
REVIEW
Velocio Winter Apparel Head to Toe
My red-sauce-veined Italian grandmother was overwhelmingly proud when I brought an Italian girl over to meet her. Nonna and I have weekly chats when I come over to complete repairs around the house, tend to the lawn, or putter in the workshop. It's guaranteed that within the first thirty seconds of seeing her every weekend she will ask, "so what do you wanna eat?" When these two very important women in my life met, they conversed in Italian. An exchange of words that had my french immersion riddled, Italian-inept brain quaking in its boots. Feeling left out of the conversation I interrupted, shouting "Velocio" with a touch of swagger and a clasp of my fingers wagging in the air. An uninspired response indeed, but hey, there I was, hanging with the girl of my dreams, speaking 'Italian', introducing her to nonna, and wearing some fine ass Velocio vestments to boot. If only I spent as much time on Duolingo as I did riding in this apparel these past few months, my Italian vocabulary would've improved.

If NSMB ever cuts me off, I'm going to have a hard time getting reacclimated to non-premium apparel.
Velocio Winter Apparel
In the PNW, riding in the deep winter can suck. The experience is profoundly less abysmal in appropriate gear. I received these pieces in September, have been using them 5+ days a week to commute and gravel ride in.
Velocio products have an emphasis on proper fit. The majority of these products are offered in 8 sizes, XS-4XL. Similar to other high end brands, Velocio offers free repairs. You open a ticket and cover shipping to them, and they'll handle the rest. They have a crash replacement/discount policy too. Many brands offer this service but don't communicate it as openly.

A two-way zipper allowed the jacket to breathe better during high intensity riding.
Velocio ONE Jacket
La vrai pièce de (water) résistance! I was really excited when the ONE jacket arrived because it meant I had a fitted waterproof jacket back in the rotation. It also enabled a test of one of the first jackets on the market using the recently released Polartec Power Shield RPM fabric. The ONE jacket is made without PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl) materials, which will no longer be sold in California or New York as of January 1st 2025 and likely exactly one year later in the European Union.
PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals' can take thousands of years to decompose and pose significant health risks even in small doses. It may be time to throw out that teflon frying pan you've been holding on to, start cooking with steel, and keep your eyes peeled for more apparel released with recycled materials.
Polartec Power Shield RPM is a 2-layer recycled polyester fabric, made from 100% recycled consumer plastic. The PFAS-free DWR coating has a 10K waterproof/30K breathable rating but be sure you size correctly; fit is imperative to get the most out of a high end jacket like this. I'd advocate going to a local Velocio Dealer for a fitting. It was considerably stretchier, and less noisy than Gore-Tex. If you have experience with Polartec Neoshell, you'll find Powershield performs similarly, but without the PFAS.
The fit is optimized for a riding position so it felt tight across the chest and shoulders at first. There was no flapping when descending at speed, and the jacket fit perfectly on the gravel bike. The fabric is soft and very stretchy. You can buy the smallest size that fits so it won't flap in the wind but still have room for layers as it gets colder. I was on the edge of a medium on their sizing chart, but it's perfect. Fit is imperative to get the most out of a high end jacket like this. Go and try one on at a local Velocio Dealer or take advantage of their 30 day return or exchange program.

The medium fit my 155 pound frame with plenty of room for layers.

All seams were sealed. Polartec Powershield was wonderfully stretchy.

Three cavernous pockets on the back. None had zippers.

Elastic cuffs, large enough to tuck over winter gloves.

Soft liner on the inside of the collar where it may rub on your neck or chin.
I was sent a navy jacket to test. It is a lovely, neutral colour, with a reflective logo on the back, and a small reflective logo on the front. I'm not too bothered by the lack of reflectivity but I really wish the jacket was offered in at least two colour options. Breathability was excellent. I overheated a bit on the 12km/900m climb up Mt.Seymour at 12º C/54º F, but it did an admirable job at temperatures below that.
The snug hem prevented wind flappage which made it easy to open the two way zipper for more venting. In light rain I could easily frolic around on my gravel bike for a few hours without fear of getting soaked. In heavy rain, the arms and shoulders of the jacket started to become saturated around three-quarters of the way into my 1 hour commute, but my core seldom got wet. I ride with a backpack or vest sometimes but the jacket shows no signs of abrasion and the drop rear keeps my backside dry. The sleeves were long enough to ensure adequate overlap with gloves when stretched out in the drops and the tall collar kept water out. There were three large open stash pockets on the back. I found these pockets to be redundant because during the cold and rainy season I stash my valuables in a base or mid-layer pocket and out of harms way.
Overall, I really liked this jacket. It features a tailored fit with plenty of ease of movement, and is waterproof, breathable, and easily packable.

