Our first outfit test was from Dhb, Wiggle’s very own cycling clothing brand, which has always been a good option for affordable cycling clothing. In fact we swear by the brand’s higher end bib short the Flouro which is a fraction of the cost of other similar level shorts. They also offer some really good value merino wool baselayers, gilets and accessories across the range too, most of which are under the £40 mark.
For the purpose of this article we decided to put the brand’s entry level kit to the test.
To the Test:
dhb Active Panelled Jersey
At just £14.99, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the dhb Active Women’s jersey felt and performed just as well as some jerseys we have tested that are several times the price. Out of the jersey’s we tried, there is no doubt that this is the winner.
Featuring a relaxed fit, half zip, silicone gripper on the rear and three good sized pockets, the jersey is a no frills affair. The jersey is fairly efficient at wicking away sweat and the mesh detailing under the armpits and down the side meant it was pretty breathable, even on a warm day.
Sizes: UK 8-16
Stockist: Wiggle – dhb Women’s Active Panelled S/S Jersey
dhb Women’s Active Padded Cycling Bib Short
Coming in at £17.99, there is no question this is one of the cheapest bib shorts on the market. I was pretty sceptical about a bib short at this price as I do believe bib shorts are worth the investment as it can have the biggest effect on the enjoyment of your ride.
The dhb Women’s Active Padded Cycling Bib shorts were not the worst. The elastic straps was surprisingly soft and didn’t dig in anywhere. The shorts feature a slightly longer length than other brands too, and the lycra was soft and comfortable.
The chamois is the downfall of these shorts, and of course the most important aspect. For a short ride of 1-2 hours they will certainly do the job, but if you are planning to be in the saddle for longer than that at any one time, I would suggest opting for one of the slightly more expensive pairs in the range. I really cannot recommend the dhb Fluro shorts enough, they offer exceptional comfort and value for money.
Sizes: UK 8 – 16
Stockist: Wiggle – dhb Women’s Active Padded Cycling Bib Short
dhb Women’s Verve XC Cycling Jacket
This light weight, windproof and water resistant jacket was a winner for us. Coming in at £37.99, it is a little more expensive than the other items we reviewed but we feel the price tag is justified.
This jacket is perfect for chillier days, and really versatile which we love. It will not look out of place on the trails, on the road or even out for a run. It is breathable and the ventilation under the pits was pretty effective.
The jacket is a snug fit, so fits a jersey or baselayer comfortable underneath but not much more, so if you are planning of layering up, perhaps opt for a size bigger than you would normally go for.
The zipped pocket on the rear, is the perfect size for your phone while an there’s an additional hidden pocket perfect for keys or your credit card.
All in all, this jacket is a winner!
Sizes: UK 8- 16
Stockist: Wiggle – dhb Verve XC Mtb Jacket