The dhb Aeron FLT Women's Roubaix Halterneck tights are a great design for winter, with a cosy fleece inner to keep you warm and a halterneck strap design that means you don't need to undress at all for toilet stops.
- Pros: Halterneck strap means no undressing
- Cons: Could do with a bit more reflective detail
dhb has used a halterneck strap for its bib shorts, and it's applied the same design for these winter tights. I've used the usual bib strap design, with two straps over the shoulder, and in the winter I am not a fan. In the cold, taking a warm layer off for toilet breaks is not fun.
The halterneck design is brilliant: no need to take your warm jersey off or remove the strap, the back of the tights can easily be lowered with the halterneck strap still around your neck. I have to admit I was doing it all wrong to start with, taking the strap over my head and unzipping the jersey. Then I realised there is no need to undress at all! Clever.
This is possible because of the halterneck fabric. It offers high stretch and the ability to return to its shorter length. It works very well, definitely stretchy enough to leave in place while you pull the tights down.
The one question I kept being asked was whether I could feel the strap around my neck. The answer was no, not really, and not at all when in the riding position.
Because of the halterneck design, the tights don't have a layer of fabric over your upper body like some winter tights. I didn't really feel this was an issue as I would wear a baselayer for warmth anyway, and the tights are still cut high enough at the back to stop draughts.
They're made from an Italian Roubaix fleece which provides warmth without being too thick, and is moderately breathable. Working up a hill I could feel I was getting warm, but once on the flat again temperature regulation was back to normal. I rode in temperatures of 3-10°C and was very happy with the warmth they gave. I would possibly want something a little thicker for temperatures below that, or if there was a really chilly wind. There's no waterproofing, so they are a choice for cold, dry conditions.
The tights fitted very comfortable. I tested a size 12, which is my normal sizing for kit. The tights hugged the legs nicely, not too tightly, and I didn't feel like I had to pull them up all the time. The halterneck strap did its job well, keeping them in place, and I could wear them happily all day. The length was fine too, for my 5ft 6in height.
The FLT in the title stands for 'flashlight technology', and refers to the grey flashes of high-vis on the hips. The small logos on the right leg and bum are reflective too, but as reflective detail goes, it's pretty minimal.
At the ankles there are 6in zips for easy access, and silicone grippers at the bottom. I had no problem with the zips rubbing on my legs, even with booties on.
As ever, the chamois/pad is of utmost importance. dhb uses the Cytech Elastic Interface Tour HP, specifically designed for long distances (up to five hours, it says) using ultra-high-density foam, offering temperature control and breathability. As pads go, it was comfortable, with no rubbing or chafing. It sat where it should and provided the comfort I required for rides of any distance. I used the tights with different saddles and bikes with no problems at all.
At £85 they compare well with other good quality tights we've tested, such as Santini's Coral 2.0 winter tights at £100 – which have more of a full front bib section going on for warmth – and the £120 Rapha Core tights. Neither of those have any concessions to toilet break ease, but Funkier's £59.99 Thermesse tights have clips front and back, and could be ones to consider. We have a pair on test at the moment, so will have a full review soon.
> Buyer's Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling tights
Overall, I think the dhb Aerons are worth the money, and the halterneck design is really handy for longer winter rides. I can't really judge their longevity yet, but so far they are going strong. I am also a big fan of them being navy not black – though you can get black if you wish.
Verdict
Great winter tights with cosy fleece inner and a halterneck strap design that means no undressing for toilet stops
Make and model: dhb Aeron FLT Womens Roubaix Halterneck Tight
Tell us what the product is for
dhb says the women's Aeron Roubaix Halterneck is a winter tight with a chamois for long distance use.
dhb says: "A balanced combination of warmth, protection and comfort, these tights will keep you enjoying the ride deep into the colder months."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
dhb lists these features:
Italian Roubaix brushed fleece fabric for Winter use
Roubaix braces with mesh back panel to aid thermal comfort
Cytech Elastic interface Tour HP Air chamois (cycling pad)
Reflective dhb logo on backside and right side leg
Reflective fabric panels on upper leg
dhb branded elastic leg opening with silicone gripper
Durable YKK lock down ankle zippers
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The tights look well made with good stitching.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
The tights performed very well in dry, cold conditions, 3-10 degrees.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
So far no problems at all. I hope the strap maintains its stretchiness with use over time.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
The size 12 fits as a size 12 should.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
The brushed fleece is great for a winter tight, and no discomfort from the halterneck design at all.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
At £85 they're not cheap, but the comfort and halterneck design are very appealing, making them worth the money.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
The tights washed and dried very well, no complaints.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They were a comfortable fit and kept me warm.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
I really liked the halterneck strap design, it works very well.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
A little bit more reflective detail wouldn't go a miss.
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 overall score
I've scored them 8 because I think they're very good: the halterneck strap is brilliant, and the cosy Roubaix fleece inner is ideal for training rides down to about 3 degrees; colder than that and you'd probably need thicker tights for the chill.
Age: 36 Height: 168cm Weight: 60kg
I usually ride: specailized dolce My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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