Designed in New England and produced in Italy, Velocio strives to create sustainable, well-crafted pieces without compromise. The small brand, launched in 2014, offers high-end, high-performance pieces while reducing their carbon footprint. They even offer a repair service ensuring you get the most wear out of your clothes. Each piece is well-crafted, and Velocio works to design clothing that won’t inhibit a rider’s experience on the trail.
Velocio Trail Short
Made of a high-stretch, Italian-milled fabric, Velocio’s signature Trail Short is ultra-lightweight and offers a 4-way stretch. After testing the shorts on a quick spin, there was no denying the quality of this short. Compared to other baggy mountain bike shorts, the Trail Short has a slim, tailored cut, and I never felt constricted thanks to the stretchy material. There are not any ventilation panels, but the lightweight material is breathable ensuring I never overheated even on the hottest days. These shorts also offer a durable, water-repellent finish that noticeably worked in a light afternoon sprinkle.
Since the Trail Short sits lower on the waist, my hip measurement (34 inches) corresponded to size extra-small on the size chart. The shorts run true-to-size and I like the adjustable strap on the side to cinch the waist tight. The adjusters keep the short secure on hips and maintain a slim silhouette without any awkward side bulges. Plus, the excess can be tucked away.
The Trail Short offers two ventilated mesh pockets on the side, and they’re positioned in a way that keeps items secure while pedaling. The pockets are also roomy enough to fit a larger phone, like an iPhone 8 Plus. Personally, I don’t like the feel of bulky items in my pockets, but I found the pockets perfect for stashing small items like a car key or energy gummies.
Since Velocio is focused on quality over quantity, the short is offered in three colors: charcoal, dark olive, and navy. It is refreshing to see a high-end line produce neutral colors for women. The shorts cost $159 (available online from Velocio) which is pricey compared to other shorts on the market. However, when it comes to investing in pieces of gear, frequently-used clothing is often worth the price. After several wears and washes (including a run-in with briers) it seems that these shorts will withstand the wear and tear of the trails for several years. With that in mind, the Trail Short is worth the investment.
Velocio Trail Mesh Bib Liner
The Trail Short does not come with a bib or a liner, but Velocio did design a Trail Mesh Bib Liner to complement the Trail Short. The Bib Liner, equipped with cargo pockets on each leg, features full mesh allowing complete breathability. The mesh is designed to keep a rider cool even as temperatures rise, and the ultralight, high density chamois provides comfort in the saddle and doesn’t feel like a “sweaty diaper.” It also features Velocio’s FlyFree design allowing you to pull down the back making it easy to pee without fully undressing.
The seamless mesh is light and doesn’t add extra bulk under the Trail Short. The Bib Liner’s chamois padding offers all day comfort, and the FlyFree design ensures quick breaks.
The Bib Liner is made from compressive material that forms to the rider’s shape after a few wears and washes. However, I found the material to run small and would suggest sizing up. While the XS shorts fit great, the XS Bib Liner did not; the bib dug into my thigh and did not fit seamlessly under the Trail Short.
I also tried a size small, and it’s still form-fitting but feels more comfortable when pedaling. While the Trail Mesh Bib Liner is offered at a similarly higher-end price point at $139 (available here; there’s also a men’s version), it is well worth the money.
Velocio Delta Long Sleeve and Radiator Trail Tank
Both the Delta Long Sleeve and Radiator Trail Tank are made out of the Polartec Delta fabric that keeps you cool as you ride by absorbing moisture and providing a cooling feel as it evaporates. While tanks tend to be the go-to on hot summer days, it is nice to have a lightweight long-sleeve for extra protection from the sun and overgrown foliage. However, the Delta Long Sleeve arms are form-fitting so elbow pads do not fit underneath.
Both tops are both slim-fitting and designed with a drop hem that doesn’t ride up. The Delta Long Sleeve is also crafted from recycled polyester, chosen in part by Velocio to reduce their carbon footprint. Just like the Bib Liners, over time the tops soften and mold to a rider’s shape. Since these two pieces are form-fitting, riders may want to pay close attention to the chest measurements to get the most appropriate fit. According to the chest measurement on the size chart, I’m a small (35 in) and found that size to fit perfectly.
The Delta Long Sleeve is $99 and the Radiator Trail Tank is $69. Like with the Trail Short, if you are looking to invest in a high-performing lifetime pieces that perform well in the heat, these items are a great addition in your rotation.
⭐️ Explore more men’s and women’s trail wear at Velocio.
Check out our mountain bike shorts buyers guide and our picks for the best mountain bike shorts.
The Feel Good, Ride Good series is an effort to help women find mountain bike gear and clothing that just feels right. We recognize women have different body shapes, styles, and needs so we hope to help them discover women’s products that fit those unique requirements so we can just focus on the ride. While we are all different, we all want gear that fits, that works, and matches the energy and personality we bring to the bike. We’ll be back on #FeelGoodFriday with more women’s MTB products.
