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TECH NEWS
dhb's new Aeron Rain Defence clothing range designed to deal with wet weather
Dealing with the rain when cycling isn’t easy, but clothing manufacturers have been working hard over the past handful of years to produce clothing that makes it easier to keep dry (and in the process providing fewer excuses to cancel the ride) and the latest is dhb’s new Aeron Rain Defence range.
- 10 spring/autumn/winter survival jerseys… from the Gabba to the Shadow jersey
The Aeron Rain Defence range comprises a short sleeve jersey, bib shorts, arm, knee and leg warmers, aimed to provide the flexibility you need to deal with mild and wet weather at this time of year. dhb tells us it has used mid-weight fabrics with double panels in key areas for extra protection, and it’s designed to deal with high-intensity riding, so ideal for racers then.
This sort of lightweight and breathable waterproof clothing for performance cycling has become hugely popular ever since Castelli's Gabba hit the headlines a few years ago, and most clothing brands are now keen to offer something similar. Why the Gabba appealed is down to its close and aero fit, and mostly waterproof but highly breathable fabric, that works well when riding at a decent tempo.
So it's clear where the inspiration for the dhb Aeron Rain Defence Short Sleeve Jersey (£95) comes from, and that's no bad thing. It’s made from a mid-weight waterproof fabric that dhb claims is waterproof and highly breathable, and it’s constructed with non-taped seams, vents in the back panel and a full-length front zipper, all of which should help it deal with temperature fluctuations.
Features include a rear ‘Storm Guard’ to deal with spray from the rear wheel and lots of reflective details for when it clouds over of late evening chain gangs. The three pockets are protected by their own storm guard. There’s also a zipped pocket for valuables.
Pair the jersey with the Aeron Rain Defence Bib Shorts (£75) for a full outfit. They feature a CyTech Elastic Interface Comp HP padded insert which is claimed to be a good choice for long distance cycling. The main body of the shorts is made from a breathable and waterproof fabric, of a mid-weight, that is designed to avoid overheating. The shorts have minimal seams to boost comfort and there are rear mesh panels to aid ventilation.
Both jerseys and bib shorts are available for men and women in a choice of colours (but mainly just black) and range of sizes.
Finally, dhb has also released matching knee, arm and leg warmers. They’re made from the same mid-weight waterproof fabric for the front-facing panels, and a stretchier and more breathable fabric is used at the back to prevent overheating. The knee warmers cost £25, the arm warmers are £25 and lastly the leg warmers are £30.
dhb clothing has always impressed, with its combination of good design, well thought out features and always with a keen price. Mat was very impressed with the Aeron bib shorts he tested a few years ago, and we’ll be interested to see how the Rain Defence clothing stacks up - we’ll be getting some in to review soon.
- Win! Two dhb Aeron kit bundles worth £250 each
More at www.wiggle.co.uk
David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes.
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12 comments
real price for the dhbs, if you have platinum discount is just over £60 for shorts and £78 for the ss jersey.
Pretty sure I paid less than £95 for a gabba short sleeve in the sales which seem to be on for 2/3 of the year.
DHB is building up its range but the price is slowly but surely going up as well. There has to be a tipping point for what is still viewed as sportive kit. I've had 3 pairs of bib shorts from DHB, but all haven't lasted as well as 1 pair of expensive big brand shorts. I'm not expecting them to, they were 1/4 of the price and 90% as comfortable, but unless the quality is going up in line with the prices I'm a little wary.
Castelli Nanoflex Bib Shorts seem to be coming in pretty much everywhere at the moment at £85... I know which I'd go for, DHB at £75, or the Castellis at a Tenner more... pretty much no-brainer.
Is it? I've a 3 year old pair of Aeron and a 6 month old pair. The 3 year old are a bit tired, but they are used for CX. The 6 month old ones are as good as new.
The dhb rain defence ones have a better pad than the Castelli IMO. Cytech and very comfortable. Shorts are £62 on Wiggle with excellent returns policy if they did go south. If they've used a similar fabric to the aeron then it's a bit more durable than the thinner nanoflex. Sizing issues should be better as well. I can't own nanoflex in XL as the legs are over my knees. Though no such issues in the aeron or, for balance, the nanoflex knicks which are spot on in terms of length.
I'm assuming this stuff works well, but the lack of named fabrics would make me hesitate.
After all, it's easy to buy Sportful stuff at this price, and Castelli as well if buying in the sales ahead of the season.
Ive always liked the bold/simple design of the DHB stuff. This looks like a decent addition to their range.
My click finger is still hovering over the lusso aqua repel
Long sleeve only though. Also see if you can hunt down a Parentini Mossa. They are similar garments overall.
The dhb here is probably made from Windtex like the above two. So will perform as well as both of them if it is. Much will come down to cut and, for me, the addition of the contrast panel has added a seam that doesn't need to be there. I'd also be inclined to move the shoulder seam backwards. But those are minor moans.
The price? Yes, the Gabba does seem to be on sale a lot but the dhb is a) as cheap or cheaper now b) much cheaper most of the year and c) even better with a platinum discount.
The other option if you run warm is the Lusso Corsa or for slightly more robustness the Prendas Reef Jersey (especially in drops colours!)
Very Gabba at a very very good price, the big boys might be worried now?
Nah, that's not how brands work. People don't buy based on functionality alone.
I have a couple of Gabba's and Perfetto's but would have really considered, to the point of purchasing, these and saved a lump of dosh. Bought Gabba and Perfetto cos there was nothing (at the time) available like them, not trying to justify.
Yeah I suppose in this case the whole aero softshell thing was quite unique at the time and pretty much everyone would have been stuck for choice. On second look, that DHB orange/black jersey is looking quite nice. POC'ish.
Probably would consider it myself to be honest and I'm not much of a DHB guy.