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review

dhb Flashlight Bib Shorts

8
£39.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Decent shorts at a reasonable price with the added bonus of extra visibility
Weight: 
210g

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Wiggle's own brand, dhb has come up with these Flashlight shorts to help keep you visible in low light. As well as the reflective elements, they're a good value pair of entry-level bib shorts.

The Flashlight cycling shorts have some serious reflective trim on both legs to help prevent "Sorry mate I didn't see you!" moments. The shorts offer stretch and comfort with a thin, light pad. The idea is to provide an everyday pair of shorts that give the wearer a little more protection.

The fit is athletic: tight but comfortable. They're made from a fairly standard mix of 80% nylon and 20% elastane which gives you enough movement when you are on the bike to keep everything comfortable.

The straps keep everything in place with the 'Ceylon' stretch fabric giving you positive compression. The dhb Flashlight shorts fit well and, the fabric gives a soft, smooth finish. To keep the legs in place are silicone grippers that do just that.

At the centre of the shorts is the pad. It's not a deep or thick pad but rather more delicate. It hasn't been designed with all day riding in mind but more for commuting or shorter leisure rides. This isn't to detract from what it does; the Race LT pad is made from contoured foam and it does what it is designed for, giving you a comfy seat.

The high-vis elements are sections of 3M Scotchlite reflective print on both thighs. They've been placed to give maximum visibility and the logo on the rear of the shorts is reflective too.

The dhb Flashlight shorts are well made. They haven't been designed to offer all the bells and whistles but to keep it simple and do it well. They will allow riders to make the transition to bib shorts or provide a decent commuter pair without breaking the bank.

Verdict

Decent shorts at a reasonable price with the added bonus of extra visibility

road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Flashlight Cycling Bib Short

Size tested: Medium - Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Any rider after a pair of shorts that are ideal for commuting or shorter (no pun intended) events, the dhb Flashlight shorts will do the job. They offer a pad that will offer enough comfort for the afore-mentioned shorter rides, the remainder of the shorts are well made and do the job they are intended to. They are a no frills offering but at this price you won't quibble.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The 3M Scotchlite reflective trim is very effective, placed on both thighs it provides the rider with extra visibility. The logo on the back of the shorts is also printed from the same reflective trim.

he fit is athletic so offers a tight but comfortable fit. Made from a mix of 80% nylon and 20% elastane there is a natural stretch about the shorts. This gives you enough movement when you are on the bike to give you the best fit.

The straps keep everything in place with the 'Ceylon' stretch fabric giving you positive compression. The dhb Flashlight shorts do fit well, the fabric gives a soft, smooth finish. To keep the legs in place are silicone grippers that do just that.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The build is simple and effective. The seams are well finished, the mix of materials give the dhb Flashlight cycling shorts a soft feel. The straps aren't the tightest but do enough to keep everything in place without being too loose or too tight. The silicone gripper on the bottom of each leg are well attached and do a decent job of preventing the legs from riding up. The seams on the inside are a little harsh but they are secure.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The dhb Flashlight cycling shorts are simple in their brief. They are not wind proof and they won't keep the rain out but they offer a cheap pair of bib shorts for your commute or short events with the added bonus of the high-viz elements. For those new to the sport this is an ideal pair to start with if you've never used bibs before or you want a second pair as you start to do more cycling.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

My only concern on receiving the shorts was the durability of the 3M Scotchlite reflective trim that adorns both legs. So far over several weeks and washes there is no sign of any peeling.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

The Flashlight shorts aren't the lightest but with the nod to commuting and shorter event rides then they haven't designed for climbing mountains.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The straps keep everything in place with the 'Ceylon' stretch fabric giving you positive compression. The dhb Flashlight shorts do fit well, the fabric gives a soft, smooth finish. To keep the legs in place are silicone grippers that do just that.

At the centre of the shorts is the pad. It's not a deep or thick pad but rather more delicate. It hasn't been designed with all day riding in mind but more for commuting or shorter leisure rides. This isn't to detract from what it does, the Race LT pad is made from contoured foam and it does what it is designed for - giving you a comfy seat.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

There probably isn't much more you would expect from the Flashlight cycling shorts given that they are priced at £39.99. Wiggle's own brand, dhb have done a great job of producing effective, practical clothing without breaking the bank.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Spot on - no big aspirations but set their stall out and have done it really well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Basic but effective and the price is hard to argue with.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The reflective trim won't suit all riders but they have been designed with the commuter in mind. If they could also soften the seam finishes on the inside then happy days.

Did you enjoy using the product? I did.

Would you consider buying the product? Probably yes, if I needed a pair for the A to B stuff.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Simple but effective pair of bib shorts but at a great price.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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5 comments

Avatar
CStar | 7 years ago
0 likes

Great shorts for daily commute. A bit tight on my chunky thighs, but good value and comfortable.

Avatar
shutuplegs77 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Talk about one saggy bottom! Model needs to do some squats, quick.  13

Avatar
Cyclist replied to shutuplegs77 | 9 years ago
0 likes
shutuplegs77 wrote:

Talk about one saggy bottom! Model needs to do some squats, quick.  13

D##k

Avatar
Redvee | 9 years ago
0 likes

I've got two pairs of tse bibshorts cause Wiggle were flogging them at BOGOF and apart from the sizing being tighter than other DHB shorts I own and sharp labels I can't fault them.

Avatar
a_to_the_j | 9 years ago
0 likes

used these for commuting in the summer,
for the price, excellent shorts and agree with reviewer above..

after about 2 weeks of riding, bought another pair.

i think there is a 3/4 or full length version too !

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