For most cyclists, winter isn’t the most difficult season to outfit their rides. Instead, Fall or shoulder season riding can be more challenging as it can be too cold to wear summer kits but too warm for thick winter kits. In this review we’ll be looking at Velocio’s answer to shoulder season riding with four items: Signature Long Sleeve, Thermal Bib Tight, Merino Mesh LS Base Layer and the Winter Wool Socks. We’ll be looking at the Women’s versions but Velocio also offers the same items in men’s versions as well. Colder weather riding or shoulder season is all about versatility, warmth and breathability which is why we specifically assembled this kit. Starting from the top, the $189 Signature Long Sleeve eliminates the need for arm warmers and uses a combination of mid-weight Denier Gradient Italian milled fabric and micro-fleece lining. Velocio’s suggested temperature range for the Signature Long Sleeve is 45-65°F and offers a tailored fit that can accommodate layering for colder temperatures.

The Velocio Block Print SE, Ultralight Bib Short, and Ultralight Glove offer a form fitting design and lightweight construction that’s perfect for all day or warm weather rides.

Speaking of base layers, we’ll be also looking at the Merino Mesh LS base layer which is a three-season baselayer.  Constructed of ultrafine merino wool with polyester added for strength and durability, the $99 base layer is ideal for layering. On top of that, the $269 Thermal Bib Tights combines Velocio’s proprietary Signature Chamois with a fleece backed and DWR treated bib tights. Unique features of the Velocio Bib tights are their FlyFree bathroom-break friendly design and seamless microfiber bib straps for all day comfort. Finally the $28 Winter wool socks keep your toes warm by using ultra-fine merino wool blend and an optimized lightweight construction. As with most of Velocio’s apparel, the items have been expertly made in Europe with sustainability in mind which means Velocio has streamlined everything from the production to the delivery of the apparel in biodegradable bags to offer the best combination of performance and value. We’re very once again thankful to feature a brand that cares about a multitude of issues.

Signature Long SleeveThermal Bib TightsMerino Mesh LS Base LayerWinter Wool Socks
RatingDesign:  A
Size: A+
Comfort: A+
Design:  A+
Size: A+
ComfortA+
Design:  A
Size: A
ComfortA
Design:  A+
Size:   A+
Comfort  A+
Retail Price$189$269$99$28
Likes– Vibrant block print.
– Large and secure rear pockets.
– Lightweight and well ventilated.
– Form fitting and compressive material.
– Comfortable even in extreme temperatures.
– Reflective details add nighttime
– Light and well ventilated.
– Available in a variety of color schemes.
– Well placed fabric pulls.
-Thin and well ventilated
– Available in variety of matching colors to complete a kit


Dislikes– Torso length could be a bit longer

Where to Buy (US)VelocioVelocioVelocioVelocio

UNBOXING

Consistent with Velocio’s sustainable approach, each of the items arrived in biodegradable bags enclosed in a compostable mailer with minimal tags and no extra packing material.

SIGNATURE LONG SLEEVE JERSEY

Positioned near the center of Velocio’s long sleeve lineup, the Signature Long Sleeve is Velocio’s answer for the fall/spring shoulder season. Designed to replace the short-sleeve/ arm warmer combo, the Signature Long Sleeve is designed to be versatile and comfortable. Velocio offers the jersey in multiple solid colors from Deep Sea (Teal), Army (Green), Fire Red, and Anthracite (Black). It’s a sleek premium looking jersey especially combined with Velocio’s minimal branding. For those looking for something more vibrant, Velocio also offers seasonal and special edition prints which come in bright graphics like the block print short sleeve.

The jersey features a full length front zipper with a lightweight YKK CamLock zipper and double zipper garages (i.e. one at the chin and one at the hem). We found the zipper worked well and was easy to operate on the road with one hand. Raglan style sleeves eliminate the shoulder seam and allow for better range of motion and makes it easy to switch between drops or the hoods. Branding is limited to a subtle reflective Velocio logo on the chest and one on the rear left pocket. The jersey is constructed from recycled ultralight high gauge Italian knit fabric and feels soft to the touch while providing ventilation and UPF30 sun protection.

Velocio Shoulder Season Cycling Kit - Signature Long Sleeve / Thermal Bib Tights / Merino Mesh Layer
The Signature Long Sleeve Jersey has a premium look and tailored design that works well with layering.

The panel design with Raglan 2-piece sleeves conforms with the body shape. It has a full-length zipper with windproof flap and a zipper garage on the top. To keep the cold out, the collar is also slightly raised with micro-fleece lining. The lining can also be found on the sleeve cuffs which also have an angled cut to allow more room for your thumb. On the rear, there are three open pockets as well as a zippered side pocket to store cash/cards. The open pockets have elastic tops and are deep enough for snacks and tools. The pocket openings are reinforced to hold up to multiple uses. One thing we would have liked is if the front torso was about an inch or two longer. The sleeves were the perfect length the jersey is true to size (S) with a flattering fit while still allowing for base layers to be worn underneath for additional warmth.

