dhb Aeron FLT Womens Roubaix Halterneck Tight

The dhb Aeron FLT Women's Roubaix Halterneck tights are a great design for winter, with a cosy fleece inner to keep you warm and a halterneck strap design that means you don't need to undress at all for toilet stops.

• Pros: Halterneck strap means no undressing
• Cons: Could do with a bit more reflective detail

dhb has used a halterneck strap for its bib shorts, and it's applied the same design for these winter tights. I've used the usual bib strap design, with two straps over the shoulder, and in the winter I am not a fan. In the cold, taking a warm layer off for toilet breaks is not fun.

The halterneck design is brilliant: no need to take your warm jersey off or remove the strap, the back of the tights can easily be lowered with the halterneck strap still around your neck. I have to admit I was doing it all wrong to start with, taking the strap over my head and unzipping the jersey. Then I realised there is no need to undress at all! Clever.

This is possible because of the halterneck fabric. It offers high stretch and the ability to return to its shorter length. It works very well, definitely stretchy enough to leave in place while you pull the tights down.

The one question I kept being asked was whether I could feel the strap around my neck. The answer was no, not really, and not at all when in the riding position.

Because of the halterneck design, the tights don't have a layer of fabric over your upper body like some winter tights. I didn't really feel this was an issue as I would wear a baselayer for warmth anyway, and the tights are still cut high enough at the back to stop draughts.

They're made from an Italian Roubaix fleece which provides warmth without being too thick, and is moderately breathable. Working up a hill I could feel I was getting warm, but once on the flat again temperature regulation was back to normal. I rode in temperatures of 3-10°C and was very happy with the warmth they gave. I would possibly want something a little thicker for temperatures below that, or if there was a really chilly wind. There's no waterproofing, so they are a choice for cold, dry conditions.

The tights fitted very comfortable. I tested a size 12, which is my normal sizing for kit. The tights hugged the legs nicely, not too tightly, and I didn't feel like I had to pull them up all the time. The halterneck strap did its job well, keeping them in place, and I could wear them happily all day. The length was fine too, for my 5ft 6in height.

The FLT in the title stands for 'flashlight technology', and refers to the grey flashes of high-vis on the hips. The small logos on the right leg and bum are reflective too, but as reflective detail goes, it's pretty minimal.

At the ankles there are 6in zips for easy access, and silicone grippers at the bottom. I had no problem with the zips rubbing on my legs, even with booties on.

As ever, the chamois/pad is of utmost importance. dhb uses the Cytech Elastic Interface Tour HP, specifically designed for long distances (up to five hours, it says) using ultra-high-density foam, offering temperature control and breathability. As pads go, it was comfortable, with no rubbing or chafing. It sat where it should and provided the comfort I required for rides of any distance. I used the tights with different saddles and bikes with no problems at all.

At £85 they compare well with other good quality tights we've tested, such as Santini's Coral 2.0 winter tights at £100 – which have more of a full front bib section going on for warmth – and the £120 Rapha Core tights. Neither of those have any concessions to toilet break ease, but Funkier's £59.99 Thermesse tights have clips front and back, and could be ones to consider. We have a pair on test at the moment, so will have a full review soon.

> Buyer's Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling tights

Overall, I think the dhb Aerons are worth the money, and the halterneck design is really handy for longer winter rides. I can't really judge their longevity yet, but so far they are going strong. I am also a big fan of them being navy not black – though you can get black if you wish.

Verdict

Great winter tights with cosy fleece inner and a halterneck strap design that means no undressing for toilet stops