The DBX 4.0 shorts from Leatt are designed to be comfortable throughout the year, and they manage it exceptionally well. However, they’re expensive, the closure is a little fiddly and pockets are sparse.
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Made from four-way stretch fabric, the DBX 4.0s are coated in a water-repellent coating to protect against spray by encouraging it to bead up and run off. They’re pre-curved for pedalling comfort, and cut to fit over kneepads too.
The panels on the outer thigh are heavier duty than the inners for more protection from the elements, while the inner panels are lighter, stretchier and perforated for cooling.
There are also a couple of Velcro straps for cinching the waistband in.
The DBX 4.0s only feature two pockets; one on the right leg and one across the back. Both are equally handy, with the leg pocket being pretty vast and well-placed for phone storage, and the back pocket being great for smaller things like keys. However, if you like to ride packless and rely on pockets, you might be left wanting more.
The zip and popper closure is super secure, but can be tricky to fasten. Once the zip is closed it gets fiddly to close up the poppers, and it’s not possible to sort the poppers out before zipping (because then you can't close the zip fully). It's a minor niggle, though.
On the bike, the benefits of the perforations are instantly noticeable. For shorts that feel so heavy duty, they’re impressively airy. Thanks to the repellent coating and selection of more robust panels, they straddle cooling with weather protection extremely well.
Although the price tag is might not be for the faint of heart, the Leatt DBX 4.0 shorts certainly live up to it if you can cope with the lack of pockets. They’re comfy, long, cooler than you think in summer and perform excellently in both soggy and dusty conditions.