Review: Velobici Modernist Navy Bundle
In the industry of cycling kits, it is uncommon for a company to design softly while making a big statement. Leicester, England-based Velobici has done just that, featuring striking colors with exquisite styling with help from photographer Scott Mitchell. Scroll amongst the garment categories on Velobici’s website and one cannot help but get pulled into bold designs. Pair that stylish color combination with sustainability, and suddenly a purchase from Velobici becomes the norm.
From the outset, the presentation of a Velobici Modernist bundle feels first rate. The bibs and jersey come on a Velobici cardboard hanger, a smart move to set it apart in the cycling wardrobe. The kit itself suggests we must prove ourselves to it, rather than the contrary. The bibs sport a strong navy blue with complementary red piping making both colors appear vibrant. The left thigh features the British roundel; the right hails the company’s initials ‘VB’ in light blue. Across the back is the simplistic MODERNIST to affirm this is a quality bib short. Only a seasoned cyclist would know the importance of this kit.
Per Velobici’s website, the bibs feature anti-bacterial fabric, a low cut front, and super soft silicone grippers. Velobici’s own pad design is touted for rides up to seven hours. We found the pad extremely comfortable even though it felt nearly invisible. It should be highlighted Velobici spent prolific hours designing a comfortable pad for maximum ride time, specifically focusing on the removal of unnecessary material.
Velobici’s Modernist Bundle jersey has an offset pocket alignment, making access to the right side easier.
What really impresses in this bundle is the Modernist jersey. Featuring exciting fabrics and unique cuts, the race fit jersey sets itself apart in multiple ways. Using yarn that releases body heat, the Modernist jersey is deceptive in its cooling abilities. We tested it out on several hot days prepared to sweat it out, but the Modernist jersey hardly feels absorptive toward the sun’s heat. With maximum sleeve length nearly to the elbows, Velobici has the rider covered with SPF material. Further, the colors of their material are striking and bold: navy blue continuing side-by-side with a bold red. Only this time the jersey co-mingles Vesper, the same color used in their aptly-named jersey.
While every bike jersey looks similar, Velobici sets their tops apart with two specific stylings: a high front cut and an angled rear pocket design. The high cut along the bottom front of the jersey keeps the quality full-length zipper from rippling. Meanwhile the four rear pockets took some getting used to as the right side sits lower and essentially under the right armpit with the left side resting higher up the flank. Being a righty, I couldn’t help but wonder what left handed riders would think of this setup. And it took some getting used to having the ol’ iPhone closer for photos than usual, hanging at the kidney, ready for service of, say, a video of riding behind a farm tractor for a mile. There’s a waterproof pocket hidden away, but it’s not received any use.
Unique in the industry is the embroidered roundel and company initials into the fabric.
While Velobici kits cost more, they want to keep you in them. The company offers kit repair, unique to cycling garments. Usually companies just sign away crash replacement. Not Velobici, as they will determine whether your kit is salvageable. If not, they offer a 30% discount on a like-priced kit. (One would have had to scuttle the kit to achieve irreparable status, we think.) Should the wearer determine the kit has reached its lifespan, Velobici offers the same discount on a returned kit as part of their recycling program. We weren’t embellishing when we said Velobici wants to keep you in their gear for years.
Even ladybugs like the Modernist kit.
Just the other day we layered up with the Velobici Modernist kit. It was bright and hot, and we were apprehensive. Would the navy fabric vacuum the sun’s heat and road radiation? As it turned out, the ride was remarkably comfortable in both heat transfer as well as riding comfort. In the several rides in the Velobici Modernist kit, large amounts of time were spent enjoying the stylish presentation while nearly forgetting the bibs and jersey were even worn. Everything about this kit was a nod to attention to detail.
It’s not much of a stretch to proclaim that Velobici will become your new favorite kit company. With classic English design, devotion to customers, and superb performance, it’s hard to find anything Velobici could improve. Velobici’s design makes big statements; it’s the purchaser who will ride quietly, possibly out of a loss of words at the beauty of the Modernist kit.
We would like to thank Brian Ignatin of Kermesse Sport as well as Velobici for making this review possible.
