The dhb Aeron Womens Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey is a mid-weight fleecy design with a great fit. It can be used as an outer layer on milder days, or underneath a jacket or gilet for more protection in wind and rain. The Roubaix fleecy fabric offers a good level of warmth for spring and autumn rides.
- Pros: Very good fit, cosy fleecy fabric, zip pocket
- Cons: No wind protection
It's an ideal choice as that mid-weight layer for autumn or spring rides when you need a little bit of warmth in conditions from 10-15°C with no wind, as it's not windproof so won't stop the wind breezing through to you. Its mid-weight means you can layer it up easily, adding a baselayer and/or a wind jacket on top.
I found the medium on test a great fit; it's my normal size so comes up as expected. It is a performance fit, figure- and arm-hugging in a good way, designed to sit close to the skin without being restrictive. The fabric is brushed fleece on the inside, but while dhb describes it as 'ultra warm', I'd say it's warm but not the warmth of a heavyweight jersey.
Features include a full zip you can lock down and a chin guard. The cuffs are elastic fabric, and the hem fitted well around the waist, with a wide silicone gripper to stop it from riding up at the back, just tight enough to keep wind out.
On the back is the classic three-pocket design, all of which are a good size and in the right place to get to stuff while on the move. The centre pocket has an extra zip pocket on top, which has a sweat resistant barrier to help keep the contents dry. I could get my iPhone 5 in, but it was tricky to get out again, especially while riding. The pockets have some reflective detail on the top edge; it's minimal but useful.
The jersey is very comfortable to ride in. It suits a non-windy, dry day best as it doesn't have any wind protection. I tried pairing it with different layers – a windproof baselayer worked very well, and a windproof gilet. Getting a sweat on working up hills wasn't a problem, with the soft breathable Roubaix fleece doing a good job of temperature regulation. If I stopped for a coffee I would put on a windproof layer to keep warm for when I got going again, and then take that layer off.
For £65 I think it's decent value and well made. It compares well with the Sportful Allure Thermal jersey tested last year, and is a little cheaper than the Santini Women's Coral 2.0 Winter jersey at £79.99.
> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best winter cycling jerseys
As a mid-weight fleecy jersey, it is versatile and very useful for spring/early autumn weather in the dry, when the conditions aren't chilly enough for a thicker top. And with its good size pockets you can cover all weather bases and carry a protective layer.
Verdict
Versatile mid-weight fleecy jersey ideal for spring and autumn, and layering up when it's colder
Make and model: dhb Aeron Womens Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey
Tell us what the jacket is for
dhb says: "A versatile, mid-weight long sleeve jersey that can be layered up to suit almost any riding conditions."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?
from dhb:
dhb Performance level kit
Ultra warm, soft breathable midweight fabric
Full length, lock down YKK zip with chin guard
Elastic fabric cuffs for comfort
Wide silicone waist gripper to stop riding up
Hi-visibility reflective binding on rear pockets
Secure zip pocket for storing valuables
Centre pocket has sweat resistant barrier to help keep valuables dry
Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
8/10
Well made and well stitched.
Rate the jacket for performance:
8/10
Performed well, a good mid-weight jersey.
Rate the jacket for durability:
7/10
Rate the jacket for breathability
7/10
Temperature regulation worked well for the mid-weight Roubaix fabric.
Rate the jacket for fit:
8/10
Rate the jacket for sizing:
7/10
Medium was just right for me, a 5ft 6in size 12.
Rate the jacket for weight:
7/10
Rate the jacket for comfort:
8/10
Very comfortable to wear.
Rate the jacket for value:
6/10
You're getting a good jersey for your money.
How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Washed fine, no problems.
Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose
As a mid-weight spring/autumn jersey it suited temperatures of 10-15 degrees.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket
I liked the mid-weight soft fleecy feel, and the great fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket
Nothing really.
Did you enjoy using the jacket? Yes
Would you consider buying the jacket? Yes
Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's a really nice jersey to wear. No outstanding features, but it does its job as a mid-weight jersey very well.
Age: 36 Height: 168cm Weight: 60kg
I usually ride: specailized dolce My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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