DHB started life as mail order giant Wiggle's value clothing range and quickly established a reputation for decent products at surprisingly low prices.
For 2011, they're becoming more of a standalone brand and are hoping to shift attention from the price of their kit to the quality – although prices will stay low – with a new logo, new names (no more Hampshire placenames), new designs and a more consistent look.
We're told there are plenty of exciting products in the pipeline for 2011, including helmets, luggage and some innovative 'Touch-Tip' gloves which have electrical conducting fibre on the tips of the thumb and first finger, allowing you to use your touch screen phone without getting cold hands.
For now, here's a sneak peek at DHB's winter 2010/11 clothing line. Please note, many of the pictured products are pre-production samples so the finished items may differ slightly.
Jerseys
The £29.99 Core is DHB's entry-level winter jersey, with a brushed finish, reflective details, relaxed cut and a large zip pocket plus three normal pockets at the rear. It's available in blue, red and black, in men's and women's cuts. It's one of the most popular items in the entire DHB range, and it's easy to see why: it's cheap but good.
At the £55, the Momentum jersey offers a significant step up in performance, with a race cut, articulated arms and side panels made of warm but breathable polyester waffle fleece. It has an internal chin guard strap to avoid zip irritation, and a high-rise collar to keep out the cold.
The thick, fleece-lined soft-touch Momentum is DHB's top-end jersey for winter 2010/11
A silicone waist gripper stops it riding up, and there's a discreet zipped side pocket for valuables as well as two standard rear pockets and a Velcro-fastened central pocket. Colours are the same as the Core, and men's and women's versions are available.
One neat touch on the Core demonstrates the attention to detail of DHB's product designers: the central pocket has a laminated 'sweat barrier' so you carry your phone or MP3 player without any risk from condensation.
Features like the pocket 'sweat barrier' and silicone waist grippers are unusual at this price
The Windslam jersey is lighter weight and has a polyurethane membrane covering the chest area to cut wind chill. The armpits and back are breathable, and there are three rear pockets. It's available in short- (£39.99) and long-sleeve (£44.99) versions, in DHB's standard three colours.
A Roubaix version of the Windslam jersey is also available, which ups the warmth factor and adds extra wind protection on the chest and front of the sleeves, along with a high-rise collar. RRP is £49.99. It's available in the same three colours.
Base layers
This winter DHB are offering a choice of two synthetic and two merino wool base layers. The Corefit uses the same synthetic Nanobon fabric as last year but gets an improved wicking treatment and sportier cut. Prices are £17.99 (round neck) or £19.99 (zip). It's available in black/grey or grey/red, in men's and women's versions.
The Corefit is DHB's entry-level base layer, but you wouldn't tell from looking at it
The pricier (£29.99) but warmer Aerofit features low-profile neck and cuff hems, and a stretchier 'S cafe' fabric for a closer fit. A brushed internal surface gives a comfortable feel, while coffee bean viscose has been added to the fabric mix to combat odour.
The Aerofit base layer features low-profile hems and a brushed surface for added comfort
The merino base layers are available in two thicknesses – a slimline 150 gsm (grams/square metre) and warmer 190 gsm – and with a round or zipped neck. Prices range from £34 to £45. Flatlock seams are used for comfort.
The M_150 takes advantage of merino wool's insulating, wicking and odour-control properties
Legwear
All of DHB's tights now come with the same Cytech pads used by the likes of Castelli and Gore, quality YKK zips and better, more breathable fabrics. They range from the basic Pace at £37.99 to the £74.99 Pace Superroubaix WP. Pictured below is the £44.99 Pace Roubaix, DHB's most popular winter tights.
All three tight designs are also available in non-bib, 3/4-length and short versions, or without pads. An array of waterproof trousers are also available, including fluorescent yellow options, from £34.99.
The Pace Roubaix is DHB's mid-level tight, with a Cytech Giro pad, leg zips, mesh back and fleecy Roubaix lining
Gilets
The £34.99 softshell Windslam gilet has a fleece inner lining, with a windproof membrane on the chest and a mesh back for breathability. There are two zipped side pockets, a chin guard and reflective piping. It's available in black, blue or red.
Gilets like the DHB Windslam are ideal for changeable autumn days
Jackets
DHB have five jackets for this winter, ranging from the super-lightweight £27.99 Wisp shell to the fully waterproof and highly breathable Minima (£39.99) and range-topping Perpetual and Windslam Softshell (both £69.99).
The £54.99 Signal pictured below is available in hi-vis yellow or stealthy black – in which case a healthy smattering of reflective graphics and piping will ensure you're still seen at night. It's made of DHB's 2.5 layer fabric, which is said to be both waterproof and highly breathable.
The Signal jacket is also available in a black version that DHB claim offers 'the ultimate in discreet high visibility'
Features include long pit zips, two zipped front pockets plus one at the rear, a longer than normal front cut for better protection from the elements, a fleece lined collar and chinguard, Velcro cuff adjusters and drawstrings at the waist and neck. The Signal is available in men's and women's versions.
For more on DHB products, visit www.wiggle.co.uk.
