The Classic Thermal Bib Tights are kind of the entry level into dhb's winter line-up, but that doesn't mean you are sacrificing warmth or comfort. With a great chamois and warm fabric there is a lot to like here for not a lot of money.
- Pros: Very comfortable chamois for long rides; soft material
- Cons: Ankle zips can clash with zips on overshoes
The Classic Thermal Bib Tights might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the top end kit on the market, but that's not what they're about. dhb's Classic range is all about keeping things simple.
The fit is quite relaxed – well, as relaxed as Lycra ever gets – so you aren't quite getting the form-fitting, slight compression feel from dhb's more expensive ranges, but they still have multiple panels to offer a decent cut, especially when on the bike.
I found there to be plenty of length in the legs, and the overall sizing and fit was pretty much spot on.
There is plenty of body coverage as well, for cold weather. The front part of the bib covers your entire stomach, enclosing your core for added warmth, and the Classics use a full-length zip here to make them easy to get on and off.
The straps themselves are reasonably wide, which stops pressure points over the shoulders, and rather than have an opening at the back to let out body heat they have a large mesh panel which still does a decent job when it comes to breathability.
Zips are used to keep the ankles in place, which I must admit I'm not a huge fan of as they can clash with zips on overshoes. I find they can rub together and irritate your heel, as well as undo themselves.
The fabric used for the main body of the tights is called Lombardia 235g Roubaix Lycra, and it's a little thicker than that found on your summer shorts. It also has a fleece style side to it where it touches your skin, to trap a layer of warm air, adding to the insulation.
> How to dress for cycling in autumn
It works well: I found the Classics plenty warm enough down to about 3°C, which I was impressed with as the material doesn't actually feel as thick as some of the other pairs of tights in my wardrobe.
The Elastic Interface Giro chamois that dhb uses looks quite simplistic in its design, with a single density foam for the saddle area and another, slightly thinner version around the outside. It has a central channel for removing pressure and on the whole it works very well. The padding is quite firm, so I found it supportive and it soaked up the small bumps and vibration from the saddle. I did a fair few three and four-rides wearing the Classics and was perfectly comfortable for the duration.
Other little details are reflective strips on the rear of the legs, and both the dhb logos are reflective as well.
Priced at £70, the Classics offer pretty decent value for money. You can't really fault the quality as they feel and look well made, with neat and tidy stitching, and all the zips run smoothly.
Many bib tights that we review cost over £100, like these Kalf Club Thermal bib tights, for example, but there is some competition out there from the likes of Caratti with its Elite Windproof tights for £65.
> Buyer's Guide: 29 of the best winter bib tights, trousers & overtrousers
Overall, I think the dhb Classic Thermal tights are very good, especially when you take into account the price. They offer a decent fit, good warmth and plenty of comfort and make a great choice for those who don't want to or can't spend big money on their winter wardrobe.
Verdict
Very good bib tights that cover the basics well, at a great price
Make and model: dhb Classic Thermal Bib Tights
Tell us what the product is for
dhb says, "The dhb Classic Thermal bib tight is a winter kit staple. If you're cycling in colder weather, the soft, thermal, Roubiax fabric will keep you warm, and the high, zipped front adds some extra insulation."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
dhb lists:
Thermal bib tight
High, zippered front for added insulation
Recommended for rides of up to 5 hours
Lombardia 235g Roubaix Lycra fabric
Breathable and warm
Elastic Interface Giro chamois
dhb branded elastic leg opening with silicone gripper
Durable size 5 Lock-down YKK ankle zippers
Reflective dhb logo on backside and lower right side leg
Reflective strips on rear calf
Information
86% Polyamide(Nylon), 14% Elastane(Spandex)
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
9/10
dhb offers realistic sizing and its chart is hard to fault.
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
No issues with washing at all.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Plenty of warmth down to near-freezing temperatures.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Very good chamois.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Ankle zips aren't my favourite retention method.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
They are at the lower end of the marketplace, with many brands that we have tested starting around the £100 mark, but there is competition out there from very good brands like Lusso and Caratti.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
I've worn better fitting and better performing bib tights in my time but not at this kind of money – you're normally looking at twice the price. For what you are paying, the dhbs offer a very good performance and loads of comfort, and are finished to a very high standard.
Age: 41 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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