DHB Clip jersey

The Clip short-sleeve jersey from DHB is not an out-and-out racing jersey, but it's ideal for training, sportives, and any time you just want to ride fast, or - as the names suggests - bowl along at a fair old clip. So while it's not something you'd wear for tootling down to the pub, it's definitely lightweight, close-fitting, and with minimal features.

Let's look at some these three key aspects in more detail.

First, the weight. The jersey tips the scales at a feather-like 140g. The main panels front and back are made from a thin stretchy mix of Nylon and Elastane, while the side panels, under-sleeves and collar are all mesh. This means you hardly know you're wearing this jersey, but also means it's one for the warmer days.

Next, the fit. DHB clothing is the in-house brand from on-line superstore Wiggle, and the Wiggle website says this jersey is 'form fitting' (ie, body-hugging) although the illustration indicates it's a 'slim fit' (between 'form' and 'relaxed'). Personally, I found this Clip jersey to be definitely on the 'form' side - with no spare fabric anywhere, no bagginess, no flapping in the wind, and very comfortable all over - which is exactly what you want from a jersey of this kind.

And the features. The Clip jersey has a mid-length zip, giving more than enough room to slip over your head, and provide good frontal ventilation for those times when you're storming a major col in hot weather. The collar is cut away slightly at the front, so the top of the zip is lower than on most conventional jerseys, but it's fine in the warm conditions this jersey is designed for.

At the back are three vertical pockets in traditional cycle road-racing style. They're on the small side, but I found the capacity fine for everything required for several hours of summer riding - lightweight gilet, arm warmers, energy bars and gels. You might find it a bit of a squash to pack in tools, pump and spare tubes as well (I keep mine on the bike). There's also an additional zipped pocket on the centre, smaller than the main pockets but big enough for a phone or other valuables.

The jersey is longer at the back than the front, to conform to a cycling position. But, keeping to the overall close-fitting style, it's not too long at the back, and silicon strips around the inside of the hem ensures the jersey stays in place on your shorts and doesn't rise up.

There's about 50mm between the bottom of the pockets and the hem of the jersey. This, together with the short cut, means stuff in the pockets is held snugly across the base of your back, rather than hanging down around your arse as on some other jerseys - a definite plus in my book.

The Clip retails at £39.99 (and is currently on sale at £35.99). As you can pay anywhere from £40 to £80 for a similar product from other brands, this represents good value.

Verdict

Good-value, good-looking lightweight jersey, ideal for spinning along in summer conditions.