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review
£50.00
VERDICT:
Top notch, close-fitting gilet that keeps the wind out and breathes
Weight:
155g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The dhb Aeron Lightweight Windslam Gilet is part of wiggle's Performance range, and thanks to the close fit and materials used, it's a garment you can use to add a layer without extra bulk.
The front panel uses dhb's Windslam fabric, a windstopper material that does exactly what it is designed to do. The Aeron doesn't let any windchill through and it's the perfect layer to add over the top of a long-sleeved jersey. A tall neck and accompanying zip garage help keep the draughts out and also stop any irritation to your throat.
The Aeron is designed for the type of riding that can see you start to warm up a little though, so to get rid of any excess heat the rear has a large mesh panel to transfer warm air away from the body. It works really well as you never feel overwhelmed or clammy in the dhb even when you are pushing things really hard.
I like a gilet with three pockets at the rear to replicate those of your jersey, something that a lot of designs don't have, and while the dhb is among them, it has a neat solution. Two angled slits on the side of the gilet let you access your jersey pockets and they are positioned perfectly for when you are in the saddle.
dhb kit often impresses with its build quality and durability and nothing changes here. The Aeron just feels good quality in your hands; the material is the right thickness, the seams are well stitched and it just feels like it will last.
> Check out our guide to the best cycling gilets
On value, too, the dhb is hard to criticise. The only real challenger I'd say, when you are looking for a racing fit, is the BTwin Aerofit which is a tenner cheaper. For me, though, the rear pocket access just sneaks it for the dhb.
Verdict
Top notch, close-fitting gilet that keeps the wind out and breathes
road.cc test report
Make and model: dhb Aeron Lightweight Windslam Gilet
Size tested: Medium
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?
dhb says: "A lightweight gilet which has been designed for best comfort in autumn and spring condition. It features dhb's tried and tested windstopper front panel to provide great wind protection and water resistance, keeping your core protected against windchill. A mesh panel along the back offers excellent air flow to prevent you from over heating on your hardest efforts.The gilet is finished with side-entry slots to allow you easy access to your jersey and a wide silicone waist gripper which widens the area of pressure for a more comfortable, secure fit. "
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
*dhb Performance level kit
*Lightweight, windproof and water resistant gilet
*Mesh back panel for breathability
*Full length, lock down YKK zip with chin guard
*Side entry openings to access jersey pockets
*Hi-visibility reflective detailing on rear seams
*Wide silicone waist gripper to stop riding up
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
It just feels good in your hands, really well made.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
For fast paced riding where you just want to shrug off some windchill, the dhb is hard to knock.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Solid seams and the material is hardwearing.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
It's designed to be close fitting for fast riding.
As dhb says: "dhb Performance garments are designed for keen road cyclists. Garments are intended to be close fitting, and are optimised for the road cycling position. Use of performance stretch fabrics enables a close fit without compromising freedom of movement."
"dhb work with Alvanon - the leading company in the field of body measurement data collection. By conducting thousands of 3D body scans, on a target demographic, Alvanon are able to accurately manufacture mannequins to precise dimensions which represent the average body shape for that chosen demographic. dhb believe that by working with this qualified partner who has the biggest database of body measurements in the world, that we have the best chance of making sure our customers are satisfied by our fit and sizing philosophy."
Rate the product for sizing:
9/10
Spot on, the test model medium is what I'd choose if I was ordering.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Not the lightest but still barely noticeable.
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Can't criticise it, close fitting without being restrictive.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
For me its only real competition is the BTwin Aerofit.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
A straightforward 30-degree wash saw it come up clean each time.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Great – windproof at the front, breathable at the back.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The openings on the side allowing you to reach your jersey pockets.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Ummmmmm...
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 score
It's a very impressive gilet offering that brilliant mix of windproofing and breathability without adding bulk if you are racing.
About the tester
Age: 38
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Kinesis Aithien
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.
With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.
He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.
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6 comments
Don't panic, this one works just fine. No billowing at all. It works best, naturally, with the matching dhb Aeron thermal jersey.
Yes I've seen those side pockets billowing out on other gilets - they may be good as air brakes.
Hoiking the bottom up is by far the easier option - but they can't innovate and charge extra for that
I'm not convinced by these cut-outs for reaching the pockets. The ones on my gilet are way bigger than those, but I always end up yanking the bottom up to get to the pockets, as it's such a faff fighting to get your hands in.
Having said that, I always forget to yank it back down again, so no marks for style.
How does this compare to the dhb Aeron Roubaix Softshell Gilet ? Slightly lighter weight I guess ?
There's too much choice out there now !
Exactly that, backs are different as well.
https://roubaixcycling.cc/2015/11/28/dhb-coming-of-age/
Pretty much the best gilet there is out there right now.