From founding a clothing firm in a region associated with furniture-making, to outfitting the defending Tour de France champion, it’s been a busy first decade for Gobik. Launched in 2010 by industrial technician José Ramón Ortín and architect and product designer Alberto Garcia, from its inception Gobik has been a project determined not to be bound by convention.
Produced by a dedicated workforce in the Spanish region of Murcia, its Yecla-based facility has since grown to produce a full range of items covering every season and aimed at everyone from professional athletes to amateur team racers. Focusing on creating performance clothing at accessible prices, Gobik introduce new colourways for one of their flagship products, the ultralight CX Pro jersey, a core feature of their Warm Series summer collection.
Unsurprisingly for a product we're featuring in May, CX most definitely does not stand for cyclo-cross in this instance. Instead suited to the balmy conditions experienced in Yecla throughout the region’s long summers, it’s intended for temperatures between 20ºC to 38ºC.
The CX Pro's sleeves balance breathability, comfort and grip with a smooth transition at the hem
Designed for maximum athletic effect, the CX Pro jersey is intended to be tight-fitting for improved aerodynamics and support. Using four different fabrics to tailor performance across the jersey, each remains as thin and breathable as possible, resulting in a top well suited to race-level efforts on the most baking of days.
Cut with an aerodynamic slim collar profile and slightly extended sleeves with a cool mesh fabric, the reverse of the jersey incorporates three pockets with a distinctive reinforced angular cut to secure any items stowed in them.
Gobik has carefully selected each panel of fabric to ensure the best breathability and freedom of movement, especially around the seams
The CX Pro jersey's rear pockets offer a rare combination of storage space, retention in a race fit
In typically unconventional style, the company tested this design, dubbed the Gobik Retention System (GRS), by placing a smartphone in one of the pockets and bungee jumping off a bridge...
Equally suited to more grounded use, the CX Pro jersey comes in a range of bright mono colour designs or versions accented with contrasting blocks. Unisex in design, despite its racing credentials, the jersey’s cost is significantly less than most makers want for an equivalent design.
Now seen on the backs of teams including UAE Emirates, Burgos Alimenta, and Eolo-Kometa it’s part of a deliberate strategy to build a brand known for both performance and accessibility.
The CX Pro in a 'myrtle' colourway
The jersey has a pleasing finish, with carefully considered grippers that balance lightweight with stability
Covering road and mountain bike applications, other Gobik ambassadors include multiple-disciple champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and retired Grand Tour winning stage-racer Alberto Contador, the extensive experience of both riders regularly feeds back into the design of the range.
Now with Gobik’s supported athletes aiming for everything from Grand Tours to Olympic medals this summer, its CX Pro jerseys are likely to be a common sight whether they’re in team issue or consumer colours.
Our first impressions of the jersey certainly combine performance with a refined and cultured finish and fit, along with a cool breathable riding quality. We look forward to spending more time with it as the weather warms up.
You can find the entire Gobik range here.