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dhb Vaeon Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey

8
£69.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A wise investment for any cyclist hoping to ride through the year and at this price is a steal
Weight: 
347g
Contact: 
www.wiggle.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Cold-weather cycling clothing is now a necessity, and dhb's Vaeon Roubaix Long Sleeve jersey is a fine insulated top for autumn and early winter with a good fit and decent price.

It's made from the same 235g Lombardia Roubaix Lycra as used in the Vaeon Roubaix Bib tights. A mid-weight fabric, it isn't too bulky and fits closely next to the body and works well in the current temperatures. Paired with a short sleeve base layer it's good for harder training rides, or worn with a long sleeve base layer is good for steady tempo rides.

The jersey's hard-working fabric copes well in a range of temperatures making it a good number for year-round use and all but the coldest winter days. I can see it doubling up equally well in the spring. It lacks wind resistance in the front panels, but this is easily solved by slipping a windproof gilet on over the top, increasing the workable range of the top well into the winter.

dhb clothing tends to fit well and the Vaeon is no exception. The medium I tested fitted almost perfectly. It's close-fitting but not so snug that you have to breathe in to do up the full-length zip, and there's comfortably space for a long sleeve base layer underneath. It's not quite perfect though - the waistline is my only gripe. Even though the hem is lined with silicone gripper tape, the waist sags too much when you put a spare tube, pump, phone, house keys and some cash into the rear pockets. Once on the bike and crouched over it's not that bad, but I'd like to see the fit in this area improved to match the fit in the rest of the jersey.

You get three pockets out back in which to carry tools and food for a ride. The middle one is a bit taller and easily takes a mini-pump, while the other two are slightly angled for easier access. Atop the middle pocket is a smaller zipped pocket that is good for stashing car/house keys/cake shop money. They're generously sized for carrying enough essentials for a ride of any length.

Visibility is a key concern for many at this time of year and the Vaeon has reflective detailing around the outside of the arms and out back, as well as 3M reflective logos. While not reflective, the areas of white also help to break up what is otherwise an overly black jersey - boosting visibility in low light conditions.

dhb's Roubaix jersey is one of those tops that most cyclists really should have in their kit bag. Worn with either a short or long sleeve base layer, depending on preference or riding speed, and with a lightweight shell or gilet tucked in one of the rear pockets, you're well prepared for most weather conditions in the autumn.

As we approach the wetter season you only need to add a waterproof hardshell over the top to give full protection when the weather gets nasty. And to top it all the dhb is a very attractive price. You can spend more, but you really don't need to.

Verdict

A wise investment for any cyclist hoping to ride through the year and at this price is a steal.

road.cc test report

Make and model: DHB Vaeon Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey

Size tested: Medium

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?

For the rider who wants a form fitting winter jersey, made from premium Italian Roubaix fabric and a clean aesthetic synonymous to the dhb brand.

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

This VAEON Roubaix jersey can be worn with the VAEON Roubaix legwear series to provide a winter outfit ideal for longer rides at medium to high intensities suitable to general UK winter conditions. Layer up with a merino base layer to further increase the warmth.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

A versatile top that insulates well in cold conditions and is good for year-round use

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10

It's a mid-weight fabric that feels light to wear but still manages to keep the cold at bay.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

The Roubaix fabric is very soft next to the skin when worn with a short sleeve base layer. Fit around the shoulders, arms and neck is good.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Excellent value, it's half the price of some equivalent jerseys.

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

Impressively. It lacks wind resistance but that is easily solved with a windproof gilet.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's a bit baggy around the waist when you load up the pockets with anything too heavy.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

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, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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