Review: Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tights

Cargo bib shorts and bib tights are not only great for long gravel rides, but offer versatility for road or MTB as well. This year, Velocio has introduced an all-new winter bib tight — the Thermal Utility Bib Tights — and it hasn’t taken long to make good use of them on all types of rides.

Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tights Features:

• Two low-profile leg pockets
• ThermoRoubaix Power fabric is fleece-backed and treated with light DWR
• Optimized for wicking and warmth without bulk
• Integrated windproof panel throughout the seat
• Flatlock stitching and seamless microfiber bib straps
• Reflective detailing and logos for added visibility
• Proprietary Signature Chamois developed with Cytech
• 30-day signature guarantee
• Repairable in case of extended wear
• MSRP: $279

Cold-weather bib tights with added utility

With the naked eye, most thermal bib tights may look the same: Fleece-backed materials with full-length tights and stretchy uppers to keep everything together. Let me tell you that the little niceties between brands and quality levels can really be felt in the saddle. And, Velocio has done well with the new Thermal Utility Bib Tights.

At the core, Velocio’s ThermoRoubaix Power fabric is the workhorse here. With soft fleece next-to-skin and a durable outer face fabric that sheds light rain or snow with ease, they check all the boxes. But wait, there’s much more to talk about.

Pulling on a pair of bib tights can sometimes be an exercise in frustration, but that’s not so with the Utility Bib Tights. Using flat stitching throughout, the lowers slide on with added ease. Due to the snug fit, you do have to pull them up a little bit at a time to get them completely into place. I can confirm that once situated, they offer the perfect amount of muscle compression and stretchiness.

Velocio included large, reflective leg inserts below each calf. These serve two purposes: 1) added visibility and 2) ease the process of pulling on the tights. These have the largest reflective cross-section of any bib tights I’ve tested, which is always a good thing. In addition to that reflectivity, the smooth material makes pulling the tights on a breeze. Sometimes, my heel can catch on the leg cuff and require extra effort to pull on. While some tights go with leg zippers, I appreciate the simplicity this solution affords. The only negative is that panel lacks fleece backing, so you do feel the cold. At the end of the day, I’m a fan of this design.

I’ve got to mention the utility pockets because they are fantastic. There’s an optimal place for leg pockets and Velocio has it nailed. I can slip a phone, a few SiS gels or a bar in there and they disappear. Honestly, I’ve wandered around the house, looking for my phone, only to realize it’s in my leg pocket. Doh! And, on the bike, I’ve been mid-ride wondering where my phone is (after reaching into my jersey pocket), only to realize that “oh yeah, it’s in the leg pocket.” Kudos again for great pocket placement and ease-of-use.

The Signature Chamois is a good one for short and long rides on road and gravel. It’s not best-in-class, but it’s admirable and comfortable on a variety of saddles for rides between 2-4 hours. The excellent compression and muscle support no doubt helps the chamois shine as well by keeping everything properly situated. The uppers are very comfortable and come up high enough for proper coverage and dad bod control. The stretchy mesh back panel and wide, soft straps don’t add unnecessary warmth or get in the way. Worn with or without a base layer, the uppers moved with me and never felt constricting.

I’d say the ideal temperature range is in the 40’s with the Velocio Utility Bib Tights. On the colder end of that spectrum, they got noticeably chilly on descents. On the upper end, they performed well, but I’d prefer the Velocio Thermal Bib Knickers when temperatures go into the 50’s. My winter riding threshold is 40-degrees and sunny, so these are great for those conditions. And, should you get caught in light rain or snow, the DWR treatment does shed just enough moisture to keep you from getting soaked, but don’t expect them to be fully-waterproof. In my testing, any moisture mostly beaded up and flew off, but don’t expect Gore-Tex performance.

I have now tested a variety of Velocio’s cold-weather bib options. In addition to the Utility Bib Tights, you might consider the Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts or the Velocio Thermal Bib Knickers for various conditions.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs, comfortably wearing the size medium.

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