dhb Pace Super Roubaix windproof bib tight with pad

When the weather is wet or cold, or both, you need your whole legs covered in something warm and sturdy to protect them from the elements. The full-length Pace Super-Roubaix Windproof bib-tights from dhb do just that.

The dhb legwear range employs various fabric types, but the Pace Super-Roubaix tights use the a relatively heavier option - measuring 245g/m2 - meaning they’re thick enough to be warm on the bike, but not too thick to restrict your pedalling.

The same fabric is used on the straps and back of the bib, for extra warmth around the lower torso. But what makes the Super-Roubaix, er, super, is the addition of windproofing over the knee. Basically, it’s just a couple of patches of fabric called Windslam, but this unassuming feature makes all the difference - protecting that most important of joints, without making the garment feel tight or stiff.

As with other dhb legwear, there are ‘bends’ in the tights to give a good anatomical fit, and several separate panels. Overall, the tights are very comfortable, with no bagginess anywhere, and none of the seams chafe. Adding to the comfort, the fabric is bushed on the inside to give a slight ‘fleecy’ feel.

The key to comfort of any pair of tights or shorts is of course the pad (or ‘chamois’) and here the Super-Roubaix tights employ the excellent quality Tour pad from specialist manufacturer Cytech. This ‘elastic interface’ is relatively thick as pads go, but designed for those long steady winter rides, with all the padding in the right places, and nothing superfluous to get in the way and cause discomfort in the nether-regions.

Most dhb tights come with or without pads and bibs, and in male or female varieties. But the Pace Super-Roubaix tights are available in only the male cut, and in just two versions: with or without pad. Obviously, if you go for the latter, you’ll need to wear a pair of shorts or a short-liner underneath.

The front of the bib is quite high, so there’s a zip at the front to make the tights easier to put on, and for access at in café loos after a tea-stop. (Well, it is winter.) There are also zips at the back of the ankle - the cause of the only minor quibble I’ve got with these tights: at slow speeds, I could hear the ankle zips rattling slightly. Strange but true. Of course, most of the time you’ll probably be wearing shoecovers over the base of the tights (or the wind will be howling), so this won’t be an issue.

As well as the zips at the base of the tights, there are loops to go under your instep (rather than silicon gripper). This keeps the tights nice at snug round the ankle to keep those winter winds at bay. Other features include reflective tabs behind the knees, plus the dhb wording and logo in reflective white on the rear-end. There’s a little logo in red on the right leg too.

All dhb legwear products are available in black only. The Pace Super-Roubaix WP with pad costs a penny under £79. Without pad it’s £7 less.

Verdict

A very well-made and comfortable pair of tights, ideal for winter riding, at a very good price.