For some riders, it may be getting too late in the year to think about exposed legs, but if you’re still road-racing, or getting ready for ‘cross, it’s worth having a look at the new Pace Roubaix bib-shorts from dhb.

Replacing the model known as the Earnley, the Pace Roubaix bib-shorts boast a new cut and some new features. The main fabric is a medium weight (235g) lycra, bushed on the inside, smooth on the outside, while the straps and back of the bib is made from a lighter mesh – so the shorts stay up nicely without your torso getting too sweaty.

To give a good anatomical fit (ie, the ‘bend’ in the shorts to align with the way your body bends when sitting on the bike) they’re constructed from a surprising number of separate panels. This means lots of seams, but I’ve used these shorts on several long training rides of 50 miles or more, and there’s no chafing or discomfort. The many panels certainly make for a perfect fit – with nowhere too tight or baggy.

The pad is also very comfortable, with slightly different shapes on the male and female versions of the shorts.

Other features include silicon grippers to stop the shorts riding up your legs, and a little orange tab in the seam at the back. Also on the rear-end is the dhb wording and logo in reflective white, and there’s a discreet little logo in red on the right leg too.

Some bib-shorts have a zip at the front (to make pee-stops easier for the chaps); the Pace Roubaix don’t have this feature, but the front of the bib is not too high and there’s enough stretch in the fabric to do the needful.

The shorts are available in black only, and cost £33 on the Wiggle website (www.wiggle.co.uk).

Verdict

A very comfortable pair of shorts, at a very good price, ideal for autumn racing or end-of-season sportives if the sun’s out, and of course you can wear them under tights or with knee-warmers if the weather isn’t too friendly.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: DHB Pace roubaix bib short with pad

Size tested: Small

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?

The Wiggle website says this: Our PACE ROUBAIX leg wear is made from brushed Italian, 235g lycra. The Roubaix fabric is manufactured by MITI, who are one of Europe’s leading stretch performance fabric specialists. The 80% nylon – 20% elastane content offers unprecedented warmth as well as compression, breathability and durability as standard. The inside face of the fabric is soft and luxurious to touch. These are your winter saviors and will keep your warm and comfortable whatever the weather. The anatomical construction is comfortable and unrestrictive.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

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: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 49  Height: 5ft 10 / 178cm  Weight: 11 stone / 70kg

I usually ride: an old Marin Alp  My best bike is: an old Giant Cadex

I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, mtb,