This article was produced in collaboration with Gobik and first published in Rouleur Issue 144
At the pinnacle of cycling, no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of performance.
While this is something of an obvious statement to make in 2026, this search of marginal gains and eking out percentage improvements is still a relatively new theory in the sport's storied history, coming to prominence under Dave Brailsford's Team Sky at the start of the 2010s.
The approach worked too — the British team victorious in seven Tours de France in an eight-year spell between 2012-2019, its riders amassing a total of 12 Grand Tour wins by 2021.
This revolutionary rethinking of decision making means that now, across the WorldTour, every aspect of a rider's preparation and kit is optimised to deliver their peak performance, stage after stage.
When it comes to clothing, this translates to drag-reducing fabrics, minimal friction points and exceptional breathability — all at a low weight.
And as the originator of marginal gains returns to the sport as Netcompany INEOS' team principal after a less-impressive foray into football with OGC Nice and Manchester United, all eyes will be on what tricks Brailsford and his outfit have up their aero sleeves — starting with the jersey and bib shorts it has created in collaboration with Spanish kit partner, Gobik.
Fast fashion
The Reactive 2.0 jersey embodies the ethos. Designed for aggressive, elite-level racing and maximising performance, it will literally make you faster; its elbow-length structured sleeves featuring raised lines that help to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the shoulders and upper arms — a key leading edge.
Beyond the sleeves, a pro-focused fit and ergonomic pattern has reduced the number of seams to minimise drag further, while a bonded construction prevents friction, aiding comfort regardless of efforts, and helps to keep its weight down to a slim 95g (size M).
(Image credit: Gobik)
Despite its lightweight construction, the Reactive 2.0 won't wilt under the glare of the French sun in the peak of summer either. Recommended for temperatures up to 35°C and packing 50+ UPF protection, its technical fabrics have the breathability required to maintain optimum body temperatures, while sweat is rapidly wicked away from hot spots.
Second skin
The finding of fractional improvements is also evident in Gobik's Lancer — the Spanish manufacturer's most advanced bib shorts, which were developed alongside Netcompany INEOS and tested by the team's best riders.
The shorts themselves use a minimalist wrap-around pattern to tread the fine line between compression and support, providing a second-skin feel with no pressure or friction points. Breathable and lightweight, the flat 4-way stretch lycra is no pushover, and is durable enough to stand up to the rigours of racing. The length has also been extended 2cm compared to the standard Gobik fit, enhancing aerodynamic efficiencies further.
Inside, an Elastic Interface chamois uses multi-density foams with elastic memory to offer support, improvements in blood flow and pressure relief from the first mile to the last. On the rear, the back panel has a ventilation panel for boosted breathability and an integrated radio pocket — an essential at this level of competition.
The innovation though comes in its use of graphene. The world's thinnest, strongest and most flexible material, it has a number of beneficial properties when used as a yarn. Its presence in the ergonomic bib straps and chamois enhances thermal regulation, while its antibacterial and odour-neutralising properties stop smells at source. It also prevents the fabric's moisture retention, keeping the short's weight close to a respectable 170g (size M) at all times, minimising gains from sweat during intense or hot sessions.
Finished with laser cut edges and a bonded construction throughout, the Lancer bib shorts are the ultimate intersection of innovation, technology and performance. And a marginal gain that you too could benefit from — whether competing in a Grand Tour or a local l'étape.
