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review

dhb Goldline Bib Shorts

9
£79.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Want comfort, support and excellent ventilation for hours on your road bike? Buy these
Weight: 
180g

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These DHB Goldline bibs are the Wiggle house brand's top-of-the-range shorts. They are extremely lightweight and comfortable and have a pro fit and feel. They're easily the best shorts I've worn and at under £80 offer incredible value for money. A great big 'Like' from me.

The Goldline range offers both bib shorts and short sleeve jersey in men and women's versions. We have both the shorts and the jersey on test—see the separate review for thoughts on the Goldline jersey.

 

It is obvious as soon as you pick them up that these bibs are not like other shorts in the same price bracket. They are lighter (184 grams on my scales), stretchier and use a lot of different fabrics (in DHB speak 'high performance Italian Miti fabrics'). The back and sides above the waist are made from a ventilating Antigua stretch mesh panel. The sides of the actual short bit and the straps are made from a more usual looking Lycra. The central bit and inside legs have a different textured fabric which provides a bit more friction. The leg hem uses a seamless stretch mesh with printed silicone grippers to keep things in place. These different fabrics all have flat lock seams to prevent chafing.

The result of all this tech is that these bib shorts feel every bit as 'technical' as the marketing speak promises. They feel lightweight, they fit perfectly, they are stretchy but supportive - sort of halfway between your average bib shorts and compression shorts.

The pad on these shorts is Cytech Elastic Interface's Comp HP, and is designed for longer rides in the road bike position. It uses a minimalist, flat design with a central channel to provide relief along the perineal area. It is lightweight and breathable, allowing greater freedom of movement. It's a jolly nice pad that keeps things comfortable down there when you're out for a bit.

These shorts are obviously designed to be out for a bit in nice weather; all these fabrics work well at wicking sweat away. They have an anti-bacterial finish too, keeping the pong at bay for a bit longer.

In terms of design, they are nice and understated black all the way with a couple of matt black printed DHB logos on the legs and back. There's the usual orange tab as well; that'll get in the way of fooling your mates that these are made by a more prestigious brand. There are a couple of tiny bits of reflective detailing on the back of the leg.

We tested a medium, which in my book is a proper medium. If you take medium in Endura shorts, these will fit you. If you're used to Castelli stuff, they're equivalent to an XL. They are also available in extra small, small, large, extra large and extra extra large.

I like these shorts. I like them a lot. In fact, I can't think of a single thing I would change on them.

Verdict

Want comfort, support and excellent ventilation for hours on your road bike? Buy these.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Goldline Bib Shorts

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?

From dhb's highest spec range, the Goldline Bib Short offers regular and professional cyclists an extremely lightweight and breathable technical bib short for those warm summer rides.

Specialised Fabric Technology

The Goldline technical bib short consists of an ultra lightweight construction made from high performance Italian Miti fabrics which offers extra support and freedom of movement. A CyTech Elastic Interface Comp HP chamois makes it suitable for 6 hours in the saddle.

A ventilating Antigua stretch mesh panel has been strategically placed along the center back panel to increase breathability where you need it most. Closely fitting next to the skin for a more aerodynamic fit, the straps have been bonded for maximum comfort, with seamless stretch mesh used at the leg hem to eliminate friction through intense movement. Flat Lock seams have been used throughout as an anti-chaffing feature.

It has an anti-bacterial finish to prevent bacteria from building up against the skin and wicking properties to then draw the excess moisture away from the body, keeping you dryer and more comfortable whilst riding.

Essential Features

A printed silicone gripper is fitted inside the leg hem line to ensure the Goldline Bib Short stays in place for a hassle free ride. Reflective tabs feature at the leg seam to offer an element to visibility in poor lighting conditions.

Luxury Finishes

The Goldline Bib Short features subtle signature dhb styling and is finished with a matt black printed dhb motive along the leg panel.

The Goldline collection has been designed by cyclists for cyclists and is an ideal choice for those who want a stylish, performing lightweight bib short.

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

o Technical bib shorts with a lightweight construction, ideal for summer riding

o CyTech Elastic Interface Comp HP chamois suitable for 6 hours in the saddle

o Constructed from Italian performance fabrics with wicking properties and anti-bacterial treatment

o Mesh stretch back panel for ventilation and breathability

o Bonded bib straps for maximum comfort

o Seamless stretch mesh at leg hem for next to skin fit and to prevent friction

o Printed silicone grippers to prevent leg from riding up

o Flat lock seams to prevent chaffing

o Reflective detailing at leg seam

o Subtle dhb styling

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

Extremely comfortable, very light and very breathable.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Nothing has started going wrong, but I would assume as with all ultra lightweight kit that it will last less long than sturdier stuff. This is not a criticism; it is the choice you make when you buy these bibs.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

£75.99 currently on Wiggle for a pair of proper, top-of-the-line elite performance bib shorts is a bargain in my book. Sure, you can get cheaper shorts, but not with this kind of performance.

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

Perfectly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit, just brilliant.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The fabric is so thin and breathable that I can only wear it when the weather is nice.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, definitely.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

These are the best bib shorts I've ever worn. They are extremely comfortable, stay in place and breathe well. And, best of all, they are affordable.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10

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: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

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8 comments

Avatar
Yemble | 9 years ago
0 likes

We tested a medium, which in my book is a proper medium... If you're used to Castelli stuff, they're equivalent to an XL.

hah!

As noted above they're virtually sold out.. anyone know when due to be restocked?

Avatar
Iwein Dekoninck | 9 years ago
0 likes

I thought I had given them 5/5! Must have saved the review wrong...

Avatar
stevio1967 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Well, someone must like them as they've sold out of all sizes on Wiggle, blast....

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nowasps | 9 years ago
0 likes

I notice they don't come in an extra or extra-extra medium.

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Doper | 9 years ago
0 likes

I can't buy these because I am a brand snob, sorry.

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agentvialli | 9 years ago
0 likes

The review is about right, but misses the big issue! If you dont have super slim thighs and any element of muscle, then the lacy cuff and gripper looks like you're wearing an pair of stockings!! Might be some peoples idea of 'nice' but I ordered a pair and even though they are fantastic shorts they went back in the next post in favour of Castelli Velissimo Due Bibs. The new ASV line looks much better than these....

Avatar
rapid4 | 9 years ago
0 likes

If there is nothing you would change about these bib shorts why were you not able to give them 10/10?
What would you change for them to be perfect?

Avatar
barongreenback replied to rapid4 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I can't work this out either. I could understand if the price was double but these are very well priced against the brand name competition, so why not 5 stars?

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