dhb Knowle Bib Shorts £89.99

Having earned itself a place at the low- to mid-end of the clothing market, Wiggle’s in-house clothing brand dhb has designs for the higher-end, with the release of the new Knowle range.

dhb’s clothing proved through smart design and the right use of materials, and above all cracking prices, that you can get decent performing clothing at a reasonable price. The Knowle range expands on those credentials with the used or fancier fabrics and sharper designs. The results are impressive.

RCUK first tested the Knowle bib shorts, which at £89.99 enter a crowded price point and they’re immediately up against some stiff competition. Fortunately they stand up to the challenge well. While we never really found complaint with the fit of dhb’s previous clothing, the fit is a large step forward, with these shorts hugging all the contours of the body and compressing the muscles in key places, thanks to anatomical paneling.

Fieldsensor, Lycra Power and Inter Power fabrics are combined smoothly into the shorts with flat double-stitched seams and the Fieldsensor, a popular material at this price point, works hard to wick sweat away and keep your skin most moisture free. A new chamois also takes up some of that extra cost, with a Cytec Multi-D Comp Carbonium pad (what a name!). It’s made from four different grades of foam carefully placed to provide the most padding where you most need it; the effect is a comfortable chamois that provides hour after hour of happiness.

There’s other things to like about these shorts too. The wide mesh bib straps spread the load across the shoulders nicely, and the elastic gripper tape keeps the legs in place. Five sizes from S to XXL are available and three colours; black, red/black and blue/black.