The weather has finally started to warm up a bit, and as part of my dhb review series, I’m looking at the DHB Professional ASV short sleeve jersey.
The professional ASV range is fairly new, having come on to the market in 2014. As someone who already owns several DHB articles, I was keen to review their high end products.
Other DHB items I’ve reviewed as part of this series:
DHB Aeron Pro bibshorts
DHB Flashlight gilet
DHB Women’s Aeron Race bib shorts (ok, my wife reviewed these!)
DHB Professional ASV short sleeve jersey
The first thing that crossed my mind when I tried this on was “I’m going to have to ride fast wearing this”.
Everything about this jersey says speed.
Do they design jerseys in wind tunnels? The weave is very fine, so it has an almost silky feel to it. The whole thing feels very smooth and designed to slice through air. It’s also incredibly lightweight.
In terms of fit, it’s quite tight – as in body hugging, but not restrictive in any way. I found this most noticeable around the shoulders and the sleeves. It fits like a second skin. No flappy bits anywhere to slow you down.
The rear of the jersey is a lighter material designed to avoid sweaty back syndrome. Being more of a mesh-like material, it provides a massive surface area for evaporation to occur.
Pockets: the three usual ones you’d expect, plus a fourth additional central pocket with zip access to keep your phone/money. It’s specially lined too, with what feels like a material that’s supposed to be waterproof, but I was slightly disappointed to see that my phone screen was still covered in sweat after a ride, so it’s not waterproof. In the event of rain it would probably offer better protection than just an ordinary pocket, but perhaps not for long. Anyway, this is supposed to be a pro race jersey, not an all-weather spacesuit so it would be unfair to drag it down for this.
As the material is so lightweight, I’d think twice before stuffing the pockets with the various paraphernalia of a Sunday club run. Something like a multi tool or chain tool (or anything hard and potentially spiky) could pierce the material. Stick to gels and bananas and the pockets should be fine.
Reflective dashes are thoughtfully added either side of the rear pockets, and the dhb logo on the front is also reflective. Again, this item isn’t marketed at the high-viz crowd, but it’s nice to see these little additions that could just help improve your visibility without affecting the main aim of this garment – for you to be able to perform to your best.
Design / fashion.
My wife fancied me in this! Nuff said. I think she even let out a little “phwoar!” but I might have imagined it.
Perhaps it was the tightness, showing off every muscular curve of my masculine physique. Or maybe she needs to visit specsavers. But seriously, she said it looked great and she doesn’t often comment on what bike gear looks like.
Even my 17 year old son grunted something encouraging. High praise indeed.
The diagonal stripe is visually striking, and again would help motorists to notice you.
I like the little design details on the shoulders and sleeves.
They don’t make you go any faster but for those who appreciate the cosmetic differences of a higher end garment, the dhb professional ASV won’t disappoint here either.
Ride like you’re on a mission.
It’s hard to just bumble along in this jersey. You feel like you’ve got to go fast to justify wearing it.
Zipper dee doo-dah: This jersey has a full length zip so it’s less hassle to put on and take off, and can be opened up fully if you get really hot, revealing that full on mankini look if you’re wearing bib shorts. Hot!
What’s it like to ride in?
Exceptionally comfortable, actually. I should mention something about sizing here. Once again with the DHB gear, just go with the size chart on the Wiggle site and you’ll be fine. Bear in mind that this item is designed to be snug so if for some reason you want it to be a bit baggy, go for the next size up. But that would defeat the purpose of this top, really!
Like all the best cycling gear, you forget you’re wearing it, because it doesn’t annoy you anywhere. I could even zip it up fully without feeling that it was squeezing my neck too much (something I don’t like about lots of other cycling clothing).
I did two rides wearing the DHB Professional ASV jersey before completing this review, but on both occasions the weather wasn’t warm enough to go out without my long sleeve base layer too.
When the weather does finally warm up properly (Come on summer, where the heck are you??) this jersey will be ideal. It’s lightweight and thin. There’s no way you’re going to get too hot in it. You’ll just look hot.
Yep, you got me, visit Wiggle now and buy one!
[taq_review]
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