dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell jacket review

The dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell jacket combines windproof front panels with a fleece back for comfortable riding in cold, dry conditions

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell jacket provides a good value option for cooler, dry rides. The front windproof panels work well to keep off wind chill. But the rear is not waterproof, so wet roads will result in a wet back from wheel spray.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Windproof front and arm panels

  • +

    Some water resistance

  • +

    Good rear coverage

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Rear is not water resistant

  • -

    Valuables pocket is not waterproof

  • -

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You don’t always need a full softshell jacket for riding in milder, drier winter conditions. But the windproofing is still a boon, keeping the cold breeze off your chest. The dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell mixes windproof front panels with more breathable, but insulated, fleece fabric in the rear for a good level of cold protection.

The lighter blue windproof fabric is used to make the entire frontal area of the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell - including the majority of the arms, with just a narrow strip of non-windproof fleece fabric at the back of the arm. The front fabric provides a good level of protection from windchill.

>>> How to cycle in the wind

The dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell jacket has a fabric flap behind the zipper to avoid cold air getting in there. The collar is high, close fitting and fleece lined and made of the same windproof fabric.

Dhb Aeron hybrid softshell

The rear of the Aeron Hybrid jacket is made of non-waterproof fleece

Out of the wind, at the back, the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell is made of a thick fleece material, which provides plenty of insulation. It also lets plenty of air circulate, so that if you start to get hot on your ride, you won’t end up too sweaty and I found there to be very little build up of dampness.

>>> Winter cycling survival guide

dhb cuts the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell with a long tail, so there’s good coverage when riding in a race position. There’s a deep elastic strip at the rear bottom hem, and a narrower silicone gripper at the front, which between them stop the jacket riding up and help prevent wind ingress, while the cuffs are also stretchy, close and draught resistant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-zlRGHWA6A

Video: winter clothing buyer's guide

At the back there are the usual three open pockets, which are deep. Their top hem is made of reflective tape, for extra visibility. The fourth, zipped valuables pocket is backed to prevent its contents from getting sweaty from your perspiration. But its outer surface is made of the standard fleece, so wheelspray and rain will get to its contents.

dhb aeron hybrid softshell

There's a wide gripper to keep the waist in place

In fact, the whole of the back of the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell jacket is susceptible to rain and spray. So it’s a good idea to use an AssSaver or mudguards to keep off water from wet roads, while if you’re expecting rain, a shell jacket would be a sensible precaution to bring along.

But for drier, cold rides where you expect to ride at higher intensities, the dhb Aeron Hybrid Softshell is a good option, providing all the protection you are likely to need in a more economical package than a full softshell.

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