts for the ankles, the elasticity in the knees even though it is a short with an inner lining, its perfect chamois… it is hard for us to think of anything that could be improved, perhaps a longer leg length for sizes XL and tall people like me (190 cm), but it is something that is solved by using the shoe covers.

Any question? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike

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