The dhb three-quarters use Roubaix fabric, which features a brushed (read: fleecy) inner face. This feels soft and super-comfortable next to the skin, traps air and keeps you warmer on cold days. It’s a good halfway house between the lighter fabric three-quarters and full-on fleecy winter tights.
The lower price than some of the competition is reflected in a simpler six-panel construction and seams that mostly aren’t flat locked, but this doesn’t have a big impact on fit or comfort. The dhbs are one of very few three-quarters available in XS, which makes them a great choice for vertically challenged riders, too.
Inside, the CyTech Giro chamois has dual density foam instead of the gel inserts of more expensive competitors, but in practice it’s pretty much as comfortable. And the obligatory silicone leg grippers keep the knees where they should be – covering your, um, knees.
The bib has a mesh back but the shoulder straps are the same Roubaix material as the rest, so it’s a bit like adding half a base layer to your top in terms of warmth. More expensive three-quarters are better made, but the dhbs are great value cold ride alternatives.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.