dhb Classic FLT Softshell Roubaix Jacket - Brick

The dhb Classic FLT Softshell Roubaix Jacket is an effectively warm and windproof outer for dry, cold rides, and its strong build promises many seasons of use. It's cheaper than most, but the shiny feel of the outer fabric may put some people off.

• Pros: Comfortable, effective, well made, decent price
• Cons: Slightly boxy, design won't appeal to all

The Classic FLT is a solid performer in every way and does what you want it to. The fairly bulky Roubaix fleece proves warm on windy, sub-10°C rides over just a single long-sleeve baselayer, and good breathability helps with staying dry-ish and comfy. The all-important windproofing covers the front panels only, to help with that moisture management, and is very effective.

The full-length zip – though backed with a double layer of fabric – is a slight weak spot in the windproofing at speed, though to be fair, once it's cold enough to become noticeable you'll probably be wanting another layer in general anyway. It's not waterproof, and isn't claimed to be, so you'll certainly need a shell if the heavens open.

The overlocked seams are well stitched and perfectly comfortable, though they leave quite a deep pinch on the outside that doesn't look great. And while the mid-length cuffs slip neatly into gloves for a good seal, they don't react well to Velcro; this jacket developed several scruffy pulls in the cuff material (polyester with a touch of elastane, like the rest of it) from errant glove closures.

The drop in the tail is well judged, and the silicone-backed elastic has no problem stopping the chunky fabric riding up.

Above it sit the usual three pockets, plus a big-phone-friendly zipped opening on the side of the right-hand pocket. Both fabric and stitching feel more than up to being stuffed silly with winter layers and warmers.

The fleece-lined neck is similarly well judged, and a good if not massive height. Overall it's a decent loose (but not flappy) fit with room for several layers beneath, though it's perhaps a touch too roomy across the chest.

It's quite a dark jacket, which you might like, but those bright blocks help with visibility – especially as they use dhb's Flashlight reflective coating (hence the FLT in the name). Well, some do... the lower row on the front isn't treated, and neither are the blocks on the pocket (though there is a reflective one inside the pocket, for any car drivers in there).

At £90, the Classic FLT Softshell doesn't enjoy the same kind of gap to its competitors as many dhb items do. That said, it's easy to find softshells at more than twice the price, such as the Sportful Fiandre Cabrio or Assos Mille GT Ultraz, though there's still a decent choice at more reasonable levels: Galibier's £72 Mistral jacket, for instance, is also warm and windproof, plus it's water resistant.

> Buyer's Guide: 23 of the best winter cycling jackets

Many that sit around the £120 mark offer more wet weather protection – the Kalf Club softshell, Sweet Protection Crossfire or dhb's own Aeron Rain Defence Polartec jacket, for example – and it's arguably not much of a stretch to there if you're looking to invest £90 already.

> Buyer's Guide: 11 of the best wet weather cycling jerseys

Go up to £150 and you're looking at the likes of Endura's superb Pro SL Thermal Windproof II, which brings excellent fit, luxurious comfort and serious protection to the party for much greater versatility.

Overall, it's a warm and usefully windproof winter layer that should do sterling service for many seasons to come, and seems as unlikely to let you down as it is to blow you away.

Verdict

Warm, windproof jacket that's a really solid performer