Gobik Envy review: a technical gilet that offers far more than meets the eye

There are garments that end up becoming essential for cycling during the coldest months, and a good vest is one of them. Gobik has just renewed its proposal with the new Envy, a technical vest that incorporates the Polartec Power Shield Pro membrane and promises high protection against wind and rain without sacrificing breathability.

Gobik Envy: a vest designed to protect without excessive warmth

We got to know it during the presentation of the UNITY Cold27 collection and now we have had the opportunity to test it on the bike. After using it, there are three aspects that we particularly liked: its fit, how comfortable it is while pedaling, and, above all, that despite incorporating a high-performance membrane, it is compact enough to store in the back pocket of the jersey.

With a declared weight of 177 grams in size M and a price of 150 euros, the Envy presents itself as an interesting option for those who train on the road during autumn and winter.

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The first thing to be clear about is that the Gobik Envy is not a conventional thermal vest. Its main purpose is to protect us from wind and moisture, while the insulation needed to combat the cold will largely depend on the garments we wear underneath.

Gobik recommends using it at temperatures between 7 and 15 °C, a range that is quite common during much of autumn and winter, especially on rides where we start pedaling in the cold and the temperature rises as the hours go by.

The Envy is designed for cyclists who maintain a relatively high intensity and need to protect themselves from the wind without resorting to a garment that is too thick.

Polartec Power Shield Pro, the key to its protection

A significant part of the interest in this vest lies in its fabric. Gobik has chosen the Polartec Power Shield Pro membrane, a technology that it also uses in its Envy 2.0 jacket and which stands out for combining waterproofing, wind protection, and breathability.

Unlike traditional membranes based on micropores, Power Shield Pro uses a molecular diffusion system that allows the evaporation of water vapor generated during exercise. Additionally, Gobik highlights that it is a membrane of plant origin and free of PFAS.

On paper, its performance is quite high, with 20,000 mm water column and a breathability capacity of 20,000 g/m²/24 h. These figures correspond to the membrane and give an idea of its protective capacity, although the behavior of the complete garment also depends on its construction.

To improve water resistance, the Envy incorporates sealed seams on the shoulders and a YKK Vislon AquaGuard front zipper. We also find a neoprene rear hem, especially interesting for protecting the lower back from splashes raised by the rear wheel when riding on wet asphalt.

The waist features an elastic band with silicone to prevent the vest from shifting, while the rear pockets incorporate a drainage system to facilitate water evacuation. Reflective details complete a construction in which Gobik has taken care of the small details.

A fit that convinces from the first moment

One of the aspects that has convinced us the most about the new Envy is how it fits.

Gobik uses its Perfect Fit pattern, with a fairly snug cut that adapts to the cyclist's position on the bike. The result is a vest that fits very close to the body, without excessive folds or that feeling of wearing an outer layer that moves continuously with the wind.

Additionally, the fabric has a soft touch and some elasticity, which is especially appreciated when we adopt a more aerodynamic position on the handlebars.

In our case, the sensation has been that of wearing a lightweight, comfortable garment that barely bothers while pedaling. The fit is sporty, as one would expect from a vest of these characteristics, so it is advisable to consider the layers we will use underneath when choosing the size.

But probably what has surprised us the most is its ability to fold. Despite having a waterproof membrane and a more elaborate construction than that of a conventional windbreaker, the Envy can be stored in the back of the jersey without too much hassle.

It may seem like a minor detail, but for us, it is one of its great advantages. Being able to start a ride with the vest on, take it off when the temperature rises, and put it back on before a descent makes it much more practical.

It is not as minimalist as an ultralight windbreaker, but it also does not force you to wear it throughout the ride for lack of a place to store it.

How the Gobik Envy performs on the bike

Once in motion, what stands out the most is its protection against the wind. The Envy manages to keep the torso shielded from the air, something especially noticeable when we are cycling at a certain speed or facing a descent. This barrier against the wind allows for better body temperature retention without the need to wear too many layers.

We also liked its comfort. The snug fit prevents the fabric from flapping, and the elasticity allows us to move naturally on the bike.

Regarding breathability, it should be noted that we are dealing with a vest with a membrane. During the most intense efforts, especially on long climbs, opening the zipper remains the quickest way to release excess heat.

And here is where the Envy's approach makes sense. We can keep it closed to protect ourselves during the colder sections, open it when the intensity increases, or store it directly when it is no longer needed.

This versatility is what we valued the most during the test. It is a garment that allows adaptation to temperature and intensity changes without penalizing too much for its weight or volume.

Regarding its waterproofing, we have not yet been able to assess its performance under continuous rain. The characteristics of the membrane and the protective elements it incorporates are promising, but we prefer to reserve a definitive evaluation until we test it in those conditions.

Our opinion on the new Gobik Envy vest

After testing it, we believe that Gobik has achieved a vest very well oriented to a specific type of use.

What we liked the most is its balance between protection, comfort, and ease of transport. Its fit is excellent, it is pleasant to wear on the bike, and it offers a good barrier against the wind.

But if we had to highlight a single feature, it would be that we can store it in the jersey pocket. For those of us who regularly ride on the road and alternate climbs, descents, and temperature changes, it is an important advantage.

We also find the choice of a membrane like Polartec Power Shield Pro to be a good decision, although we still need to verify how far its protection against rain extends.

And the price? The 150 euros for the Gobik Envy places it in a high range for a vest. It is not an economical option, but its construction, the materials used, and the level of protection it offers help justify it for those looking for a technical garment that they can use frequently.

In short, we find it particularly interesting for cyclists who train during much of autumn and winter, who seek protection against the wind, and who prefer to combine several lightweight layers rather than use excessively thick garments.

Technical features of the Gobik Envy

• Membrane: Polartec Power Shield Pro, windproof, waterproof, and breathable.
• Waterproofing: 20,000 mm water column (membrane data).
• Breathability: 20,000 g/m²/24 h (membrane data).
• Recommended temperature: from 7 to 15 °C.
• Fit: Perfect Fit, snug and with elastic fabric.
• Zip: YKK Vislon AquaGuard water-resistant.
• Construction: sealed seams on the shoulders, neoprene rear hem, and pockets with drainage.
• Other details: silicone waist and reflective elements.
• Declared weight: 177 grams in size M.
• Available sizes: from 2XS to 2XL.
• Colors: Meadow and Jet Black.
• Price: 150 €.
• Official website: Gobik Envy.