Alpha Zero Jacket – Men’s Women’s
Signature Bio Long Sleeve Jersey – Men’s Women’s
Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey – Men’s Women’s
Thermal Bib Short – Women’s
Thermal Bib Knicker – Women’s
Velocio’s product managers developed an outstanding new product line for Fall/Winter cycling. Last month, Brandon reviewed the Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight, awarding it a 4.5-star rating. I received six items to test, which took me longer to evaluate thoroughly.
Overall, I was highly impressed with the high quality and performance of the individual items. The gear is versatile and can be mixed and matched to suit various conditions. While the price point is on the higher side, these items will last through many seasons.
When ordering, consult the sizing chart and consider sizing up. Since this brand runs small, I wear an XL. However, the Fall/Winter line ran even smaller, requiring me to size up to a 2XL. So, while the company offers extended sizing, it really doesn’t help larger riders. The reality is the sizing isn’t truly accurate.
ONE Jacket
Price: $349
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s); XS – 4XL (men’s)
Color: Dark Navy
Features: Waterproof and windproof
Materials: Polartec Power Shield incorporates a waterproof-breathable membrane; Non-PFAS materials; 48% bio-based membrane
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
When there’s a chance of rain or snow, the ONE jacket will keep the elements out thanks to its waterproof and windproof material. The Polartec Power Shield incorporates a waterproof-breathable membrane that protects you from the outside elements but prevents a sweaty mess on the inside. To help control heat buildup, a front two-way zipper allows venting from the top and/or bottom.
The ONE jacket is lightweight and designed to fit close to the body to avoid flapping. It is thin enough to be rolled up and stuffed into a back jersey pocket when not needed.
The men’s and women’s versions of the ONE jacket come in only one color — dark navy. This color is perfectly acceptable for trail riding, but on gloomy days, I’d prefer a brighter, more visible color on a road ride.
Alpha Zero Jacket
Price: $329
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s); XS – 4XL (men’s)
Color: Deep Ocean
Feature: Waterproof
Materials: Outer Polartec Power Shield, non-PFAS material, 48% bio=based membrane
The new Alpha Zero jacket is an excellent choice for riding in colder weather. I gave it 4.5 because it only comes in a dark blue (deep ocean). With grey skies and shorter daylight hours, bright colors are a better choice if you want to be seen by drivers.
The jacket is streamlined cut to minimize fabric flapping in the wind. However, I found it roomier than the ONE jacket, allowing me to add additional layers as needed. But I had to be careful not to layer too much because the Alpha Direct Insulation was exceptionally warm. Strategically placed at the neck, front, shoulder, and sleeves, the Alpha Direct Insulation is nice and toasty warm. If I get too warm, the two-way zipper allows ventilation from the top and/or bottom.
The outer fabric is made from Polartec Power Shield, which gives the jacket waterproof and breathable features. No worries, you’re protected if it starts to drizzle or snow while out for a ride.
There are three large rear pockets for ample storage and a reflective logo down the center pocket. Silicon grippers along the longer rear hem provide additional coverage even in the drops.
Signature Bio Long Sleeve Jersey
Price: $199
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s); XS – 4XL (men’s)
Color: Tapenade, Anthracite, Moonrock
Material: 74% Polyamide, 26% Elastane
UPF rating: 50+
The new Signature Bio long-sleeve jersey is a perfect addition to your Fall/Winter cycling wardrobe. Made from a mid-weight, super soft, stretchy Italian-milled fabric that offers light thermal protection, along with wicking and breathability properties. The lining of the collar and sleeve cuffs is a soft microfleece for added warmth and comfort.
It’s a very versatile jersey. When testing, I wore it with a light short-sleeved baselayer on cool days, under the ONE jacket, or with a vest on truly cold days.
Available in three colors and men’s or women’s versions, the Signature Bio jersey has a full front zipper, three rear pockets, and one water-resistant zippered pocket for valuables.
Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey
Price: $219
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s); XS – 4XL (men’s)
Women’s colors: Marsala, Navy, Black, Midnight Plum, Rust, Army
Men’s colors: Asphalt Blue, Navy, Black, Midnight Plum, Rust, Army
Feature:
Material: 75% Wool, 18% Polyamide, 7% Elastane
UPF rating: 30
I struggled to figure out when to wear the Concept Merino long-sleeve jersey. Velocio’s website touts it as a standalone for cooler fall or winter days or as a mid-layer beneath a jacket. Ultimately, I found it perfect under a jacket for a little added warmth or paired with a short-sleeve baselayer on a 50-60-degree Fall day.
The Concept jersey fabric is made from 75% Italian milled ultrafine merino wool and is lightweight, stretchy, and soft. The wool properties provide warmth, breathability, and temperature regulation. However, I found the full-length front zipper fabric did retain moisture and was often very wet after a ride.
Available in men’s or women’s versions and six colors, the Concept jersey has three rear pockets and one zippered pocket for valuables. The pockets are lined to prevent sagging and keep their shape.
Thermal Bib Short
Price: $239
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s)
Colors: Black, Ganache
Feature: FlyFree – nature break-friendly design
Compression: Medium
Material: 55% Polyamide, 28% Polyester, 17% Elastane; ThermoRoubaix Power fabric, fleece-backed
I was excited to try Velocio’s new thermal bib shorts for two reasons. First, when the temperature is between summer bibs and knickers, these thermal bibs provide just enough insulation to keep your glute and thigh muscles warm but not too warm that you overheat. Second, wearing thermal bib shorts under a pair of winter tight on really cold winter days offers added warmth and protection to muscles.
Velocio’s FlyFree design is great for winter and is available in black or ganache. However, I found the back waist hem is too low and does not protect the kidneys from cold temperatures. I would wear a baselayer underneath the bib straps and tuck it into the shorts.
The Thermal Bib Shorts and Knickers use the ThermoRoubaix Power fabric. It combines a fleece backing, an integrated windproof front panel, and a compressive fabric for breathability, wicking, and warmth. The five-panel design is anatomically cut for on-the-bike fit and comfort.
Velocio’s proprietary Signature chamois, developed by Cytech EIT, offers comfort for as long as you can stay out in the elements.
Thermal Bib Knicker
Price: $249
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s)
Colors: Black, Ganache
Features: Windproof front panel, FlyFree Technology
Material: 55% Polyamide, 28% Polyester, 17% Elastane
When full tights are too much, but shorts are not enough for a fall day of riding, the Velocio Thermal Knicker is the perfect compromise. Best of all, forget about completely undressing in a freezing Port-a-Pottie since these knickers have Veolcio’s FlyFree Technology. Simply squat and pull them down. Easy, peasy, and fast.
Like the Thermal Bib Shorts, the ThermoRoubaix Power fabric combines a fleece backing, an integrated windproof front panel, and a compressive fabric offering breathability, wicking, and warmth. Unlike the thermal bib shorts, the hem was higher up on the waist, protecting the kidneys from the cold.
Wide microfiber bib straps are comfortable and don’t dig into your shoulders. Add in a very comfortable Signature chamois, and there’s no limit to where you can ride.
Since these are cold-weather bibs, I was surprised that the front modesty panel is made of light mesh fabric. I’d assume the panel would be a thermal fabric to help insulate the front of the body from wind and cold.
These knickers are available in two colors — black and ganache — and will keep you comfortable in temperatures easily down into the 30s.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.