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Review score
8/10
dhb Classic bib shorts are ideal for entry-level cyclists who are budget constrained and are not planning to spend hours in a saddle (3h+). They fit like a second skin and are very comfortable to wear, however, keep in mind that at this price point you will be getting entry-level fabric and padding.
Product and testing details
- Price when purchased: $86.24 | €71.99 | £61.83
- Fabric: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
- Pad/Chamois: Giro Super Air chamois
- Padding: Up to 6 hours in the saddle
- Cyclist: Chest 91cm, Waist 71cm, Hips 91cm
- Size: S
Positives
- Great fit (overall and chamois)
- Non-restrictive grippers
- Price to quality ratio
Negatives
- Chamois suitable for shorter rides mostly
- Fabric is entry-level (as is the price)
DHB attracts many cycling enthusiasts for its affordability and generally good quality products. In this review, I am taking a look at dhb’s Classic Bib Shorts, which are one of the most popular products in their lineup.
Fit
Online shopping is booming due to the pandemic and the days of going into the store and buying what fits great are greatly missed. That’s why proper online sizing guides are crucial. Unfortunately, I did not find dhb’s sizing guide to be accurate and went for my regular S-size (instead of XS according to the guide). My gut feeling turned out to be right so my advice would be to go for your normal clothing size or order 2 pairs if you are between sizes. You can always send the second one back. Proper fit is crucial for all cycling products and especially for bib shorts so make sure the fit is right.
In my case, the fit turned out to be very good and I was pleased with how well these bib shorts sit on. They do not cause any movement restrictions and really felt like a second skin. Definitely a strong 9 out of 10 for the fit.
Straps
The straps feel very flimsy, light, and don’t strike me as high quality and sturdy. Giving them an 8 out of 10 because of this.
Pad/chamois
The padding is entry-level quality, which is expected for this price. You will feel the saddle and might experience discomfort after 2 hours of riding (depends on your saddle and overall bike fit). On the upside, it does fit very well in a cycling position. Definitely would not recommend this pad for longer cycling sessions and if you are often experiencing saddle pain. Giving a score of 7 out of 10 for the chamois.
Grippers
Grippers are quite minimalistic on these bib shorts and I almost did not feel them on the skin. The shorts are easy to put on and take off because of this and there is no restriction of movement. I actually liked how the grippers work and the amount of freedom they allow. Scoring them 9 out of 10. The rubber quality is not the highest and there is a chance that it will wear off quickly.
Additional observations
- The fabric and overall construction are very light making these bib shorts suitable for warm weather only (16-20C+). They are quite similar to tight-fitting swimming trunks and feel the same way.
- Overall fabric quality is definitely not as good as on slightly more expensive options like Rapha Core bib shorts or even dhb Aeron. There are several places with seams across the shorts, which might start to damage after a few washes. Unfortunately, can’t speak about the longevity of these bib shorts at this point.
POSITIVES
In summary, these are the things I liked about dhb’s Classic bib shorts:
The Fit
My normal clothing size sits very well and comfortably like a second skin.
Grippers
Very minimalistic and don’t cause any restrictions in movement. Ideal for casual and more relaxed cycling.
Price
Affordable price for many and in general good price to quality ratio.
Negatives
There are several things I did not like:
Pad/Chamois
The pad is not the best for longer cycling sessions (3h+) and those who experience bum pain in the saddle.
Fabric
Keep in mind that at this price point the fabric quality is going to be entry-level so don’t expect too much from these bib shorts.
Final Verdict
I would recommend dhb Classic bib shorts to entry-level cyclists who are budget constrained and are not planning to use them on longer cycling sessions (3h+). They fit like a second skin and are very comfortable to wear, however, keep in mind that at this price point you will not be getting premium quality fabric and padding.