The articulated fit on these garments may make them appear tight when standing up. Once on the bike my range of motion increased.
Velocio SE Wind Vest
I have developed an affinity for sleeveless garments that is satisfied by the Velocio SE Wind Vest. This piece features a lightweight 100gsm windproof and water resistant front that contends with the elements, keeping your core warm during heavy wind or a light shower. The mesh back helped with heat regulation and enabled freedom of movement. The vest never felt restrictive. Three back pockets topped with an elastic cuff are pretty standard fare. I would've loved to see at least one pocket feature a zipper to provide some extra peace of mind for valuables, like a wallet, phone, or keys. The pockets were about wrist deep and provided a ton of space, especially with the amount of stretch they had.
The YKK low-friction zipper was smooth enough to to be easily opened on the go with one hand still on the bars. To increase the ability to fend off wind, the zipper was lined with a full length internal flap. A high quality zipper is critical with a vest as it's a piece that tends to get shed frequently mid ride, especially during shoulder season. On that note, the vest was packable, easily fitting into the pockets of a jersey. I'd frequently head out early in the morning for a ride and shed it halfway through, or tuck it in my jersey for a late-afternoon ride in the case that it got chilly once the sun went down. Its small size meant I had no qualms packing it just in case. The collar of the vest, which had a super soft interior fabric, was tall enough to keep the wind off my neck without irritating my skin. The silicone grippers around the bottom kept the tail from riding up in the back.

Mesh at the back make this a great shoulder season vest but not something I'll use as an outer layer throughout winter.

Two-way zipper.

Large zipper pull tab that was easy to grab with gloves on.
Given its ventilation, once temperatures dropped below 8 degrees Celcius I felt it more appropriate to wear a jacket as an outerwear piece - but the vest could still function great as a mid-layer in this instance. The 4-way stretch properties were a key part of separating it performance-wise from cheaper alternatives. It had a slimming fit that was still comfortable and didn't interfere with movement. At 6 feet tall, and 155 pounds I was just barely in the medium category, however the vest had a rather tight cut. If you are in between sizes, I'd recommend sizing up. Like the jacket it's designed to be more comfortable in a riding position, so the chest felt tight when off the bike and the arm holes were positioned rather far forward. The Velocio logo on the rear pocket is reflective but not as visible as my typical riding vest. Looking fly requires sacrifice.

The Concept Merino and SE wind vest made for a perfect combo on sunny September and October days here in the PNW.
Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve
The Concept Merino Long sleeve has an articulated fit and the merino wool made this piece regulate heat well. It's been the the piece of Velocio kit that I've reached for the most often, especially as temperatures started to drop. In early fall, I started using it on its own, occasionally reaching for a vest if need be, eventually relegating it to a base layer. The Concept Merino is made out of 75% wool, 18% polyamide, and 7% elastane. As such, it is stretchy, with the articulated bike-specific fit, again conforming nicely when in a riding position. It was super soft right out of the package, and a few light washes have only made it more comfortable. I wore a size medium, which was perfect. Others with a similar height and build have worn a small - but I don't like a tight fit. Despite the stretch of the garment, it was built with a slim or athletic build in mind.


Large reflective logo on the back. Pockets fit my phone with plenty of room and did not sag.


One of the pockets was accessible via a zipper. It also has an extra layer of lining to protect your phone or wallet from getting sweaty.
The material was amply, warm, but rather thin, which had me paranoid when handling it. Not all merino products are the same in this regard, and there are plenty of of inexpensive merino products that are 80+ percent polyester. These are adequate for daily use but they lack a lot of the properties that a wool-dominant piece will possess: warm when wet, moisture wicking, and anti-microbial. Albeit still in great shape, I snagged my NF Merino Long Sleeve last week and it left an irreversible scar. Bummer. With that said, merino is easily washable in cold water, with light detergent, a garment bag, and on the delicate setting. I'd advocate avoiding the dryer, even on light heat, because it will break down the elastane fibers in the garment, drastically reducing its lifespan.
The YKK CamLock zipper was smooth, didn't bunch up when in a more aggressive riding position, and featured a full length zipper garage. The pockets were reinforced so they didn't sag when loaded. One of the three pockets also had a zipper with an extra thick backing material to keep sweat from protruding into it. Such a win. I hate it when my leather wallet, or phone get sweat soaked. Breathability and temperature regulation were spot on. I could wear it down to 8º C/46º F before I needed to pop on a vest for a longer period of descending. On its own, it still felt breathable and not overly clammy in temperatures nearing 20 Celsius, which is exactly the versatility you'd expect from merino. If you're looking for a merino jersey but in a looser fit or with some more abrasion resistance, check out the merino trail long sleeve.

The Signature Chamois used a 2 stage high density foam that remained comfortable for multiple hours at a time
Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight
Why do people still struggle with the troublesome combination that is bib shorts and leg warmers come winter time? Being able to pull one warm and slightly waterproof layer on in a pinch sure beats struggling with leg warmers sliding down constantly. But not all thermal bib tights are made equal. Velocio's ThermoRoubaix fabric contended well with the elements. I was amply warm in temperatures nearing 0º C/32º F, and the durable outer fabric had a light DWR coating that could shed a bit of rain before absorbing water.

The medium compression fit on these meant they didn't bunch up on this smaller leg-muscled tester.

I used the pockets far more than I'd imagined. They were especially great for keeping gloves accessible.