THERMAL BIB TIGHTS

When the weather starts to get colder, cold air will quickly find any exposed areas or gaps in your cycling kit. One of the most glaring gaps can be between leg warmers and bib shorts which is why the Thermal Bib Tights are essential for fall or winter riding. With a full length design, the bib tights offer impressive warmth with ThermoRoubaix Power fabric construction made with fleece backing and DWR treatment to keep you comfortable but minimize bulk. While it’s thicker than lightweight summer bibs, the thermal bib tights don’t weigh you down or limit your motion on the bike. Velocio offers them in all the colors you could ask for, as long as that color is Black. It’s a clean look with a multi-panel design that contours around your body and has large reflective panels above the ankles as well as reflective logos to keep you visible at night.

What elevates the Thermal Bib Tights above other bib tights on the market are the premium details. The straps are seamless microfiber that are highly elastic and cross over on the rear (in the men’s version it crosses on the front). Unique to the women’s version is the front torso mesh panel which makes it look like Overalls. These bib tights feature Velocio’s FlyFree design so you don’t need to undress on the side of the road when nature calls. The back waist opening is elasticized so all you need to do is pull down the back when you need to pee without having to take off your jersey or the bib straps. This feature is life changing for someone who stopped wearing bib-shorts/tights due to the inconvenience of having to undress every time they needed to use the bathroom.

Velocio Shoulder Season Cycling Kit - Signature Long Sleeve / Thermal Bib Tights / Merino Mesh Layer
The thermal bib tights and Merino mesh base layer offer breathability and warmth for short or long rides.

The bib tights were true to size and the Medium size fit perfectly on a 120lbs female with a 40” hip. Comfort wise, although the fabric has compression, we found it to be extremely comfortable for short or long rides. It was a little too warm for us riding in 50°F (we’ve been having an unusually warm November) but it was still breathable. The contoured multi-panel design and flatlock stitching eliminates any pressure points or fabric chafing while riding. The proprietary Signature Chamois also keep you comfortable on the saddle. As with the Ultralight Bib Shorts we previously reviewed, the Signature Chamois means it’s easy to jump off the bike without any discomfort even after multiple hours of riding. Although the Thermal Bib Tights are expensive, it’s a critical piece of cycling kit that’ll keep you comfortable and motivate you to keep riding.

MERINO MESH LS BASE LAYER

The newly introduced Merino Mesh LS is a three season base layer that utilizes a mesh construction and ultrafine Merino wool/Polyester blend. Combined with the 125 gsm weight, the base layer provides warmth and breathability while being very light. It runs true to size (S) without being skin tight. The Raglan sleeves (not typically seen in a baselayer) prevent underarm discomfort and the base layer has a slim cut that allows it to comfortably sit against your skin and underneath layers. Velocio offers it in both Black and a Light grey color which can pair well with a variety of cycling kit color schemes. We found the baselayer to be an excellent replacement for arm warmers as the merino fabric helps regulate your core temperature while making sure you’re stink-free after a long ride. Even though the Merino content is only 51%, the base layer has the impressive breathability and warmth properties Merino wool is known for.

Velocio Shoulder Season Cycling Kit - Signature Long Sleeve / Thermal Bib Tights / Merino Mesh Layer
With simple reflective branding Velocio’s cycling kit look premium. Those looking for more exciting color scheme should look at Velocio’s special edition prints.

WINTER WOOL SOCKS

Extremities such as toes are often the quickest to become cold which is why warm socks are essential. Velocio has updated them to add additional warmth without bulk by incorporating terry loop padding and ultra-fine Merino wool/Polyester/Elastodiene/Elastane blend. The socks are optimized to provide warmth while still fitting well in tight cycling shoes. We especially like the padding around the toe box in addition to that in the footbed as well on the back extending about 2” above the ankle. It was so comfy that we didn’t want to take off post-ride. Although the socks aren’t cheap and only offered in Charcoal and Black colors, you’ll be rewarded with warm feet on cold windy days. The mid-length cuff also pairs well with bib tights or leg warmers as they tuck under keeping your skin protected from the elements.

Velocio Shoulder Season Cycling Kit - Signature Long Sleeve / Thermal Bib Tights / Merino Wool Sock
The Velocio Winter Wool Socks are optimized to provide warmth while still fitting well in tight cycling shoes.

THE VERDICT

Overall, we found the Velocio shoulder weather kit to be well constructed and very versatile. As with other Velocio items we’ve reviewed, each of the items have premium touches and comfortable fit for all day rides. It’s easy to see why the Signature Long Sleeve is a popular item as it has a tailored fit and excellent combination of breathability and warmth. We also found the Thermal Bib Tights to be thoughtfully constructed with features such as the FlyFree design and seamless microfiber bib straps eliminating the usual issues with bib tights. Unlike other European sourced items, we didn’t have to size up to find the equivalent US size. What we appreciated most about the items in this review is that they are very versatile and can easily be mixed-and-matched for colder or warmer weather. If you’re looking for a warm but breathable cycling kit to keep you motivated and comfortable during shoulder or colder weather riding definitely consider Velocio.

Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Velocio. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.

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