A Kit Designed for the Long Haul
At Sea Otter Classic, Velocio launched its 2025 Spring/Summer collection, which included the new Merino LUXE jersey and LUXE bibs for men and women, specifically designed for the long-distance rider in mind.
Merino LUXE Jersey
Price: $199
Sizes: XXS-3XL (women’s); XS-4XL (men’s)
Colors: Smoked paprika, Black, Sulphur
Materials: 71% Wool, 18% Polyamide, 11% Elastane
Fit: True to size
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
The LUXE merino jersey’s fabric is ultra-soft, lightweight, and versatile, making it perfect for layering or wearing by itself on hot days. If you’ll be spending long days in the saddle, starting with a cool, crisp morning, simply add a vest. As the temps and the tempo heat up, stash the vest in a rear pocket.
Crafted from merino wool, this LUXE jersey boasts all the excellent properties this natural fiber offers, including its naturally odor-resistant qualities—a real advantage on long, demanding rides.
For muscle support and sun protection, this new jersey is short-sleeved, but boasts a longer sleeve length, stopping about an inch above the elbow. The tapered collar provides some coverage to the back of the neck. However, I would prefer a little more coverage. Additionally, the mesh back panel provides added breathability to keep you cool; however, without a baselayer, it doesn’t offer ample sun protection. If you’ll be out all day, be sure to apply and reapply a high SPF sunscreen on your back.
The full-zip jersey features three rear open pockets and one zippered pocket for added security. To hold their shape, the pockets are reinforced and won’t sag. However, I felt that the placement of the pocket opening sat high on my back, and it was difficult to reach into or drop something in.
The LUXE merino wool jersey is available in men’s (XS-4XL) and women’s (2XS-3XL) versions in three colors—black, Sulphur, and Smoked Paprika. I tested the Sulphur and liked the brighter color and reflective elements for added visibility.
LUXE Bib Shorts
Price: $289
Sizes: XXS-3XL (women’s); XS-4XL (men’s)
Inseams: Men’s 4 cm (1.57”) longer than previous LUXE bibs; Women’s available in standard or 4 cm (1.57”) shorter version
Colors: Black, Deep Lichen, Sulphur, Black Olive
Materials: 57% Polyamide Recycled, 43% Elastane
Fit: True to size
Velocio developed a prototype of the LUXE Bib Short in 2017. Over the past eight years, the company has taken feedback from customers. As a result, the 2025 LUXE bib shorts have all the details customers loved and fixed what they didn’t. As a result, the length of the men’s version is 4 cm longer, landing just above the knee while in riding position. Additionally, the waistline is adjusted for more complete coverage, and the straps are refined for a long-distance endurance package. The women’s LUXE bibs are now available in an optional 4 cm shorter version as well.
A three-panel design minimizes seams to reduce the likelihood of chaffing and features a high-gauge LUXE fabric. The highly compressive fabric provides muscle support, reducing muscle fatigue on long rides. A laser-cut hem provides a smooth transition from the shorts to the leg. Additionally, the silicon-printed grippers keep the shorts in place, preventing them from riding up the leg.
Velocio worked with Cytech to develop a proprietary long-distance chamois for the LUXE bibs. It provides ample support and comfort without adding bulk.
For the women’s version, the bibs boast a front mesh privacy panel and Velocio’s famous FlyFree at the back. The FlyFree allows the convenience of fast bathroom breaks without removing your jersey. I prefer the straps and privacy panel to be black fabric for two reasons. First, black doesn’t show dirt. Second, it’s less noticeable when venting your jersey or if the jersey hikes up in the back. At six feet tall, the FlyFree design proved to be a struggle for me to use, as I had to stay in an uncomfortable, tucked position when using the facilities. It was doable, but not ideal.
The women’s LUXE bibs are available in extended sizes, ranging from XXS to 3XL, while the men’s come in sizes from XS to 4XL. If you’re bored of black bibs, both versions are available in three additional colors—deep lichen, Sulphur, and black olive.
Bottom Line
While Velocio’s new LUXE bibs and Merino Jersey are on the pricer side, the quality is top of the line. This kit will keep you comfortable on long rides and last many seasons and hundreds of miles.
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.
Nearly $500 to suit up for a bike ride??? Quality is there, but, really. A thin wool baselayer, sun covers for the arms & knees, less expensive shorts, not bibs, and GO.