dhb Ladies Aeron Pro V2 Bib Short

The dhb Aeron Pro Bib V2 bib shorts are a higher specced tweak of the Aeron Race I have also reviewed. dhb's shorts are frequently good value for money for the levels of comfort and performance they offer, and I had high hopes that the V2's might be just the ticket for long days out on the bike.

One of the things that often puts ladies off the idea of bib shorts, despite their increased comfort levels for long duration rides, is the difficulty in answering calls of nature when wearing them. Funnily enough, few are overjoyed at the idea of stripping off almost entirely just to take a pee!

The Aeron Pro V2 is made from an ultra lightweight Fieldsensor fabric, designed to wick moisture quickly and effectively and be breathable to keep body temperature stable. The pad is the company's top notch CyTech 'Tour Air' elastic interface chamois, while the leg openings are broad and flat, with silicone dots as grippers.

The main differentiator for the Pro V2, though, is its bib section, which has been updated from the Pro with a hook fastening at the front to make a call of nature much easier. Aside from the hook, the bib is made from a carbon based mesh fabric, with straps that fit down the middle of the bust rather than around it.

It's a good looking pair of bibs, with attractive contrasting panels and stitching. But there's no way you'd want to wear it in any way other than under a jersey. The fit is as described, with the size 14 I tested being a fairly standard requirement for my 'sportier' thighs, with no pinch in the leg gripper region.

In wear, the Pro Bib V2 were very comfortable, with a supportive, cushioned female specific chamois that did the job without the feeling of wearing a bulky pad. On a recent 75 miler there were no problems at all with discomfort, chafing or numbness and the stretch Fieldsensor fabric did its job exceptionally too.

The leg gripper dots were effective but without the skin mangling tendencies of full silicone strips, and therefore infinitely more comfortable and flattering. Sadly the bib section didn't quite live up to the potential I had thought it might have on initial inspection. The hook design, whilst definitely innovative, didn't completely dispense with the need to pull the bib over the head and hold it safely out of the way whilst, erm, seeing a man about a dog.

Putting it back required some wriggling and fishing around behind the back, under the jersey, to pull it back over the head. It still made for an easier life than no hook at all. The bib was comfortable and didn't rub, while the central panel design means it'd be suitable for most bust sizes without any problems. The rear of the bib was nice and high and gave good riding comfort, without being overhot.

A good value pair of bib shorts (especially if you can find them on offer), with excellent comfort from fabric, fit and pad. Good for all distances of ride. Just a shame the bib didn't quite fulfill its suggested potential.

Verdict

Comfortable, good value, but the innovative bib didn't quite work how we wanted it to.