DHB has released a new range of women’s winter road cycling clothing, ASV Professional, produced with the elite cyclist in mind. BikeRadar called in a number of items for a first look at the range, its technical features, plus style and fit.
As with the majority of kit aimed at elite-level or competitive cyclists, the cut is athletic or race-fit. Having tried on kit from DHB (Wiggle's house brand) previously, the ASV Professional range has a much closer fit, so if you prefer a looser cut you will need to go up a size.
Visually, the range takes the striking motifs and graphics that have proved popular in the Blok range and toned them down. They are still eye-catching, but now have a stealthier, more businesslike look. For the women’s ASV Professional kit, the accent colours are grey, turquoise and hot pink on a black background.
Consisting of socks, bib shorts, ¾ bib shorts, bib tights, long- and short-sleeved jerseys and a gillet, it’s a top-to-toe coordinated range that will also easily mix and match with other products, and is competitively priced.
All clothing options in the range are available in a UK 8 to 16 (US 4 to 12). Although based in the UK, Wiggle retails and delivers internationally.
Women’s ASV Windslam Roubaix long-sleeved jersey
This jersey, made of Italian Roubaix fabric, is designed for winter use. Although the fleece-backed material is soft on the skin, you’ll probably want to wear a base layer with this, partly because the seams are not flatlock stitched.
The ASV Windslam Roubaix jersey (UK£70 / $112 / AUS$150) incorporates, as the name suggests, a Windtex wind repellant membrane that also claims a degree of water repellence, which makes it a good choice for the temperamental transition seasons.
It’s worth taking into account that the athletic cut combined with the thick fabric and windproof membrane means this jersey has a lot less give than regular long-sleeved jerseys. This means sizing correctly is particularly important, and if you are large of chest or hips, you may find yourself needing to go up a size.
Apart from this, the fit corresponds fairly accurately to UK high street equivalent sizes, bearing in mind the race cut.
The back panel is made of a stretchier fabric to aid freedom of movement and comfort when on the drops, and there are three generous rear pockets plus a fourth zipped secure pocket for valuables.
Reflective details on the sleeves and lower back aid visibility in headlights and streetlights, and the fleece-lined collar and soft elastic cuffs aim to keep chill breezes at bay.
DHB Women’s ASV Windslam thermal gilet
Gilets or vests are a versatile piece of kit and a handy addition to any cycling wardrobe.
The Women’s ASV Windslam Thermal Gilet (UK£55 / $88 / AUS$118 ) incorporates many of the features seen on the Windslam Roubaix Jersey, including use of the Italian Roubaix fleece-backed fabric and the Windtex wind- and water-repellent membrane.
Three pockets at the back, a high fleece-lined collar, contrast YKK zip and reflective features complete the spec list.
The sturdy fabric doesn’t have much give, so as with the Windslam Roubaix Jersey, you may want to go up a size if you want a more relaxed fit, room for layers, or are larger in the chest or hips.
DHB Women’s ASV Roubaix bib tights
On first sight, the Women’s ASV Roubaix Bib Tights (UK£80 / $128 / AUS$172) certainly look like they are designed to combat wet, wintry weather conditions, but they also aren’t the thickest or snuggest looking bib tights we’ve encountered.
They're made of Italian Super Roubaix fabric, which feels stretchier than the standard Roubaix and is backed with super-soft brushed fleece. Internal seams aren’t flatlock stitched, however, and the fairly bulky care label is stitched into in the lower back region, which experience tells us can be uncomfortable.
Fleece-backed Roubaix Lycra straps and body rise high at the back, complemented by a rear mesh panel to aid breathability.
A YKK zip at each ankle allows a snug fit and feels secure enough not to open mid-ride. Elastic hems are augmented with a silicone grip band to keep them in place.
The integrated CyTech chamois is of medium thickness and density, and there are several reflective elements on the legs and back to aid visibility.
Women’s Professional ASV Merino thermal cycling socks
What winter cycling range would be complete without a merino garment, and socks are one of the places merino works particularly well, keeping feet warm and pong-free in cold weather.
Available in unisex and female specific options, the Professional ASV socks (UK£12 / US$19.20 / AUS$25.80) are a blend of merino wool with Elastane, Lycra and Polymide to ensure a snug fit, and come in several colour options.
