dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell

dhb's range seems to have grown to cover virtually every single type of condition possible, but just in case there is a gap it's apparel like this Aeron Hybrid Softshell that takes out the weather-related guesswork.

• Pros: Windproof, water-resistant, breathable, well cut...
• Cons: Not fully waterproof

It fits and feels like a winter jersey as the fabric is soft and it's not overly heavy. It's the type of top you'd chuck on over whichever baselayer you think would suit the conditions and it'll keep you toasty warm without having to overplan your layering.

It covers quite a large temperature range, as I found out when racing at the Red Bull TimeLaps. I wasn't actually supposed to be riding but after unfortunately losing one of the team to a crash I had to step in.

I was planning on riding home from the event on the Sunday, so the dhb and a short-sleeved baselayer were the only kit I had for my upper body.

Racing through the Saturday night, with various stints every two or so hours from 7pm through to 6am, the temperature varied from about 12°C to 5°C and this combo worked perfectly, even into the biting northerly wind that started to rear its head as darkness fell.

The front panels and those running the length of the arms are windproof, you see, and they are water resistant too. You could certainly feel them working blocking that chilly breeze compared with other parts of my body not benefiting from the same kind of treatment.

The entire inside of the softshell is fleece lined, which is intended to trap body heat for warmth, although the rear and side panels are a much thinner fabric to allow some breathability and it works pretty well.

As daylight rose at Red Bull and the temperature crept up a little towards the mid-teens, I did kept a little damp inside the dhb, but this isn't the top I'd be choosing for those kind of conditions.

When rain does fall it'll start to bead on those water resistant panels for a time until the fabric is overwhelmed, which obviously depends on how heavy the shower is. In a light shower or drizzle you'd be looking at about an hour before you start to get wet, although once the rain stops the softshell dries quickly.

The cut is form fitting so one more for the rider who likes to go fast and hard on those winter training runs or when you're out with the chaingang. It's not tight though, so you don't need to be a racing whippet to get away with wearing it.

You get a dropped tail for good coverage when you're stooped over in the drops, and the sleeve length is great for a stretched-out position. The forearms tend to taper in before the cuff to give a very close fit, and with those cuffs being quite thin they easily fit inside your gloves to stop any annoying draughts.

The neck offers a similar setup, with a tall, close-fitting cut and a soft fleece liner for ultimate comfort. The full zip comes to a stop in a well-padded garage so there's no throat irritation either.

The bottom front of the softshell is cut higher in the middle to avoid bunching around the midriff when you are on the bike, and the hem is kept in place with a mixture of elastic and silicone grippers.

Three pockets run from side to side along the back, the two side ones dropping slightly at the opening for easier access when in the saddle. They are deep enough for even the largest of phones and taut enough too to avoid any bounce.

The right hand pocket has a zipped compartment/fourth pocket for valuables with a waterproof membrane separating the two, handy to stop sweat from getting through to any electrical devices you may be carrying.

With an RRP of £80 the dhb certainly looks good value for money when you consider the performance, and when you take into account the tidy finish and great all-round quality it looks an absolute steal (even more so at its current price of £65).

It's a very similar piece of clothing to the Sportful Fiandre Light Wind jacket with its ability to shrug off the wind and light rain, plus they are similar weights. But the Sportful costs nearly double at £150. The dhb even undercuts the Altura Podium Elite Thermo Shield jacket; okay not a softshell, but it does have a lot of the same qualities.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best winter cycling jackets

On the whole the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell is a great piece of kit that is perfect for the changeable conditions you'll find in the UK's off-season, and with decent baselayer choice it'll span autumn through winter and back to spring again.

Verdict

The perfect top for those days when you don't know if you need a jersey or jacket – the dhb serves as both