dhb

You never actually want to HAVE to buy a waterproof cycling jacket do you? So it's always nice when you can do so without spending a squillion pounds in the process. The dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket promises a female specific, lightweight, fully waterproof jacket designed with cyclists in mind for a very reasonable price, so does it deliver on that fairly substantial promise?

The dhb Minima S Jacket is, as its name suggests, a minimalist waterproof jacket designed to survive the nastiest downpours whilst still being packable enough to fit into a jersey pocket.

Temporarily setting aside the 'comfort' problems for female riders associated with bib-tights, the dhb Ladies Vaeon Reflex bib tights are still the easiest and most enduringly comfortable option for keeping warm on long winter rides.

Yes, it's hard as hell to take a pee stop, but at least your back stays warm and you're not cut in two at the waist by tights trying to migrate down your legs. So, bib-tights = necessary evil.

As autumn turns to winter, it's important to wear the right kit, such as this Corefit long sleeve base layer from dhb.

With a silky feel, it's very comfortable next to the skin and it definitely helps keep you warm – whether you're tootling about on the Sunday clubrun or racing into an Arctic headwind.

As with many dhb products, this base layer comes in numerous varieties: male or female cut, long or short sleeves, high neck (with zip) or round neck. Under test here is the male cut, round neck, long sleeve version.

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.

High-visibility is a key concern for some cyclists and with this in mind dhb's brand new Vaeon Reflex bib tights are covered with 3M reflective details all over the legs, ensuring you're highly visible whether commuting or training. It's not just at night that they're useful, but when it's a bit overcast and just plain dreary outside.

dhb have really come a long way in the few years since it was launched as a clothing brand by online retailer Wiggle, and the Blade Windslam long sleeve jersey is a fine example of how well designed and keenly priced their clothing is.

An Italian Lombardia 235g Roubaix fabric is used in the construction of the jersey which has a remarkably soft feel next to the skin. To live up to its Windslam name there's a windproof membrane on the chest and outer arms panels so that the part of you facing into the wind is well protected.