Before digging in, let me be as clear as possible with this one — we all need a pair of thermal bib shorts like the Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts. During shoulder season and even further into winter, I’m inclined to grab a pair of bib shorts over bib tights because of the freedom of movement. So, with that, let’s dig into Velocio’s flavor of these little gems.
Velocio Thermal Bib Short Features:
- Utilizes Thermoroubaix Power fabric throughout
- DWR treated for weather protection
- Wide microfiber straps with simple crossback design
- Windproof front panel
- Signature chamois (sourced from CyTech)
- Ideal for 40-55 degrees
- Made in Italy
- MSRP: $239
Essential bib shorts for cold rides
Alas, it’s cyclocross season. And, it’s also a great time for cold rides here in the mountains. With morning temperatures in the 40’s and noontime temps in the low-50’s, it’s the perfect time to break out the thermal bib shorts. The Velocio Thermal Bib shorts are built with Thermoroubaix Power fabric, which is a fleece-backed wind and water-resistant softshell material — just right for this purpose.
With that warm, cozy fabric, they haven’t muddied the layering process by adding mesh uppers. No, just straight-up microfiber straps that don’t add warmth or bulk. The beauty of that can’t be overstated with a pair of thermal bib shorts because layering gets tricky for shoulder season riding. Some days, it’s a lightweight Merino jersey, like the Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve, and other days it’s a thicker, warmer layer, like the Pearl Izumi PRO Alpha Layer. Either way, those wide straps don’t add warmth or thickness, so your chosen layers can do what they do best — wick away moisture and maintain the proper temperature. I’ve been wearing a sleeveless base layer and a variety of mid and outer layers this fall with much success, using the Thermal Bib Shorts as the foundation.
Puling them on, you’ll notice a good amount of compression and a nice panel structure. I would love to see flat lock seams, but these traditional seams go largely unnoticed. Keeping the bibs in place are lovely, wide, silicone-backed leg cuffs and straps. The cuffs are just the right diameter and level of grippyness. The bib length is just right and they also work well with knee warmers to further extend their utility.
At speed, the windproof front panel keeps things warm and toasty. Frankly, the legs don’t seem to allow much airflow, so consider the whole package cold-weather friendly. Should it start raining, the DWR treatment kicks in and maintains all-weather protection. I did get caught in a few storms and the Thermoroubaix Power fabric performs as advertised with a warm and dry experience. The bibs do extend up just high enough to allow proper jersey/bibs overlap and stretch nicely when it comes time to use the restroom.
Let’s talk about the Velocio Signature chamois. This particular one is sourced from CyTech and it provides good comfort and protection for road, gravel and mountain biking. I can sit comfortably and numb-free and I’m able to move fore/aft and to get in and out of the saddle without snagging the material or displacing the chamois. I’d say the chamois is on par with many comparable units, but still doesn’t match the best from Assos or the latest from Pearl Izumi. It could use a little more thickness for an even cushier feel.
Black bibs with subtle branding are always in style and okay to wear with a complete Velocio kit or with other brands. I know that the Peloton Police would beg to differ when mixing brands, but I say go for it. These are great and offer quality and comfort alone or with knee warmers should temperatures dip.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs and am wearing the size medium.
The Good
- Fleece-backed fabric is instantly cozy
- Great weather protection
- Straps don’t interfere with layering
- Silicon leg cuffs offer just the right grip
- More versatile than bib tights
The Bad
- Chamois is good, but I’d expect a little more for this price
The Bottom Line: Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts
Thermal bib shorts are the quiet workhorse of any cyclists cold-weather repertoire. With the Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts, you’ll get a warm and flexible bib short that can be layered up or decked out with leg warmers for even colder rides. The Italian quality can be felt and I really appreciate having these versatile bib shorts at the ready.
Buy Now: Visit Velocio.cc
