I’ve long been a fan of women’s pro racing. It’s not easy being a fan – hours spent combing the internet for race results, video highlights, an interview at least. I’ve followed the many team iterations of manager/owner Kristy Scrymgeour and even the late days of her own racing career.  She launched Velocio Sports both to support and sponsor her own pro team and to begin the debut of a new kit brand. She has since left pro cycling to devote herself full-time to Velocio.

I was sold from the beginning. Not specifically stated, Velocio was a women’s brand. I say that in the way that a women’s only ride will allow men to join but to not take the lead. It was high-end kit with classic style at a high-end price. I happily handed over my money for many pieces and try to acquire a new piece every season (looking at you, Poppy kit).

At the beginning of June I purchased Velocio’s Ultralight Jersey in Petrol. It’s not black. It’s an ink-y deep sea kind of blue-green. It’s gorgeous and no photo can do it justice. I shied away from the lighter color because I believe dark slims me, and we all need that security in lycra sometimes. It’s accentuated with a pop of lime green inside the collar.

I’m a 36″ chest with a 30″ waist and 38″ hips and wore a size Small. I wore a SMALL! I gambled with size but found their chart online to be accurate.

My first impression was softness. I couldn’t believe how silky the material felt. I was worried lightweight meant bare but when I put it on over my black sports bra and black bibs there was no issue of see-through. I did pair them with my older model Velocio Signature Bibshort but I will not review those because they are no longer available. Reminds me I need to upgrade to a new pair soon! You can see the pinholes in the material to allow breathability and temperature control.

Once I was riding with the jersey I didn’t feel a thing. Honest. It was like I had nothing on at all. The seams on the sleeve were barely noticeable and there was no itchy tag, no odd seam – the jersey moved with me so smoothly. I did notice the top of the zipper, though, and only once I unzipped it a little. On the inside, the top of the material that creates either side of the zipper (right where the collar meets the zipper) was scratchy and it was irritating. I kept it zipped because I couldn’t tuck the ends in.

The three pockets did lack a zipper compartment but that is a weight saver and I found the pockets to be deep enough and roomy enough for all my stuff. I rode a 50 mile hot mountain ride with this jersey as my test ride, with plenty of snacks, a camera, and a lightweight vest for the descent and had no issues with the fit once the pockets were stuffed. The weight in the pockets does cause the jersey to sag a bit but the excellent grip on the bottom hem didn’t move at all.

OVERALL

This jersey is well worth the price. The fit and feel is truly excellent and it’s a very high quality piece. Impressive to be so lightweight but concealing of anything worn underneath. Perfect for the hottest days or a long day in the saddle at peak hours. Perfectly paired with Velocio’s Lightweight vest for mountain days. I highly recommend this piece.