Velocio’s Ultralight apparel were optimized to be lightweight and next-to-skin fit to tackle fast-paced weekday rides or all-day weekend rides. For 2025, Velocio has updated the patterns and materials of the Ultralight apparel to make them perform and fit even better. In this review, we’ll be looking at three items in the men’s Ultralight lineup: bib shorts, mesh long sleeve jersey and the jacket. The Ultralight Bib Shorts retail for $259 and features a raw-cut band and stretch woven fabric for improved comfort. We’ve paired it with the $189 Ultralight Mesh Long Sleeve jersey which offers UPF 50 and a high-opacity mesh fabric construction. For additional protection, the $199 Ultralight Jacket is a packable windproof and water resistant jacket. Combined, this is a lightweight kit that offers all the premium features Velocio is known for but optimized for long climbs or descents.
The Velocio Ultralight cycling kit combines lightweight and breathable materials with Velocio’s latest features and technology.
| Ultralight Bib Short | Ultralight Mesh Jersey | Ultralight Jacket | |
| Rating | Design: A Fit: A Comfort: A | Design: A Fit: A Comfort: A | Design: A Fit: B+ Comfort: A |
| Retail Price | $259 | $189 | $199 |
| Likes | + All-day comfort + Compression fit provides support | + Unique color options + Great breathability and sun protection | + Lightweight and easy to pack + Protection against wind while still being soft |
| Dislikes | – Premium price | – Premium price | – Slightly loose fit results in flapping during descents |
| Where to Buy (US) | Velocio | Velocio | Velocio |
ULTRALIGHT BIB SHORT
The Velocio Ultralight Bib Shorts are a lightweight yet highly supportive bib short that is optimized for performance. For 2025, Velocio has updated the ultralight bib shorts with a 3cm longer length for additional coverage and a raw hem. Velocio offers the Ultralight bib shorts in three colors currently: black, deep lichen (light green) and navy. For this review, we have the navy color which is a solid dark blue color scheme with subtle reflective Velocio logos on the legs. The bib shorts are constructed from 71% Polyamide and 29% Elastane which includes recycled nylon. One of the key features of the bib shorts is the stretch woven fabric which is light, breathable and is designed to maintain compression better even when damp with sweat.
One of the most obvious updates of the bib shorts is the raw-cut leg band that eliminates the traditional separate band along the hem. This is the same design we’ve seen on the Velocio LUXE bib shorts and something that is becoming popular in higher-end bib shorts as it fits and looks better. As far as the bib straps, the Ultralight has a modified two piece design with elastic bands. Velocio has added a mesh panel connector to the rear of the straps which keeps the rear straps together. It’s a welcome addition as it makes putting on the bib shorts easier, you do not have to guess which side the straps go to like you do with two completely separate straps. The chamois on the Ultralight bib shorts is an updated proprietary design that eliminates hot spots and chafing. You have a multi-density foam with a center relief channel for additional comfort. This chamois is one of the lightest Velocio offers in the bib shorts but is still intended for long climbs or rides.
ULTRALIGHT MESH LONG SLEEVE JERSEY
The Velocio Mesh Long Sleeve jersey is a lightweight jersey that balances heat management with protection from the sun. As far as construction, the jersey uses high-opacity mesh material on the torso along with UPF 50 sleeves and back panel to prevent sunburn on exposed regions. The jersey was previously only available in the women’s lineup, but thanks to popular demand it is now available in a men’s variation. Velocio offers the Ultralight Mesh Long Sleeve in three colors currently: undyed (white), deep lichen (light green) and misty rose (pink). The undyed version is an interesting option that is a more sustainable version that eliminates manufacturing waste and results in a off-white natural finish.
For this review, we have the deep lichen color which is a unique light green color scheme with subtle reflective Velocio logos. You only have a Velocio logo above the chest and a larger Velocio printed on the rear. The jersey is constructed from 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane and includes recycled polyester derived from ocean plastics. On the front of the jersey you have the high-opacity mesh network fabric which has a nearly transparent network of rectangular patches. This is designed to optimize breathability for riding in warmer weather while still offering an elastic next-to-skin fit. You have a full length front zipper with top and bottom zipper garages to prevent any chafing.
