dhb Finchdean Windproof Long Sleeve Jersey

Dhb’s Finchdean is a shapely and beautifully tailored jersey cum jacket for temperatures between -2 and +12 degrees so ideally suited for cold, early season rides. However, for all its considerable charm you’ll need to stash a waterproof shell in one of the three rear pockets to keep you singing in the rain, sizing excludes smaller riders and its at the absolute limit of what I’d be prepared to pay for a Polyester derived garment.

Marketed as a windproof jersey, thanks to sophisticated panelling and quality cut it feels really close while still being quite generous-I usually struggle with medium Jerseys around the shoulders but fit felt just right with a good quality, middleweight merino base layer. Riders who are particularly sensitive to cold might just be able to sneak a jersey beneath, transforming it from jersey to training jacket without losing any of the sculpted fit. Dhb has always impressed with the standard of detailing on their clothing and the Finchdean doesn’t disappoint.

There’s the increasing obligatory MP3/mobile phone breast pocket, three traditional, if generous rear (four if you count the zippered middle which is large enough to swallow a typical compact camera or wallet) although the rubberised zip-tags can be a touch fiddly wearing heavier weight winter gloves-especially on the fly. Reflective logo and subtle Italian tricolour break up the really sharp blue/black livery, incorporating some subtle safety to boot.

Chasing through the seasonally chill and very exposed lanes,bracing winds couldn’t penetrate the material-even around the zipper, thanks to a well- insulated internal flap. A fleece-lined collar not only provides further insulation but is cut to eliminate annoying contact with most helmets.

Snug cuffs and sensibly long cut completes the package and slams the door on chill-regardless of how low your bike’s cockpit. Breathable stretch panelling brings notable improvements over the 2008 model’s moisture management but riding through an hour’s steady rainfall without a race cape will still leave you feeling soggy.

Verdict

Superbly cut jersey for cold, dry days but limited sizes will disappoint smaller riders.