Here’s an exclusive first look at Velobici’s new Van Abel bib shorts and short sleeved jersey.
The garments are the latest from the Leicestershire firm, who have quickly built a reputation for high-quality cycle clothing made in England.
This is their first foray into bib shorts and riding jerseys. Their work to date has centred on a stylish knitwear, base layers, and accessories.
The new roadwear collection includes two styles, each comprising bib shorts and short-sleeved jersey. We’ll be testing the Van Abel shorts and jersey.
The jersey is a 95 per cent Meryl, five per cent Lycra mix, which stretches well and provides a visible sheen. It also feels extremely soft. Meryl claim effective moisture management for their Actisystem fabric, something we’ll report on in our subsequent review.
A full-length, YKK zip is pulled with a neat (smaller than a penny) Velobici medallion, and shielded from the skin by a soft panel in the same shade of red used to line the collar and for detailing on the top of the rear pockets.
A Velobici ‘jacquard’ is woven into the side panels of the jersey, the back, and on the right side of the chest: subtle black-on-black branding that includes variously the word Velobici, and the company’s chainwheel and ‘VB’ emblem.
The ‘sweeping’ pocket design means the left pocket is deepest. There are five in total: the classic three across the back, with additional zip pockets on the edge of the left and right. All of the pockets have a waterproof lining, except the centre pocket. The sleeves and hem are lined with silicone and finished with reflective piping.
The Van Abel jersey is available in six sizes from X-Small to XX-Large and costs £140.
The Van Abel shorts are entirely black except for the radio pocket in the centre of the yoke, which is printed in red with the Velobici logo and washing instructions, and tipped with the same red swatch as the jersey pockets.
The bib straps are made from the same 89 per cent Meryl, 11 per cent Lycra mix as the leg, unlike many we have tested with straps made from a polyester mesh. As a result, they offer a reassuring amount of stretch. The Velobici jacquard’ is woven above the seat and in the leg side panels. A Gopresia Airmesh insert is stitched into the short with flatlock seams.
The Van Abel short is available in five sizes from X-Small to X-Large and costs £130.
Check back soon for a full review.
