GOBIK Element: Long-term test

Review and opinion of the Gobik Element 2025 jacket

ELEMENT is the new lightweight jacket from Gobik designed for intermediate seasons and changing weather or temperatures. Since it went on sale in October ’24 I got my hands on it and after several months I can tell you about it in depth.

Who is ELEMENT for?

It is a jacket designed for cyclists seeking high performance in intermediate temperatures and unstable conditions. Its thermal range of 7-17 ºC already informs us of this, it is a model that we will use in spring / autumn and with which we can apply a lot of intensity, not having a high insulation. The integration of a waterproof Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro membrane is another strong point, we will see later how they do it to achieve an even higher breathability than the famous ENVY.

But before analyzing it in depth, let’s take a look at its:

Main Features

• Fabric and Materials: It is made of high quality materials that offer excellent breathability and wind protection. The fabric of the chest and upper part of the sleeves integrates the Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro membrane. The lower back and lower back areas use an ultra-stretch polyamide. Shoulder seams are taped.
• Thermal Insulation: thanks to its internal microfiber lining, the jacket provides a layer of insulation that maintains body heat without compromising breathability. This makes it perfect for keeping you warm during long rides on cold days, without generating excess perspiration.
• Design and Fit: it has an anatomical fit that adapts perfectly to the rider’s body, Gobik calls it Perfect Fit, preventing wind or cold from seeping in during pedaling. In addition, its design includes reflective details to improve visibility in low light conditions.
• Pockets and Functionality: With 3 easy-access rear pockets, the jacket is practical for carrying small items during the ride. The YKK sealed front zipper is of high quality and allows for easy ventilation. It has a puller that is easy to operate with gloves.

Technical Features

The inclusion of the Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro membrane immediately makes it an excellent choice for cycling, as it is breathable, windproof and waterproof, as well as being made from plant-based materials and PFAS-free.

Unlike older micropore membranes, Power Shield™ uses molecular diffusion to expel sweat while maintaining a barrier against raindrops. Since this new technology has no micropores, it also cannot become clogged or lose breathability. Its technical features are:

• Water column of 20,000 mm.
• Breathability of 20,000 g/m2/24h.

It is a very interesting ratio for a sport like ours, where you need protection from the elements but also a high breathability, as the intensity is very high when we climb a slope.

On-Road Performance

The Gobik ELEMENT stands out for its ability to maintain a comfortable body temperature without being too hot. It does this using two key strategies:

1. Very high breathability: The key to this is the new Power Shield™ membrane, with the very good values we have already seen, but also how it is applied, since the fabric that includes it is strategically placed in the most exposed areas, which are those where the wind affects us most: chest, shoulders, upper part of the sleeves. Therefore, back, lower abdomen and lower part of the sleeves transpire in an excellent way, since they use a polyamide without membrane.
2. Moderate insulation: the inside of the fabric is a very thin microfleece, very similar to that found in a solid mid-season jersey such as PACER. This contributes to not generating too much temperature inside.

During our tests in cold conditions, with moderate wind and light rain, the jacket performed its function perfectly, providing insulation and warmth without the feeling of overheating. The windproof material proved effective, and although it is not completely waterproof, it withstands light rain without making the rider feel uncomfortable.

In the photos you can see the extraordinary water repellent effect it has. We did not notice any water entering the interior and we were able to continue the outing perfectly, even with the surprise of the rain, without losing performance or suffering from the cold due to the humidity.

Comfort and fit

The snug fit and fantastic stretch are its most outstanding qualities. The jacket not only provides great aerodynamics, but also feels comfortable throughout the ride, without restricting movement.

The sleeves are ergonomically designed, with a perfect fit to our arms and seamless bonded cuffs. The waistband has a large-format, perfectly integrated elastic band.

All these details ensure that the rider does not experience discomfort, even during the most demanding movements.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent wind protection.
• Resistant to light rain and great water repellent effect.
• Anatomical and aerodynamic fit.
• Combination of fabrics for breathability.
• High quality zipper.
• Good cargo space with 3 back pockets.
• Reflective details for safety.

Cons:

• It is not completely waterproof, which can be a drawback in heavy rain.
• The price may be a bit high for some cyclists, but you pay for the good stuff.

Conclusion

The Gobik ELEMENT jacket is an excellent choice for those cyclists looking for a technical garment for training in unstable spring and autumn weather. Its great balance between comfort, performance and design makes it an ideal choice for rides where we are going to apply intensity and need extra breathability, but want to be protected from wind and possible occasional rain. Also for competitions in cool conditions. While not completely waterproof, its clever design and ability to block wind and maintain an ideal body temperature make it a garment worth considering.

Let’s just say it’s the perfect jacket when you’re already warm in ENVY, but it’s not yet time to move on to mid-season jerseys. Also if the jersey plus vest combination is too uncomfortable for you.

The perfect combo

A winning combination for intermediate seasons:

• Bib shorts: ARTIC STRIDE
• Jacket: ELEMENT
• Base layer: CELL SKIN o LIMBER SKIN
• Leg warmers: KABA
• Gloves: BORA o FINDER

Any questions? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike