dhb Blok Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey - Strata

In the last few years, dhb's clothing range has been keeping 'on trend' with more vibrant and vivid colour schemes, and more performance and racy lines. The dhb Blok Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey epitomises that – in performance as well as looks – and is typically good value for money.

The Blok jersey's design won't be to everyone's taste (there are others available), but I quite like it. It may fall from favour in a few years, but for now, I think it ticks the box quite nicely.

The jersey isn't all style though; the substance is certainly there. The Blok is marketed as a cool weather garment 'ideal for training and sportives through cooler months or a chilly spring or summer morning'. The warmth of the jersey comes from the fleecy Roubaix fabric that lines it, trapping a pocket of warm air inside the top while also being wicking and breathable. It provides warmth, but not that hideous 'boil in the bag' warmth that comes from unventilated clothing.

Out on the road, that Roubaix fabric is noticeable, providing a nice toasty snug warmth – sort of like being inside your duvet. On a few rides in the late winter/early spring, it did a great job of keeping the cold out in conditions of around 7-12 degrees when worn with just a mid-weight baselayer beneath.

However, the main pitfall of the jersey is that it is not all that windproof. On seriously breezy days you can feel the gusts rattling through the material and it certainly makes a difference to your body temperature. Although this is something that can easily be dealt with by donning another layer such as a gilet or packable jacket, it does mean you cannot view the Blok jersey as a one stop shop. (dhb does make a windproof softshell version for £70, if you think you might want the extra protection.)

Likewise in the wet – the jersey isn't designed to be waterproof or water resistant. But while the jersey isn't the lightest and thinnest of garments out there, it is certainly thin enough to function as a mid-layer, making layering items over the top easily possible.

For a brand at the lower end of the price market, dhb does a good job with the finishing touches: there is a zipped and waterproof pocket in the centre for your essentials, allowing you to keep your keys and cash separate and safe from all the other junk that goes with you on a ride. The three main pockets are a generous size and provide a good element of stretch, meaning you can cram them full of snacks, tools, and that extra layer that you may need... The cuffs are elasticated, meaning they stay in place relatively well around the wrist, preventing that annoying gap that can occur in so many other long-sleeve items.

The cut is labelled as 'performance' and the jersey is generally nice and close fitting, even on a climber type like me, although there is some excess material and bunching around the stomach when lower on the hoods or in the drops. It's a bit of a shame but not a huge issue. A typical problem with long-sleeve jerseys for gangly types like me is the sleeves being too short, but the Blok jersey is just about right, with the arms ending neatly just above my wrist when on the bike.

At £55, the jersey represents great value for money in a market where prices seem to be escalating by the day. It sits firmly alongside the also well-rated and similarly priced Altura Nightvision 2 Thermo Long Sleeve Jersey, offering the same thermal features and value for money. If you've got a touch more to spend, investing another £15 could get you the highly rated Pearl Izumi thermal jersey for £69.99. 

> Buyer's Guide: The best long-sleeve cycling jerseys

So, all in all, it's a great bit of kit and it's not going to sting your wallet. If you need a jersey to keep you warm and fit well, it certainly does the job. There are a few downsides, such as the lack of windproofing and slight excess of fabric around the stomach, but unless you're planning on using this for your 'A' race or sportive, I can't see that being a huge issue.

Verdict

A striking looking jersey to keep the cool at bay without breaking the bank in the process