The Chevron Air is dhb's new top-performance summer jersey and it boasts some neat features and high-quality touches.
It is made from a fabric that's 89% nylon and 11% elastane. It's pretty lightweight and very stretchy so although the cut is slim, I didn't find it at all restrictive. I thought the sizing about what I'd expect but I've heard other people say they've found this jersey small so check dhb's size chart before you order. Bear in mind that it's a form fit; it's supposed to sit close to your body without much to spare. Other jerseys in the dhb range, like the £44.99 Trace, are more relaxed.
I wouldn't say the main fabric is any more or less effective at wicking sweat away from your body than most others out there but the panels underneath the arms and along the centre of the back are mesh so they add a little extra ventilation, and the full-length zip allows you to let as much air in the front as you like. That zip is made by YKK so chances are that it'll stand the test of time - it's certainly going strong so far - and the lock-down puller stays exactly where you want it.
The neck isn't as high as you'll find on most winter jerseys, which makes sense for summer riding, and I found it close-fitting enough to keep out the draughts on cooler evening rides. I also found the arms snug too; not tight, but there's no flapping either, which is what you want in a jersey of this kind. Down at the bottom, the hem is elasticated so it fits closely and the silicone gripper does a fine job of holding it in place.
The pockets in the lower back are nice and deep; they're... give me a minute... 18cm from top to bottom, so there's plenty of room for your mini pump, spare tube and so on. The two on the sides are of the normal open-topped variety with an elasticated binding around the upper edge to help keep everything in, while the middle one has a flap. This does mean you can't put anything too tall in there - like a rolled up waterproof, say - but the benefit is that it's a bit more secure; nothing is going to fall out. The same is true of the extra zipped compartment on the right pocket that's handy for keeping your mobile or keys safe.
Downsides? I guess flat seams might be a little more comfortable on something as tight fitting as this - not that these seams are particularly intrusive. Apart from that, there's really nothing to moan about here, so I won't.
Available in both black and red. Although the list price is £59.99, this jersey costs £53.99 at the moment.
Verdict
High-end jersey with good features at a mid-level price
road.cc test report
Make and model: dhb Chevron Air jersey
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?
DHB say, "Chevron Air is aimed at the rider who has the highest aspirations in cycling. The slim, performance form fit jersey with discreet mesh breather panels allows for ventilation and comfort so that you can focus on getting the most out of your ride."
It's a slim-fit jersey for performance-type riding.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
No problems at all. On the whole, I'd prefer flat seams but the build-quality is very good and I didn't find the seams a problem.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
9/10
It's a really good price for this level of performance.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The flap-free fit and the mesh panels for extra ventilation - and the decent price.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing, especially.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Age: 40 Height: 190cm Weight: 74kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding,
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2 comments
Nice construction details, but who has designed this color??
DHB is boring!!!!!
Personally, I prefer a high neck for sun protection, not that we seem to be getting much of that at the moment.