My review of the DHB Aeron Pro Bib Short.
I have quite a few pairs of DHB shorts, so in this review I’ve been able to confidently provide a comparison between a less expensive DHB bibshort, and some others from their range.
As I mentioned in my recent review of the DHB Flashlight Gilet, I’ve always thought of DHB as a brand which perfectly balances quality and cost. Essentially, you get really good gear for your money.
The Aeron Pro is at the more expensive end of their product line, so would I be able to tell the difference?
DHB shorts/longs that I already owned.
For winter riding, I’ve been using these DHB Roubaix thingies.
They’ve been superb, have lasted 3 seasons though admittedly are getting a little thin in places. I’m sure I can squeeze one more season out of them.
At the time of writing, they’re only £29.99 – reduced from £54.99, so note to self – get some more!
For Spring/Autumn riding, the three quarter length Aeron Race 3/4.
These are perfect for colder days before the summer really starts (or ends) as they keep your knees from getting too cold. They are very comfortable, though obviously feel a little more restricted than proper shorts.
In terms of a like for like comparison, I also own a cheaper pair of DHB shorts, probably bought for around half the price of the Aeron Pro. These are adequate for short rides or summer commutes but something more substantial is needed for longer rides. The Aeron Pro fits the bill perfectly.
DHB Aeron Pro Bibshort – opening the package!
Here’s a video of my first impressions when opening the package. Immediately, I could feel the difference in quality between this garment and the other less expensive DHB bibshorts that I own.
The material, whilst still being very lightweight, felt more substantial. The Aeron Pro is made up from more individual panels, so it’s contoured to better fit the body.
Construction
The ‘Field Sensor’ fabric does two magical things.
First, it wicks the sweat away from you, so that it evaporates at the surface. You’ll never feel cold and clammy in these!
Secondly, the fabric provides a compression effect. This is a slightly misleading word, as it implies that you might feel squeezed. Not so. For me, the Aeron Pro shorts feel like they’re supporting your muscles and helping to hold everything in the right place. Without feeling squeezed. A neat trick, it certainly works.
All the stitching seems to be very well, er, stitched. The item feels robust and well made. It should last a while.
Design
I’m usually not one for choosing stuff for how it looks, but I do think these shorts look great. The coloured band around the thigh, and the matching trim add to the perception that this is not your low end of the range product.
The rear of the bib is fairly small, and a very breathable mesh material which minimises the chance of it contributing to “sweaty back syndrome”. It’s as big as it needs to be for effective support.
The pad – how comfortable is it?
The Cytech pad on these shorts compares very favourably to all my other bib shorts. It’s thicker than the other DHB shorts I own, and shaped differently too.
Bottom line (geddit?) – a very comfortable pad!
On my test rides of about 90-100 minutes, it was perfect. No issues whatsoever. The front part of the pad is larger than other shorts, and so fits much better. I can recall having to fiddle with the pad position on cheaper shorts, so that it sits correctly. With the Aeron Pro, just pull ’em up and they feel right instantly.
I’m not sure if I was imagining it, but it felt like the material was gripping the saddle more effectively when climbing (seated, obviously). My less expensive shorts can sometimes slide a little on the saddle.
Here’s an image from the Wiggle website that explains the technical side.
The acid test for any bibshorts.
If I’m aware of my shorts when I’m riding, they’ve failed. I’m aiming for that blissful state of shorts-obliviousness.
I don’t like distractions when I’m riding. If my shorts are too tight, or rubbing anywhere, or the legs are resting too low or too high, it’s all a distraction.
Wearing the DHB Aeron Pro bibshorts, I was barely aware of them at all. And that’s a great sign.
Should you get some?
That’s up to you, obviously. Having bought cheaper shorts, I can honestly say that you will certainly notice the difference.
You get what you pay for, right?
Actually, this isn’t always true, is it? Or to be more accurate, sometimes what you’re paying for is the artificial hype which somehow elevates some brands to an inflated level of “cool” which may or may not have anything to do with the actual quality of the item. Those Dr Dre “beats” headphones come to mind. My son wanted some a few years ago. They cost a fortune, looked funky but sounded pretty crap. I would regard iPhones in the same way.
DHB cuts through the hype and BS and delivers the best possible quality for the best possible price.
Go check out the DHB range at Wiggle now.
[taq_review]
Hi Alan, I’ve been using these for a couple of seasons and have found them outstanding. I fully agree with your excellent review. Best wishes, Desmond
Thanks Desmond, great to hear. That’s one thing that’s difficult to assess when reviewing – you can never be sure how well the product will stand the test of time. Good to know yours are still going strong after two seasons ;-)