Dhb ASV Roubaix Bib Tight

For those long, steady winter miles you need a comfortable, warm pair of bib tights, and you can't go far wrong with Dhb's ASV Roubaix bibs. A simple yet well-designed pad and heat-trapping fleece fabric make them hard to beat for £80, and a steal at their current reduced price tag of £48.

I'll take a look at the pad first, as it's pretty much the most crucial part of any pair of bibs. It's made by Cytech Elastic Interface, an Italian company founded at the turn of the century that creates pads for plenty of clothing manufacturers. Basically its idea was to make a stretchable foam pad that moved with the rider as they went through the pedalling motion to avoid hot-spots and bunching of the material.

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The one used in the ASVs isn't the most advanced from the range but its simplicity is probably one of its highlights. We see a lot of pads with multiple degrees of padding and densities, with channels running here there and everywhere, but this Cytech one has very little of that.

The padding is increased under the buttocks and sit bones, and it's a higher density than the surrounding areas that make up the rest of the pad. And that's about it really – simple. The density used for the main section is firm enough to absorb the bumps and vibrations from the saddle without alienating you from the feedback from the rest of the bike. It's breathable too, so things don't get overly warm and clammy.

The stretch in the foam means it's comfortable for long rides as well. The material doesn't ruck up as you move around on the bike and the fact that it isn't too bulky makes things just as comfortable when you have to walk around off the bike.

The ASVs are made from Roubaix material, a fleece-backed Lycra that traps body heat as you ride, keeping you warm on cooler days. It'll also use that trapped heat to keep your muscles up to temperature if you get wet.

There aren't any windproofing panels like you find on some tights, around the thighs or calves, but this wasn't something I really missed even with a cold northerly wind blowing.

Roubaix is used for the bib section too, which is pretty rare to see. They have a central mesh section to let out any excess from your back, but on the whole it isn't necessary as the fabric is pretty breathable.

Keeping the chills at bay around your midriff is a slightly raised mid-section. It's not so high to be inconvenient for toilet stops, but I must admit I do prefer something a little higher for winter use.

> Check out our guide to the best bib tights here

Moving back down to the bottom, the ankles are held in place by a mixture of silicone gripper and zips at the rear. It's a good combination as the two work well together with the tights not riding up at all.

Overall, the Dhb ASVs are lovely tights for the price – well, for any price in fact. The fit just feels right in terms of body length and the like, plus the pad is just brilliant. I can't see them letting you down on build quality either, as all of the Dhb kit I've ever owned has always stood up well to hard use and the odd knock; this ASV stuff certainly doesn't look to be any different.

The styling looks pretty cool as well, with the contrast of the bright colour blocks against the black, and gives you that full kit look if you pair it with one of the jerseys (review of the ASV Windslam jersey to come). The orange we've got here is also bright enough to really make you stand out on gloomy days.

Verdict

Super-comfortable bib tights thanks to a great pad and well-thought-out fit – they put more expensive tights to shame