It’s certainly turned a bit wintry up here in Yorkshire, with early morning starts feeling particularly fresh, so it’s out with the leg warmers and in with the bib tights. Gobik’s Absolute 7.0 bib tights are a new addition to their range, and with sponsorship of two WorldTour teams on their palmares, I had high hopes for them.
Refined over a number of iterations, this version (number 7, I assume?) has a redesigned upper with wider straps and a more refined cut for a better shape and fit. The Absolutes are Gobik’s warmest offering, claiming to provide insulation and protection against wind and rain and are given a suggested temperature rating of 0°C to 15°C by the manufacturer.
The Absolute 7.0 is Gobik’s warmest bib tight, rated for 0°C to 15°C
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Dressing for cold winter rides is always about compromise, and the choice between protective, restrictive, potentially sweaty, but warm clothing and gear that is nicer to ride in but could end up leaving you cold (especially in the event of a shower or roadside mechanical) is a never-ending source of minor trauma for me before every ride. Unlike the upper body, legs don’t usually have the luxury of layers either, so whatever pre-ride decision you make, you have to live with it all ride long – so choose wisely!
The Absolute 7.0 bib tights are available in Black, Ultrablue, Havana kind of dark grey/brown), Sunken (emerald green) and Tapioca (pale grey) with sizes from 2XS to 2XL. Options for women are identical.
Construction
The Absolute 7.0 does not use a membrane to block wind or rain. Instead, the fleece fabric has a RAINLAB treatment that should ward off light rain and road spray (according to Gobik), along with a reasonably dense feeling construction that will afford a modicum of protection against wind chill.
Textured panel adds some visual interest
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Around each calf, there is a large reflective band, below which is a short elastic double-knit panel where the brunt of any water from the front wheel will fall. Darts behind the knees give the legs a better fit and increased articulation, whilst slightly textured material around the thigh and over the backside adds a bit of visual interest but feels similarly warm to the main fabric.
Smart reflective bands and good leg length
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
The waistband is pretty high, providing extra insulation over the stomach, and the shoulder straps are nice and wide at 45mm for support without pressure. The women’s version uses shoulder straps attached in such a way as to allow easier toilet breaks. The Lycra finishing around the waistband looks and feels a little bit cheap and old-fashioned, though.
Elastic Interface provide what Gobik says is an exclusive pad designed for long-distance comfort, incorporating different densities of foam and ‘elastic memory’. A graphene thread element in the pad reduces bacteria and helps manage moisture.
The ride
Yes, the review pair of tights in Tapioca was very pale, and yes, I did feel rather self-conscious in them, and no, they really aren’t very suitable for grimy, mucky Peak District roads that frequently include a dash of cow muck on them – dry roads only, I feel, for this colour. Fortunately, every other available colour is far better suited to dank, wintry conditions.
Having been a bit disappointed with the length of the otherwise impressive Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind tights, I was very pleased that the Absolute 7.0s were a good length, both top and bottom. At 186cm tall, the size large tights tucked nicely into my winter boots, and the waistband sat about 10cm above my naval for great coverage. Happily, the material was stretchy enough to still facilitate trips to the toilet or nearest bush, despite the height of the waist.
Movement felt unrestricted in the Absolute 7.0 bibs
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Fit in general was excellent – close fitting and supportive without being restrictive and the shoulder straps were the right length too, holding the tights in place when on the bike without being uncomfortable and constricting when stood upright. Having recently ridden in a pair of bib tights where the straps got noticeably damp (and remained so), it is worth mentioning that the straps on the Gobik’s were much better at moisture management.
I had precisely zero issues with the pad. It was comfortable from the outset, soft against the skin and it didn’t cause any irritation at any point. Of course, the seat pad in a winter tight might not be subject to quite the same levels of sweat as are generated toiling up a col in 35° sun, but they can get damp nonetheless, and the Absolute 7.0 pad worked very well for me.
I’d suggest cool rather than properly freezing weather for the Absolute 7.0s
(Image credit: Future)
Temperature regulation is a very personal thing, and particularly so when riding in winter – too many clothes are sweaty and restrictive, too few and freezing extremities or cold muscles can be a real issue.
Gobik suggests an operating window of 0° to 15°C for the Absolute 7.0, but for me that feels a touch optimistic. I wore them down to about 5° when working hard, but below that, I would look for a fabric with a membrane for a bit more protection against the biting wind, I think.
Equally, even for a wimp like me, I think they would be a bit too toasty at the upper end of that range, although I can well imagine that, as a Spanish brand, Gobik might have a different opinion. I’d suggest that maybe 5° to 12°C might be a bit more realistic.
Value and conclusion
Colour aside, the Gobik Absolute 7.0s were one of those products where, a few minutes after putting them on, I never really thought about them again, which is probably the highest praise possible. I didn’t have to keep adjusting the straps or the pad, and I never felt restricted when pedalling the bike or waddling to the cafe counter.
They were warm, comfortable and fitted well; you can’t ask much more from a pair of bib tights and €150 (about £130) seems very reasonable.
I’d say that they are slightly warmer and a bit cheaper than the Castelli Espresso bibs, which I really liked. They work very well as general-purpose, cool-weather protection. If you only want one pair of bib tights to wear in a variety of conditions over the winter, then the Gobik Absolute 7.0s are well worth considering. Just maybe choose one of the darker colours…
