Velocio Stripes Jersey. Photo: Courtesy of Velocio
One of the emerging names in cycling is Velocio, the Italian-made brand created by former cyclist Kristy Scrymgeour, a 20-year veteran of the cycling world. Her company, Velocio, is dedicated to creating clothing with every detail considered, sourcing only the best fabrics and best craftsmen to ensure that every pedal stroke on the bike is as comfortable and extraordinary as the first.
DOWNTOWN’s first impression of the Italian-made jersey was that we were truly were slipping something special onto our bodies. The jersey materials are supple and lightweight, the type of quality that you find in only the highest-end apparel. Made from an ultra soft and stretchy polyester/elastane fabric, it was hard to believe we were even wearing a jersey, but the jersey’s clean lines and sharp design assured us otherwise.
Having selected the Stripes Jersey, we found Velocio’s design was sleek and stylish, something of a marriage between a classic and modern look— a fusion of sport and sophistication. Unlike many women’s jerseys that often over-feminize a jersey with floral patterns, butterflies, and various shades of pink, Velocio’s line caters to women who care as much about how she looks on the bike as she does about how she feels while riding it. Any company that offers a low-profile, herringbone pattern vest while painstakingly contemplating how to make a stitch more comfortable understands that.
The quality of Velocio products is unparalleled and sets the company apart. Seams and stitches are undetectable by feel despite the various panels, and the jersey hugged our bodies in exactly the right places. There were no annoying tags, no bunching around the torso area, and no restriction of movement across the chest or under the arms. We found the size to be true despite the fact that many Italian brands run small, and on the bike we were left to concentrate solely on the ride and not on the clothing.
The mesh areo side panel was opaque enough to hide everything underneath but light and permeable enough to release heat and allow for a cooling draft. We found this especially refreshing on our hotter rides. Few women’s jerseys ever boast such attention to detail and afford us the same luxuries usually reserved for high-end men’s jerseys.
Velocio thought of everything in the jersey by including subtle reflective logos and trim to strategic areas, helping to increase the visibility of the already sharp look. Included is a waterproof pocket off the center of the three rear pockets for four pockets in total.
We tested the water-resistant pocket’s efficiency by slipping a piece of paper in it prior to a three-hour ride. Not only was the paper not damp but it was neither crumpled nor disturbed. Money, credit cards, ID, car keys and some smart phones fit nicely within the waterproof, zippered pocket, protected by sweat.
At $159 dollars, the jersey certainly falls into the category of luxury for most. However, with other jerseys such as Pearl Izumi’s Women’s P.R.O. Speed Jersey coming in at $139 and Assos and Rapha’s women’s jerseys above the $200 mark, Velocio comes in as the most affordable, high-end luxury jersey. Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, the verdict is simple: for the price, Velocio is the most well-made and comfortable women’s jersey on the market. Pair it with Velocio’s Signature Bib Shorts, and you’ve got the perfect cycling kit combination.
We look forward to seeing how Velocio impacts the cycling clothing market, especially in women’s apparel. Thanks to an attention to details and a passion for the sport, Velocio’s products are truly magnifico.
-Leslie Capobianco
Velocio Paint Jersey. Photo: Courtesy of Velocio