Large reflective sections on the back of the calves provided some active reflectivity to compliment lights when riding at night.
If you're used to high end cycling apparel by the likes of Rapha, 7mesh, or PNS then you're probably familiar with the compression fit that of these bibs. If you're new to this scene then I want to set the expectation that when these show up in the packaging they will look too small. Fear not, they will fit. The Utility Bib Tight features a medium compression - which will feel very snug at first. Once they're on and properly adjusted they offer great muscle compression without feeling overly tight. There are two large reflective leg panels at the back of each calf. A reflective insert on a piece of clothing can provide active reflectivity, assuming your legs are moving when you're pedalling. This panel was great to grip on to when pulling the tights off, which can be a bit of a battle when they're wet. My only gripe is that the section behind the reflective calf panel isn't fleece lined. I really enjoyed not having zippers at the bottom of the leg cuffs. There were no pressure points as a result, and one less thing to break.
The shoulder straps were wide, super soft and incredibly comfortable. The Signature Chamois used a 2-stage high-density foam that remained comfortable for multiple hours at a time, as opposed to a lower quality chamois that would pack out after an hour on the bike. The utility pockets were surprisingly handy. They were perfect to stash gloves or snack such that they were easy to access. Ultimately, the high density chamois, warm fleece liner, comfortable shoulder straps, perfectly placed pockets and non-zippered cuffs make for a great thermal bib tight.

Velocio Signature Rain WX Glove
Finding the perfect PNW wet weather glove has felt like my calling over the last few years. The Gore C5 Thermo had excellent waterproofing and warmth but was ultimately too warm unless the temperature dropped below freezing. The 100% Hydromatic was great value at 65 CAD but they made my hands clammy immediately and the single layer palm fell apart after a season of riding. The Shower's Pass Crosspoint Knit Gloves were warm enough but took a long amount of time to dry when saturated unless I used a boot dryer. After a few months of use with the Signature Rain Glove it's firmly cemented itself as my favourite and is consistently the one I reach for first.
The thin merino liner combined with a soft shell face fabric make the gloves waterproof, warm, and breathable. They've been perfect for shoulder season riding in the PNW, keeping my fingers warm until temperatures drop below the 5-6 Celcius range. The fabric has a little stretch, which enables a solid grip on the bar wihout any bunching of the palm. There is a rubberized palm and fingers, which helped with brake lever grip and durability. They are a little undersized so if you're in between, size up. The wrist cuff was long enough to ensure a healthy overlap with a jersey or jacket. They've been brilliantly waterproof and kept my hands from getting uncomfortably cold on rainy commutes the past few months. When they did get fully saturated they dried quickly.
The combination of dexterity, waterproofing, and quick drying makes strong case to for these gloves. Although I'll be using them less over the winter when the temperatures drop below zero I'll be sure stash them away for when shoulder season returns in March.

No insulation meant they dried off quickly for my trip home when commuting.

Although I'm not super partial to wearing shoe covers, I appreciated that they kept my shoes from getting dirty or wet.
Velocio Signature Rain Bootie
I haven't used rain booties since my road racing days on an SPD-SL or Look road pedal. I ordered a size XL for my size 10 US Crankbrothers Candy Lace Shoes and they fit perfectly. In this regard, if you are putting them over a gravel or cross country mountain bike shoe I would recommend sizing up. Albeit a bit of a struggle, the zipper opened up large enough to make them easy to put on. The stretchy nature of the softshell fabric prevented them from bunching up and they actually looked pretty good too. Although they don't have a liner for warmth, they were plenty windproof and beaded water admirably. The taped seams ensured they didn't leak and that my shoes were kept clean and dry. a reinforced heal and cleat area ensured durability, although its inevitable that they will rip since the fabric makes contact with the ground when I'm off the bike.

One concern, is that the hole for the cleat is positioned rather far forward, which resulted in me snagging the fabric the first few times I tried to clip in. This isn't enough to put me off of them entirely, although there are other booties that are more open at the bottom that will not have this issues. Ultimately, they had great build quality, stretch, and kept the water out, but I'll probably stick with waterproof socks for less faff.

Height - 6'/183cm (mostly legs)
Weight - 155lbs/77kg
Inseam - 34"/86cm
Ape Index - The Original Slinky™
Age - 22
Bar Width - 780mm
Preferred Reach - 485-500mm
Comments
jhtopilko
2 months, 2 weeks ago
In most of Canada, if there isn't inches of snow it's not winter.
Reply
Cam McRae
2 months, 2 weeks ago
I think it's important to point out here that most of the gear above is aimed at gravel or road riders. Velocio has MTB specific jackets, jerseys, shorts and pants as well that we have reviewed. Our first experiences with Velocio MTB gear are here and Pete reviewed the Velocio Trail Access Hardshell Jacket earlier this year.
It used to be that much of the gear we had access to for winter riding came from road. Thankfully those days are changing because I don't want to have to bend over to have my clothing fit right!
Reply
GrundleJ
2 months, 2 weeks ago
Where is the point of diminishing returns on riding gear and how far below $220 for a long sleeve shirt is it? Anyone can get US, CA, NZ made (just to mention a few) riding gear for less than half these prices, so what's the catch with these being worth the huge premium?
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.