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Fancy, Functional, and Just a Little Sweaty
Let me start by saying: if you’re going to drop serious cash on bike kit like the Velocio Luxe Bib Short and Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey, it better feel like you’re gliding through butter on a cloud made of chamois cream. Thankfully, Velocio’s Luxe Bib Shorts deliver exactly that—and then some. I also tested the Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey, which brought its own mix of classic merino style and function (and a few sweat-related caveats).
Here’s how both pieces shook out after a bunch of long, bumpy, road/gravel rides:
Fit: Like a Hug from the Cycling Gods
Velocio Luxe Bib Short Fit
I’ll just say it: the Velocio Luxe Bib Shorts are ridiculously comfortable. Maybe the most comfortable bibs I’ve ever worn, and that’s saying something considering I’ve worn bibs from Castelli, Giro, Rapha, Eliel, Sugoi, Champion Systems, Primal, Pearl Izumi, and so many more that I simply can’t remember them all. The Velocios are truly magic on the bike from a comfort standpoint.
Proprietary long-distance chamois developed with Cytech oozes comfort like few others
I don’t know what Velocio is putting in the padding of the Luxe Bib Short, but it’s taint-tastic magic. The chamois is next-level for long days in the saddle—especially on rough gravel where your boo-tay usually files a formal complaint by hour three. Add in super-soft straps that don’t feel like suspenders from hell, and you’ve got a pair of bibs that genuinely make you forget you’re wearing them. That’s about the best compliment I can think of when describing cycling gear…it just disappears.
Bib Straps that over deliver on comfort
The fit is snug but flattering—a little on the longer side in both the legs and the rise, which I personally dig because it keeps everything feeling secure (read: no weird bulges or muffin top situations). And being 6’1” tall, the slightly longer legs just work. It’s not so long that shorter folks would have trouble getting on with them, but it’s worth noting if you’re a leggy dude like me and don’t want to look like John McEnroe from the 70’s.
Pre-ride dorkiness
Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey Fit
The jersey follows suit with a spot-on cut and longer sleeves, which are great for sun protection and giving off that “serious cyclist” vibe. The cut is snug, but ever-so-slightly more relaxed than a traditional tech material race jersey. This likely comes down to the mechanical properties of the fabric (merino vs. techy poly/spandex) more than anything else.
Minimal branding and quality fabrics add up to serious vibes
The jersey moves effortlessly with you as you spray watts all over your buddies behind you. Such is the nature of merino. Also, if you’re not a fan of overly compressive race-cut jerseys, the Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey might just become your best friend as it feels less Tadej Pogacar and more Eddy Merckx.
Function: Almost Perfect, If You Don’t Sweat Like Niagara Falls
Functionally, the Velocio Luxe Bib Shorts are a solid 9.5 out of 10. They’re supportive, breathable, uber-comfy, and sporting just the right amount of compression. But—and this is a big but—if you’re a heavy sweater like me, prepare to look like you peed yourself, particularly in the lighter color that I tested. The lighter colors (I tested their black olive color way, which looks more like a dirty brown/olive) show everything. I’m talking full-saturation zones that aren’t exactly flattering. My advice? Stick to dark colors unless you’re trying to make a statement about hydration or if you merely “perspire”.
NOT a good look for a heavy sweater
They feel durable with solid stitching and finishing details. The pad lacks any annoying seams, and the straps are truly sublime in how they just disappear and DO NOT pull on your shoulders. The wide banding of the straps also helps to distribute the load a bit more comfortably as well.
As for the Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey, it breathes as well as you’d expect merino wool to, but yeah—it runs just a hair warmer than your standard Lycra tech fabric. And I mean a HAIR warmer – it’s far from being a sauna, but on scorching days, you’ll notice it. And just like the bibs, sweat shows through merino like you’re reenacting a wet t-shirt contest. This isn’t specific to Velocio…all merino jerseys do this in my experience. Also, if you’re a pocket-stuffer (snacks, tools, small mammals), the rear pockets stretch a bit and can get annoyingly bouncy since the properties of merino aren’t as elastic-y as more tech-savvy fabrics.
Hooray for sweat stains!
Stretchy pockets and a zipper closure for credit cards, cash, etc.
Style of the Velocio Luxe Bib Short and Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey: Clean, Classy, and Very Off-road Sheik
Visually, this kit is chef’s kiss. The Velocio Luxe Bib Shorts are super clean—long legs, minimal branding, and those nice muted tones that scream “I ride gravel and also have good taste.” Again, dark colors are your friend if you sweat more than a normal human.
The Velocio Luxe Merino Colorblock Jersey nails the retro-meets-modern vibe without being loud. The color-blocking is tasteful (yes, that’s possible), and there are solid color options too if you’re into a more minimalist aesthetic. The earth-y color palette does tend to lean a bit more to the off-road aesthetic in my book, but they work great in a pace line as well. It’s the kind of jersey that makes you look like you know what you’re doing, even if you’re just out there hunting gas station burritos.
Final Take
If you’re in the market for high-end kit that feels like it costs what it costs, Velocio absolutely delivers.
Velocio Luxe Bib Short: 9.5/10 – Worth every penny, just avoid the lighter colors unless you merely “glow” when you sweat.
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Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey: 8/10 – Stylish and comfortable, but with the usual merino quirks (aka sweat and stretch).
TL;DR: The bibs are dreamy. The jersey is great. But if you’re a human sprinkler, be strategic about color choice. Overall? Fancy, functional, and fashionable—with just enough “performance nerd” cred to impress your group ride buddies and tame your booty on long days in the saddle. With an MSRP of $289 for the bib shorts and $199 for the jersey, these Veolcio Luxe pieces aren’t cheap, but they make a solid value play when you factor in all the comfort, function, and style vibes they provide. The Velocio Luxe Bib Short and Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey can be found at velocio.com and at backcountry.com.