dhb Women's Aeron Rain Defence Bib Tights

dhb says its Women's Aeron Rain Defence Bib Tights are perfect for early or late season riding where you just can't always predict the weather, and I have to agree. Not only do they keep out the rain in light showers, and most of it in heavy ones too, they are also both warm and breathable.

Having recently tested the excellent dhb Women's Aeron Rain Defence Long Sleeve Jersey (review to come), I fear I may have expected a little too much from the breathability of these tights. When climbing, I sometimes found a lot of moisture built up inside, which took a while to subside. Generally, though, they performed better for breathability than many of the fleece-lined options on the market, while still being just as warm.

The bib tights do come up a little small and I found myself wearing a 12 when I would usually fit a 10, so do be wary of this. Other than the sizing, the fit is great with no annoying gaps or excess material. I did find the leg length slightly long, but I know I have short legs, and didn't find it an issue at all when riding.

> Read our guide to essential wet weather clothing and gear 

The bib straps on the tights fit relatively wide across the chest and are particularly stretchy. I found them comfortable, though nothing extra special. Initially I was concerned that the chunky seams would cause some chafing but I didn't notice them once I was riding.

The base of the legs feature short zips, which were very helpful when getting the tights on and could also be undone to let a little more air in on a warmer ride. On cold rides, the rubber grippers around the bottom of each leg hold the tights securely in place and stop any draughts around the ankles.

One of the reasons the tights are so lightweight is the minimalist design of the pad. It didn't feel bulky at all and I almost didn't notice it when not riding, which was especially lovely during cafe stops. Given this, I was initially surprised at how comfortable I found it while riding. However, after three hours in the saddle I was a little sore the next day and wouldn't have wanted to ride in the tights for much longer – and certainly not six-plus hours as dhb suggests. It's a subjective area, though, and what suits one person's posterior might not suit another.

At £90, there are cheaper options for bib tights out there, but you're unlikely to find a better deal that has the same combination of warmth, breathability and water resistance. Given all that, I think they're good value, and they perform especially well on those chilly mornings when you just don't know what the weather will do. The pad isn't one of the best I've used for longer rides, though, and be careful of the sizing.

Verdict

Great fit, protective and warm, but minimalist pad is best suited to rides of up to four hours