During the Rhine Tour in Germany I was well aware that comfy cycling clothing could make a big difference on a 450km ride. Therefore, I enlisted the help of “on a budget but don’t want to give up on performance” brand DHB. More specifically the DHB Aeron Race Cycling Shorts and the DHB Pro Padded Undershorts.
Warning this review may contain references to private bits.
DHB Aeron Race Cycling Shorts review
The DHB Aeron Cycling Shorts cost £49.99 and are available exclusive from Wiggle.co.uk. They come in both men’s and ladies editions. Unlike the slightly cheaper £29.99 edition, the pro version includes additional protection and better ventilation.
The shorts are made of 80% Nylon and 20% Elastane. This is called the Action 205 fabric. In practise it feels very comfortable to wear. When you are riding the shorts don’t rise up thanks to the silicone gripper. They stay firmly in position. Which means you don’t waste time adjusting.
The padding was perfect for the 450km ride, where we were averaging 50-60 miles per day. It absorbed some of the harshness of the road and protected my private bits from getting sore.
The air pad meant that even as the temperature rose on hot days things remained comfortable.
I’ve washed the DHB Aeron Race cycling shorts a couple of times now and they’ve maintained their quality. Hopefully meaning you won’t be rushing back to the shop a few months from now to buy a replacement pair.
Review: Overall, I couldn’t ask for more from the DHB Aeron Race cycling shorts. The subtle styling combined with the comfortable performance made them the perfect companion on long rides.
The shorts are available for £49.99 from Wiggle.
DHB Pro Padded Undershorts review
For those looking to avoid that Lycra look but still enjoy the comfort provided by cycling shorts then the £19.99 DHB Pro padded undershorts are a good way to go.
The cycling pad achieved acceptable levels of comfort when compared to the Aeron Race shorts. I didn’t experience any chafing whilst wearing the undershorts.
Temperature wise these felt slightly warmer than the Race shorts but this was to be expected due to the shorts I was wearing above them.
The DHB Pro Padded undershorts didn’t ride up thanks to the elasticated leg openings.
Unfortunately, the fit of the shorts didn’t feel quite right. Although, I wouldn’t go as far as saying I felt uncomfortable, I would say the comfort provided by the Aeron Race shorts was superior. However, at less than half the price this is to be expected.
I’ve also washed the undershorts a couple of times now and they have gone a little bobbly. Although this hasn’t impacted the comfort.
Review: Overall, the DHB Pro Padded undershorts were a good performer. They kept the temperature at a comfortable level, they didn’t ride up my leg and the padding protected delicate parts of my body. Although they’ll never match the performance of the DHB Aeron Race shorts, the advantage of them being hidden and less than half the price makes them well worth considering for most short to medium length rides.
The undershorts are available from Wiggle for £19.99. Note: In reviews on Wiggle many people recommend you go one size up. I’d support that view.
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Hi Andreas,
I got really fed-up with having a lack of padding in my shorts, and after a lot of research, I found Le Col. They are expensive (£150 for the bib tights), but are the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn on my bike. In fact, they are so good that I bought the short bib for the summer.
In comparison, the dhb, Castelli and Endura tights and shorts I had tried before really show the difference. I know the price is high, but that old problem of chafing is too painful to subject myself to and the le Col’s have eased things considerably!
Only thing is, I wish le Col would make tights that are more reflective – there are tiny tabs, but nothing like I really want for my commute through London.
Hi Claire – out of interest what sort of rides have you used these for? Length wise?
Hi Andreas,
I use them for my daily commute of around 30 miles a day and also for 60-100 miles. Very happy with them on either length of trip.
They have stood up well to the regular washing they are subjected to.
Should have said, too, that the long tights are wonderfully warm.
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