Chilly autumn days call for a bit more insulation around your upper body, and Dhb's Classic Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey fulfils this requirement really well. It's toasty warm for the morning commute and the good fit makes it a comfortable top for longer club runs.
The jersey is made from an Italian polyester fleece fabric which is soft and comforting on the inside, and ideal for wearing over a short-sleeve baselayer as there is no irritation of exposed skin. On the outside, the fabric is smooth and it's treated with an antibacterial finish.
For riding through the autumn, with the temperature dropping and the wind picking up, this jersey provides ample warmth, and you can tailor the level of insulation depending on what baselayer you pair it with. There's enough space to get a thick long-sleeve base underneath if required.
There's no wind protection, so on blustery days you can feel the wind penetrating the fabric and you might want to add a windproof vest. There's also no rain protection, so don't forget to pack a jacket if the weather forecast is looking threatening. Heading deeper into winter it becomes a good mid-layer, sandwiched between a baselayer and jacket.
It's got all the usual cycling jersey features: three large rear pockets plus the useful addition of a small zipped pocket – a handy secure place to stash your house or car keys. The full-length zip is a reliable YKK number, and it's backed with a storm flap. The back of the jersey drops down and the waistband is lined with sticky silicone, plus there are a couple of reflective details. The high collar helps you to hunker down when it's really cold.
The fit is a bit more generous than Dhb's newer Professional line of cycle clothing. I tested the size medium and it fitted well, with ample room in the arms and around the shoulders. Dhb describes the fit as 'performance', by which it means close to the body, but designed to accommodate different body shapes. It's available in six sizes from XS to XXL.
Lastly, a word on the styling. Assuming a cycling jersey meets the technical and performance expectations, the big decision is the look of the top. As part of Dhb's new Classic range, the Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey's styling is quite conservative, and there's nothing that says traditional cycling like a couple of horizontal bands around the chest.
Dhb isn't doing anything groundbreaking here, but it's simple and works, and it's very reasonably priced too, making it a good choice for winter and autumn. The lack of wind and rain protection that some more modern jerseys offer means it's less useful when the weather is being a bit wild, but it's absolutely fine when keeping warm on cold, dry days is your main priority, or for pairing with wind and rain shells and vests.
Verdict
Warm and comfortable long-sleeve jersey ideal for autumn and winter
Make and model: Dhb Classic Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey
Size tested: Medium, Navy/Blue
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?
Wiggle says: "The dhb Classic Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey has been designed to keep you riding as tempratures drop. Using a warm and breathable, wicking polyester fleece fabric a warm micro climate is created. The fleece traps warm air while perspiration is transported away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. If you do find yourself too warm during harder efforts then you have the full length front zip to expel warm air and allow for extra air circulation."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Warm breathable wicking polyester fleece fabric
Full length, lock down YKK zip
3 vertical pockets with secure YKK zip pocket
Internal zip guard
Internal elasticated silicone gripper on hem
Reflective dhb logo on front chest and upper back
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
High quality construction and durable for hard winter riding.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Apart from its lack of wind protection (which isn't something it's trying to do), this is an ideal top for providing the warmth you need to tackle the lowering temperatures of autumn and winter.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
A couple of washing machine cycles so far and it's all good, and I've been using it for cyclo-cross and it's stood up to diving through (not literally) bramble-infested hedges.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
The fit is good and the material is comfortable next to the skin.
Rate the product for value:
10/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
For keeping you warm on autumn and winter rides, as a top or mid-layer, there's nothing to complain about here.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Warm and well fitted jersey at a decent price, and I even like how it looks too.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Lack of wind protection means you might need to pick a wind vest for cold and windy days.
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 score
A really well-designed, simple and no-fuss long-sleeve jersey ideal for the autumn and winter.
Age: 31 Height: 180cm Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking
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3 comments
In my experience, a long-sleeve jersey with no wind proofing and no rain protection is hardly "ideal for autumn and winter".
For 45 quid I'm all 'ears'
Not familiar with a gilet?