Bib knickers are some of my favorite pieces of kit, because they are just so versatile. For most conditions, you can wear them all winter, but they particularly shine in the fall and spring when temperatures remain chilly. Velocio just recently introduced their Thermal Bib Knickers and I had to give them a go.
Velocio Thermal Bib Knickers Features:
- ThermoRoubaix Power fabric: fleece backed, DWR treated, highly breathable and wicking for warmth without bulk
- Three-quarter length to cover knees
- Integrated windproof front panel for added protection from the cold
- Flatlock stitching
- Seamless Microfiber bib straps
- Reflective logos for added visibility
- Proprietary Signature Chamois developed with Cytech
- MSRP: $249
Velocio’s versatile bib knickers
When full-length bib tights are too much, but a pair of bib shorts and leg warmers just won’t cut it, the Velocio Thermal Bib Knickers are just the ticket. With hundreds of miles of road and gravel testing, there’s a lot to like about these new knickers.
Pulling them on, the first thing you’ll notice is the natural stretch and compression on offer. What’s awesome about this is Velocio has achieved this without using a bazillion panels. The natural stretch and compression offered by the ThermoRoubaix Power fabric is just right. Once situated at the calf, you’ll notice that the wide leg cuffs also have just the right amount of tension and stretch. Some bib knickers constrict your calf muscles, but these don’t and seem to instantly disappear.
Moving upwards, the design comes up just right to ensure adequate coverage with just about any jersey. With that height, you won’t have any air gaps. Wrapping things up, I also appreciate the wide and stretchy straps. They provide the right tension to ensure the lowers and chamois are set just right, without restricting movement. With a mesh back panel, moisture flows out and away without adding bulk or restricting breathability. As far as the overall construction is concerned, Velocio has nailed it here.
It’s been an epic winter this year in Utah, so finding the right weather windows has been challenging. Initial testing has been on the road, with some gravel testing to round things out. As mentioned, the overall fit is just right and on the bike, these really just disappear. I don’t think about them much at all and they provide nice warmth and comfort between 40-60 degrees. Cold descents are no match for the ThermoRoubaix Power fabric — I haven’t felt winter’s chill at all and do feel these could be my only winter bibs, if I didn’t have a variety of bib tights to choose from. If you want one pair of cold-weather bibs, these are a great choice.
Something that could be improved is the knee articulation. I know I praised the design for its minimal panels, but one downside to that is bunching behind the kneecap. If the knees were articulated a little more, that bunching would go unnoticed. It’s a minor issue that doesn’t detract from overall function, but I noticed it.
With built-in water resistance, rain or snow beads right up and blows off. And, the thermal-backed fabric is always cozy and warm and continues to breathe on up to about 60-degrees, at which point, I’d rather have the Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts. As is always the case, temperatures usually rise from the start of a ride to the end.
The all-important chamois provides excellent coverage and stays put throughout the ride — even with multiple position changes from standing to sitting. I always land squarely on the chamois and haven’t had any chafing on 2-3 hour rides. The Signature Chamois is solid and adds a good amount of comfort, but it’s not a class-leading design. There are more comfortable chamois on the market at this price point, but it’s no slouch and will provide good overall comfort.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs., wearing the size medium bib knickers.
The Good
- Superb fit
- Mesh uppers and wide straps for breathability and comfort
- Compression is excellent
- Leg cuffs stay put and don’t restrict movement at all
- Great warmth beyond expectations
- Added weather protection
The Bad
- Could use a little more knee articulation
- Good, but not class-leading chamois
The Bottom Line: Velocio Thermal Bib Knickers
Bib knickers are the unsung heroes of shoulder season and winter riding. Velocio has delivered with these as I’ve been keen to ride them above bib tights because they are comfortable, compressive and cozy. The overall cut and fit is spot-on, with just a couple of small nit-picks that don’t detract from the great package.
Buy Now: Visit Velocio.cc
