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Expert road cycling advice, since 2001 Mens Insulated Pants
Price: $269 (on sale at the time of this review for $202)
Sizes: XXS – 3XL (women’s); XS – 4XL (men’s)
Colors: Coffee, Light Olive, Fire Red, Night
Pockets: 3 large/deep rear pockets and 1 zipper pocket
Fit: True to size
The first rule of winter riding in Chicago is to keep your core warm so blood flows to your extremities ― keeping feet and hands toasty. A good jacket is essential. It must be windproof, water-resistant at a minimum, and breathable. Velocio’s Signature Softshell jacket lets you truly enjoy a winter ride, hike, or cross-country ski.
This jacket is available in both men’s and women’s styles, and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to fabric selection and attention to detail. I tested it in various conditions, including temperatures ranging from 28 to 45 degrees F, winds reaching up to 18 mph, and even some rain and sleet. It performed exceptionally well in all these situations.
Thanks to its proprietary eVent/Primaloft softshell membrane, it’s ideally designed for when you sweat. This membrane provides the windproof element and excellent moisture management. The laminates of the jacket utilize the innovative Direct Venting Technology, which allows for air permeability while blocking wind and water. Additionally, the low-profile cuffs of the jacket will enable them to easily fit under or over gloves, preventing any cold breeze from blowing up my arms.
The temperature determined the layers worn under this jacket during my test rides. On cooler days, I opted for a long-sleeved base layer, while as the temperatures dropped, I added either a short or long-sleeved jersey. Thanks to the DVstretch fabric, I experienced a remarkable level of stretch, allowing me to move freely on and off the bike, regardless of the number of layers I wore. When I needed to vent some air, the two-way zipper provided options to unzip either at the neck or the waist.
This jacket’s longer rear hem ensured my backside remained warm and dry. Additionally, the silicon gripper along the rear hemline prevented the jacket from riding up, protecting me from tire spray and wind.
Equipped with three spacious rear pockets, I had ample room for all my ride essentials. I comfortably carried my wallet, phone, mini pump, and nutrition with room to spare. However, I found it strange that the location of the zipper pocket varies from the men’s and women’s jackets. The men’s version has it located at the left chest, while the women’s version has the pocket at the lower left side. I prefer the zipper pocket on my left chest for easy access to my phone. Also, the side pocket zipped up to close, leaving a small opening where rain could seep in. I would recommend they reverse it and zip down for a more secure closure.
Velocio is inclusive of all body sizes, offering extended sizes for men and women. The men’s version is available in sizes XS to 4XL, while the women’s version comes in 2XS to 3XL.
The Signature Softshell jacket comes in four colors: coffee, light olive, fire red, and night (purple). I chose the fire red option as it is perfect for the often overcast and gloomy Chicago winter days. The bright color increased my visibility to drivers when riding the road. In fact, two test rides were in foggy conditions; the fire red color stood out, making it easier to be seen whenever I ventured off the trail and onto the road.
The company strategically placed a reflective “Velocio” down the center rear pocket and a logo at the left neckline for additional visibility.
There is no off-season when you have this jacket, as it has proven to be a reliable and versatile option for winter days. The attention to detail and fabric selection make it a standout choice for cycling, hiking, and skiing. It performed exceptionally well in various weather conditions, providing excellent moisture management, windproofing, and water resistance. With the Velocio Signature Softshell jacket, you can confidently embrace winter riding, knowing you will stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your journey.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I don’t understand why bicycling apparel costs so much such as this jacket. It makes the cycling community look like elitists by giving off the perception we – community can afford to buy ridiculously over priced gear. Maybe my voice is out line but I am a common rider who reads, views, and shops for good deals. I very rarely buy top line products. It’s speaks the same to price of a bike with 105, Ultegra, or whatever flavor group; things in this market are over inflated. Let’s get real here and not purchase marketed overpriced gear.
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