Velocio Ultralight Mesh Jersey, SE Wind Vest, and Signature Bibs Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

For those who don't know, Velocio was acquired by SRAM in March 2022, and you can read more here. It was SRAM's first venture into soft goods, and they’ve maintained the brand's high-quality standards.

Velocio's new summer line boasts several items for both men and women. I tested their Ultralight Mesh jersey, SE wind vest, and Signature bib shorts. All the pieces I tested were the women's versions, and Brandon is trying some of the men's gear which he’ll review when the weather warms up in his region.

https://velocio.cc/collections/womens-jerseys/products/womens-ombre-ultralight-mesh-jersey?variant=40508958310473

Price: $189

Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women's); XS – 4XL (men's)

Fit: Fitted/Compressive

# of pockets: 4 (one has a zipper for valuables)

Colors: Meringue, Oxide Red, Peri (women's only), Deep Sea (men's only)

Material: 88% Recycled Polyester,12% Elastane

Availability: Online and retail

Obtained by: Company sample

RBR advertiser: No

The Ombre Ultralight Mesh jersey is for those really hot days of summer riding. You can imagine when I received the sample a month ago, it was still too cold even to consider wearing it outside. So I did the next best thing, headed to the pain cave for testing. I usually only wear a sports bra and bibs on the trainer. It's just too warm to wear a jersey, even with the Wahoo Headwind on full blast.

Then last weekend, we got an unseasonably warm day in Chicago. It was hot and humid and hit 88 degrees F, giving me a chance to test the jersey outside.

The results from both my indoor and outdoor rides were the same ― I stayed cool and dry ― due to the light nature of the mesh fabric made from 88% recycled polyester. A full-length zipper provides added ventilation and is quickly taken on/off when wearing bibs and nature calls.

Other features include four rear pockets, one of which is a zipper pocket to store your valuables. Silicone grippers at the bottom hem to keep the jersey in place when on or off the bike. The fitted, compressive four-way stretch fabric moves with you and never feels restrictive. The men's and women's versions are available in extended sizes and three colors.

Three reasons prevented me from giving this jersey a solid 5-star rating. First, there is no collar to protect the back of your neck from the sun. Second, the company doesn't state anything about the sun protection fabric. This is a jersey you’d wear in the heat of the summer, which means intense sun ― you need added sun protection. Lastly, there are no reflective elements on the jersey.

https://velocio.cc/collections/womens-jackets-vests/products/womens-line-se-wind-vest?variant=40471910056009

Price: $159

Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women's); XS – 4XL (men's)

Fit: Fitted

Material: Lightweight 100gsm windproof polyester

# of pockets: 3

Colors: Oxide Red, Peri (women's only), Moonrock (men's only)

Availability: Online and retail

Obtained by: Company sample

RBR advertiser: No

I liked the design and functionality of this new wind vest. The lightweight four-way stretch 100gsm windproof polyester front and side panels protect you from the wind and are water resistant. The rear mesh fabric lets the heat escape for breathability and to keep you cool. A tailored fit is more aerodynamic, and the fabric won't flap in the wind. The two-way zipper also provides a way to adjust ventilation and fit.

The inside collar lining is next to the skin soft for added comfort, and the bottom hem silicon grippers keep everything in place. Three large rear pockets provide ample room for storage. When conditions no longer warrant a wind vest, it packs down small enough to fit in a rear jersey pocket.

I didn't give this vest a perfect 5-star rating as the SE designation stands for Special Edition. This means these patterns and colors are designed to work with the Velocio collections, past and present. Once the one-time print is gone, it won't be back. So while the color and design are really nice, it only goes with my Velocio Ultralight Mesh and nothing else in my cycling wardrobe.

https://velocio.cc/collections/womens-bibs-shorts-tights/products/womens-signature-bib-short?variant=40520904376393

Price: $249

Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women's)

Fit: Fitted

Material: 100% Recycled Lycra

Colors: Pine, Black, Navy

Availability: Online and retail

Obtained by: Company sample

RBR advertiser: No

Velocio's Signature bibs are available in men's and women's versions. But as you’d assume, there are differences in the models, and I’ll only review the women's bibs.

I’m acutely aware of the compression fabric when I’m slipping on these bibs for the first time (after a couple of washes). Velocio uses premium Italian compression Lycra for their Signature bibs, cut into five panels for the ultimate fit. The compression fabric and bib straps combine to ensure the chamois don't move around and it's held in place, thus reducing chafing.

The compression fabric also helps keep muscles supported and reduces fatigue, allowing for longer rides. But all this compression can be a struggle when pulling on these bibs. Velocio created a blog post with step-by-step photos to help you "slip" them on.

I liked the longer inseam for added coverage, while the comfortable, wide-leg grippers hold the shorts in place. The wide, seamless microfiber bib straps and mesh modesty panel keep everything in place. Velocio's FlyFree design lets you pull the shorts down for nature breaks without removing your jersey or straps. However, like with some other brands with similar designs, taller riders have a more difficult time since the straps have minimal stretch and the compressive nature of the fabric.

The Signature bibs are available in three colors and extended sizes and use an updated proprietary Chamois developed in collaboration with Elastic Interface to maximize comfort and minimize excess material. I found the pad got increasingly more comfortable after each wash and wear.

Out of the three items that I reviewed, the bib shorts is the only piece with small logo reflective elements. Velocio should consider adding reflective logos to all their gear in future iterations.

All three items I tested from Velocio's summer line performed well. I’m glad SRAM has kept the same high-quality standards in the line as before the acquisition. The gear may be expensive, but it will last for many riding seasons. I have one more piece from the collection to test and will review it at a later date.

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.