dhb’s range for winter 2010/11 has had a marked overhaul and their series of bib tights has been at the forefront of that treatment.
The Pace padded bib tight replaces last year’s Earnley tight and is the cheapest, £39.99, in dhb’s three-strong range of full-length bib tights – reviews of the Roubaix and Super Roubaix garments to come.
Unlike their Roubaix cousins, the bib tight tested uses 190g Miti Lycra to provide an option on winter days when the mercury hasn’t fallen quite far enough to justify a fleece-lined tight or a tougher workout is planned.
And, in truth, for that they fit the bill. But dhb’s ¾ bib tights may be a better option, allowing for the extra warmth of the Roubaix fabric, but without the restrictive fit which comes as standard with full length tights.
The fabric on show here features 20 per cent elastane which, according to dhb, allows the tight to fit more body types than those with a lower count.
But on that note, dhb’s sizing is normally spot-on but the medium tights tested didn’t provide the snug fit that their Roubaix counterpart did, with extra give both on the leg and around the chamois. dhb’s tights boast a high number of panels to provide an ‘anatomical’ fit but the sizing seemed out of line with the rest of the range in this particular test and it may be worth ordering a size down if these are for you.
Cytech’s chamois’ – leaders in pad technology and used by top-end brands such as Assos – feature throughout the range. These particular tights use the comfortable Race pad, although, as to be expected for a cheaper piece, it doesn’t offer the same protection as more expensive tights in the range. See the graphic to the left.
The tights are held in place by silicon ankle grippers and YKK ankle zips with reflective piping details. Great, I hear you say? Maybe, although zips seem an unnecessary addition and having them tap away at your ankles while riding takes some getting used to.
That said, these tights remain good value for a piece which will keep your riding through the bookends of winter, although it’s worth considering an upgrade for the coldest of conditions.
An early test of the Roubaix tight has yielded excellent results. A great fit – although still with ankle zippers – comfortable, warm and breathable. The full verdict will, of course, be on RCUK in due course.