As a warm weather jersey, the Ultralight Mesh Long Sleeve has a very low collar along with minimal cuffs. The sleeve fabric is a slightly thicker and UPF 50 rated to prevent sunburn during long rides in the sun. There are standard set-in sleeves with a full length sleeve for this version but Velocio also offers a short sleeve version for $10 less. The backside of the long sleeve jersey uses the same UPF 50 material as the sleeves for sun protection and has a large upper panel. Below that you’ll find your standard three open pockets design with wide openings and slightly angled side pockets. There is an additional fourth zippered pocket on the right side that is perfect for small items like keys or cash. The rear also extends downward with a dropped tail for additional coverage while in aggressive aero positions with a silicone strip to help it stay in place.
ULTRALIGHT JACKET
Designed to be stashed into its own pocket, the Ultralight jacket is a lightweight and packable windproof jacket. The thin material has a soft texture to it but is so thin that it’s nearly transparent. Velocio offers the Ultralight Jacket in two colors: undyed and black olive. We have the undyed version which is the more sustainable version that eliminates manufacturing waste and results in a off-white natural finish. Velocio has paired it with orange zippers to add some contrast to the otherwise nearly transparent main material. The jacket is constructed entirely from 100% recycled polyamide as a part of Velocio’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Branding is limited to a reflective Velocio logo above the chest and Velocio printed along the back which give the jacket a premium appearance.
One of the other high-end features of the jersey are the laser cut ventilation holes which are strategically placed along the inner arm panel and on the rear for breathability. The holes are arranged in a tight pattern with precise circular cutouts and sharp edges. Velocio has also used a PFAS free DWR treatment which allows the jacket to repel water without using harsh chemicals. Along the front of the jacket is a full length two-way zipper that lets you adjust venting. There is a medium length collar on top and a thick black panel behind the zipper to keep the wind out. The sleeves are attached using a standard set-in sleeve method with thin cuffs at the end.
Reflective tabs on the sides of the jacket add some additional visibility which is always a welcome touch. The rear of the jacket is one large panel with some laser cut perforations along the neck region. You have a drop tail design which extends the rear downward with a thin black hem along the bottom and a silicone stripe to help it stay in place. There is also a bright orange zipper on the right side which opens up to a small pocket that lets you stash food or snacks. What is clever about the pocket is that it can also be used to store the jacket itself when you want to pack it away. You can pull the entire jacket through the pocket and then close the zipper from the inside-out to store the jacket. This design lets you easily store the jacket away or travel with it thanks to the compact dimensions.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Despite having reviewed a variety of cycling kits from different brands over the years, Velocio has always been one of our favorites thanks to their anatomical fit and unique designs. We actually reviewed the previous Ultralight Bib Shorts and gloves as a part of a summer cut and were impressed by them. For this review we went with the medium size again for the bib shorts, jersey and jacket and found the fit to be on point for our 6’1” 165lb test rider. The longer length of the bib shorts helps improve the fit with the compressive material providing support to muscles. With the harsh California sun, the mesh long sleeve jersey provided extra protection from the sun without reducing range of motion or causing overheating. Finally, the jacket had a slightly looser fit that results in a wrinkled appearance and a bit of flapping during fast sprints or downhill descents. Aside from that, the sleeve lengths and collar fit are on point and allow the jacket to be worn over multiple layers.
As with other Velocio kit, you quickly forget which layers you are wearing and can simply focus on riding. The bib shorts chamois fit perfectly from the first ride and eliminated any pressure points or discomfort even on long endurance rides. The minimal seams give the bib shorts a unique look and we appreciated the unique color schemes that help set it apart. Most of our rides involve microclimates that can vary temperature from 55-85 degrees so we found the the Ultralight Jacket to be particularly useful. It’s thin and light enough that you can throw it on at the start of a ride or colder sections and then pack it up and stuff it in a pocket. The windproof material and ventilation ensure your core is protected while not overheating. It’s a great kit overall that can be used on warm days or cold days with a few extra layers.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Velocio Ultralight cycling kit to be a well designed and comfortable. Velocio’s updates for 2025 add welcome improvements like longer length hem and more men’s options. As with other kits, the Ultralight has premium construction with a supportive yet performance fit. We found the kit to be comfortable for everything for fast morning rides to century rides. The combination of breathable materials with the versatile jacket lets you use the Ultralight kit in mixed conditions or full sun without overheating. In particular, the Ultralight Jacket is super light weight and portable while still having a soft fabric feel with breathability. For mixed conditions, you can easily pack the jacket away or wear it on a full cold ride for additional warmth. Our only complaint would be that the jacket is a little loose and flaps during high speed riding. That said, the Velocio Ultralight is a versatile and highly breathable kit with some fresh updates.
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.