My review of the DHB ASV Roubaix bibtights.
This review accompanies another, in relation to the long sleeved jersey from the same range of dhb items. You can read my jersey review here.
As was the case with my jersey review, I’d previously been using slightly less expensive bibtights from the dhb range so it’s useful to be able to make a direct comparison and think about where the extra money goes, and ultimately if it’s worth spending any extra.
View this item at Wiggle
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Dhb ASV Roubaix bibtights sizing.
Click to enlarge
As always, I chose the size I needed direct from the sizing chart on the wiggle site. It’s never let me down before. Some manufacturers are well known for their small sizing, and it’s normal to have to order a size larger than you would ordinarily choose. Unless you know this in advance it’s very irritating. As I found out when I ordered my first pair of Castelli bib shorts a few years ago…
Having said that, this was the first occasion where I’ve questioned the sizing, as these tights do feel quite tight. That sounds ridiculously obvious, doesn’t it? The clue is in the name, after all.
Whether you decide that there’s less stretch in the dhb tights, or that they’re designed to provide some compression to aid muscle fatigue over longer rides, they definitely feel tighter than my old dhb tights (same size). They need to be pulled up carefully so that there’s enough length in them to fit properly at the pad area.
The pad
I found the pad in these bib tights excellent. It feels very firm compared to less expensive items. Whereas some cheap cycling shorts can include pads that are basically just cosmetic, nothing more than a thing sponge-like layer offering little support or comfort, this dhb pad somehow completed the union between my butt and my saddle.
Zippers
The zips at the bottom of each leg are positioned at angles, off centre. Imagine clock hands at 7 o’clock (left leg) and 5 o’clock (right leg).
Once I realised this was the case and stopped trying to twist them around to the centre (because my older bib tights all had central zips), it actually makes sense.
This garment does not have a zipper at the belly level – something my older DHB bibtights did have. This had two advantages – it meant that the garment could cover more of your belly and so offer additional thermal protection, and secondly, it helped a little if you needed to take a leak (but watch out for the zip!). This new bibtight lacks a belly zip.
Reflectives
There’s a couple of prominent reflective strips on the calf area, ideal to catch the attention of drivers approaching from behind. There are also several smaller reflectives in the lower back area, which may end up being obscured by your jacket or jersey.
Thermal properties
These bib tights, in keeping with the matching jersey, will keep you nice and warm. The micro fleece lining (the roubaix bit) does a great job, and to some extent the outer layer seems to repel water very well too. I’ve worn these in temperatures down to almost freezing conditions and they were absolutely fine. The back is a finer mesh material to allow venting so that you don’t get too hot.
Styling
These are great looking bibtights and go very well with the matching jersey. The coloured stripe across the upper leg is quite distinctive and stands out from your run of the mill bibtights.
Summary of the DHB ASV Roubaix bib tights
Overall, these are great bibtights but do check the sizing carefully.
In the past I’ve always noted that the size guides on DHB items are spot on, but for the first time ever with a DHB item, I was left feeling that maybe I would have been better off with the next size up of this particular item.
On pricing, this item retailed for £80 when first launched. That may be a little steep, but I notice that it’s now on sale for just £40 which is a total no-brainer bargain.
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