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review
£22.00
VERDICT:
Versatile, high-performance water-resistant sleeves
Weight:
63g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Aeron Rain Defence arm warmers from dhb are a great layer of protection against the elements, complementing both the Aeron Rain Defence range and any combination of kit you like.
Featuring the mid-weight style of the Aeron Rain Defence range, these arm warmers are well up to the task of insulating you from the cold. The rain resistance they offer is very impressive, while the thickness of the fabric provides insulation even if water manages to seep through, which it did on one occasion in a fantastic 20-minute deluge.
No shame there, though, for in all other showery and light prolonged rainfall they stood up impressively well. I'd happily rely upon them for any conditions considered 'reasonable'.
They're certainly performance cut, fitting snugly around your arms from hem to hem, and retain against your arm largely because of this. You've got a silicone gripper at the upper arm as well, but it's hardly necessary for me, if reassuring for those with Froome-like guns. They're also shaped and slightly stretchy, with pre-moulded areas for your elbows, adding to the comfort factor.
>>Read more: Buyer's Guide to arm and leg warmers + 14 of the best
The fact that your arms don't generate much heat means that the lack of breathability I've found with other Aeron Rain Defence garments isn't so much of an issue here. In fact, it's welcome when the temperature drops to around ten degrees, when a reassuring layer is exactly what you're after.
Inside, for added warmth, you'll find a fleece layer on half the panels, meaning these arm warmers are well able to deal with decidedly cold weather too. Despite this, though, they'll fold away easily into a jersey pocket. They'll take up the whole pocket, but they'll fit, so if you need to remove them it's not an issue.
Dhb claim these arm warmers are suitable for three seasons, and I'm very inclined to agree with them. They'll insulate when it's cold, resist rain when it's wet, and if you pair them smartly with your main body kit, won't overheat you either. As a result, the £22 price is very reasonable, as long as you like the slightly compressive feel they give.
As length is pretty much spot on for 'normal' arms, I wouldn't recommend going a size up for fear of having too much length, so the cut is probably the only sticking point that might put punters off. However, in my view, it shouldn't.
Verdict
Versatile, high-performance water-resistant sleeves
road.cc test report
Make and model: dhb Aeron Rain Defence Arm Warmers
Size tested: Medium, Black
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
dhb say: "Ride in comfort through unpredictable weather conditions with dhb's Aeron Rain Defence Arm Warmers. A must-have for autumn, winter and spring rides, they provide shower protection, warmth and breathability to keep you riding to your best."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
dhb say: "Excellent value for money, rain defence arm warmers which also provide great breathability and warmth.
"Riding in unpredictable weather conditions doesn't have to be uncomfortable. dhb Rain defence, although not 100% waterproof, will offer you shower protection, warmth and breathability meaning you can hold off from wearing your rain jacket for the worst of conditions. This is thanks to a double panel construction, with the outer fabric providing higher impact water-resistance and warmth, while inner panels featuring a water-resistance stretch fabric give optimum fit, breathability and water-resistant protection.
"Team with a water-resistant gilet for upper body coverage."
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Great construction here, with seams that are very well made.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Truly suitable for three seasons, they're hard to fault. Perhaps they could be a smudge more breathable under duress, but I'm nit-picking.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Solid build makes for great durability.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Lovely fit for me, although some may not like the compressive feel they give.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
They come up slightly small, but do stretch to fit. This will come down to a matter of personal comfort.
Rate the product for weight:
9/10
Nicely lightweight for the protection they offer, at 63g.
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
I found them very comfortable, with no chafing experienced at all. The only reason it didn't receive a 10/10 is the fact that I know the tight fit won't fee comfortable for everyone.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
In my view, £22 is very good value for arm warmers you can use for most of the year in the UK.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Use delicate or technical wash, and you'll be laughing.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Brilliantly. I'm impressed.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The all-round protection they offer without stifling you.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing, although the cut will feel too slim for some.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Top performing weather-resistant arm warmers and a competitive price justifies this high score.
About the tester
Age: 26
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
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