OK, before you start thinking that I’ve gone all “experimental” with my cycling wardrobe, I hasten to add that my good lady wifey person was kind enough to review this item, and have her photo taken!
There’s a lot more people cycling these days. And a lot more women too. I mean, proportionately more women than there were just a few years ago.
My wife is one of them. Only last year we bought her first road bike. A Trek Lexa. She loves the ride more than the token flowers on the paintwork (the newest models seems to have dropped the floral design).
When I first got into cycling a few years back, I remember that gradual process of realising that there is benefit to be had from investing in good quality gear. Bog standard shorts (without the bib bits) are cheaper, so I remember starting with those.
Your first cycling bibshorts are one of those “never look back” moments.
You’ll never go back simply because bibshorts are so much more comfortable than ordinary cycling shorts.
The most significant difference is that they don’t cut in anywhere at the waist. You’ll totally forget you’re wearing them.
Catherine’s review of the dhb women’s aeron race cycling bibshorts:
As I’m not a very experienced rider, nor particularly addicted at this stage, I’ve always been conscious of splashing out on some decent gear. Up until now, I had always gone for the cheaper option feeling it wouldn’t be wasted money if I didn’t get out on the bike very often.
So when the opportunity came up to try out some high quality women’s bibshorts, I snapped it up, hoping that I would notice the difference compared to average, budget gear I used to buy.
You’ll be pleased to find out that yes, I did notice a difference, and will definitely not be sending the DHB bibshorts back!
As comfort is a key part to enjoying a good ride, I’ve never been fussed about colour, style or brand name when it comes to any type of clothing. The most important thing to me is practicality. Does it do what I need it to do, come rain or shine?
I’d never worn any bibshorts before, so this article might be useful to those of you who might be pondering that particular question:
Are bib shorts worth it? Do they improve on padded cycle shorts?
If you need the short version, then yes, these DHB bib shorts are a massive improvement. Here’s a few reasons that came to mind:
Comfort
In the past I’ve always worn ordinary cycling shorts or tracksuit bottoms, which both dig in at the waist. You wouldn’t normally notice this if you’re just standing up, but when you’re leaning forward on the bike, they dig in a lot and you become very conscious of it.
The bib short design totally eliminates this, so there’s no pressure at all cutting across your waist. Bliss.
The fit and sizing of the DHB aeron race bib shorts was also spot on. I chose the size I thought I would need, from their sizing chart, and it was absolutely right for me.
The pad in these shorts was also the best I’ve experienced so far. I did mention that previously, I’ve only ever used “budget” shorts, and the DHB aeron race bib shorts are the most expensive ones I’ve tried. But it’s easy to see where the extra money goes. The difference is very noticeable, without a doubt.
Slimline
The cut is designed to be tight so that there’s no loose folds to flap about in the wind and slow you down. The garment was certainly very figure hugging and achieved this very well!
The little gel pads on the inside of the legs was a nice touch, so that they don’t slip up and down, but are held nicely in place.
Stay cool.
It’s amazing how technical sports fabrics are these days, with buzzwords like “wicking” popping up from time to time. I found that even when I was working quite hard on the bike, I never felt myself getting too hot and sweaty. Must have been the magical properties of the special DHB fabric! The back of the bib short is also thinner, like a mesh material with a larger surface area so that heat can escape and moisture can evaporate quickly. It seems to work!
Flexible and well made.
The aeron pro bib shorts are made of several panels of material, and very well stitched together. This holds the shape well. Considering that the fabric itself is quite stretchy, this makes the overall effect somewhat like wearing a second skin. It stretches and bends with you as you move. It never resists your movement, feels restrictive, or bunches up. You’ll forget you’re wearing it!
Looks good.
I know I said earlier that my main priority is practicality – how functional the garment is. Well, I suppose it doesn’t hurt that it actually looks quite nice too. In terms of cycling gear, it certainly looks the part.
Click to find out more about the DHB Women’s Aeron Race bib shorts
Summary
Very well made bib shorts that made cycling a lot more comfortable than the cheap old shorts I’d been wearing.
Are they worth paying more for? In my view, absolutely yes. What’s the point in being uncomfortable on the bike?
For more information about these great bib shorts, please visit the product page at the Wiggle site.
Other DHB reviews from ScarletFire:
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