DHB, mail order giants Wiggle's in-house clothing brand, consistently seem to produce good quality gear that won't break the bank. They started life in Hampshire five years ago and design kit aimed at riders of all skill levels, from the novice looking to get into cycling to the competitive sportive rider. We've just received a selection of the new 2011 spring/summer range, which is available to buy from Wiggle now.
Jerseys
The £29.99 Transit is DHB's entry-level summer jersey, with a loose, relaxed fit suitable for more casual riding. It's made from breathable polyester and has a 20cm front zip for ventilation in warmer weather. The usual three rear pockets and reflective details on the front shoulder, side and front logo make it ideal commuter clothing. It's available in red, blue and black, in a men's cut only.
A step up the range is the £39.99 Clip jersey, which has a tighter fit but is still a long way from a race cut. It has a half-length zip like the Transit, in this case 30cm long, but a tighter fit on the arms helps cut out flapping. A rear zip pocket is provided in addition to three drop pockets, with mesh side panels and a slightly longer cut tail than the Transit. It's made from 89% nylon and 11% elastane, making it stretchier than the Transit. It's available in red, blue and black.
The top-end Chevron Air, £59.99, is DHB's performance jersey and is accordingly tight, so size up. It sports a full-length zip and a seamless collar which gives a speed suit aesthetic. It has three rear pockets, plus a zipped side pocket for storing valuables. Reflective detailing is limited to a 10cm strip above the rear pockets.
The Chevron Air is a performance jersey and comes in red and black options
Bib shorts
DHB continue to use the same Cytech pads as the likes of Gore Bike Wear and Castelli in their shorts. The entry-level Aeron (£39.99) has a Race LT pad and is made from the Ceylon fabric used by many Italian manufacturers. As with all DHB bib shorts (barring the Aeron Pro), it has an 80/20 nylon/elastane composition and has been refined for 2011 to give a more athletic fit.
At £59.99, the Aeron Race bib occupies mid-ground in the spring/summer range and is uses DHB's 'Action 205g' performance fabric. A 15g increase from the Aeron bib means more compression, which aims to increase blood flow and reduce muscle stress. The shorts have a Giro Air pad upgrade and are designed for lengthier stays in the saddle. They're available in a choice of white, blue, red or all-black.
The braces and abdominal area of the Aeron Race bib shorts contain a carbon fibre yarn which supposedly regulates body temperature and reduces stress on the body
Sitting at the top of the DHB bib tree are the multi-panelled Aeron Pro bibs, which retail for £74.99 and are designed for the serious rider. Manufactured from 249g Field Sensor fabric (69/16/15 nylon/polyester/elastane), they offer the highest compression of any of DHB's bib shorts and wick sweat faster than anything else in the range. In keeping with these top-end bibs is the top-level Tour Air chamois, which sports perforations for increased airflow.
Socks
DHB's Summer Socks come in four colours – red, white, blue and black – and cost £7.99 a pair. Their Coolmax fabric helps to transfer moisture to the outside, while the toe is reinforced to reduce wear. If you like ankle socks, go for the 8cm version below. For higher rising socks, go for the 14cm option. For more on DHB products, visit the Wiggle store.
DHB's Coolmax socks are available in two lengths and four colous
