By If the big fashion houses of Europe were ever looking for the perfect test dummy for their collections, the cycling journalist would surely be it.
It’s difficult to imagine a breed who subject clothing to more systematic abuse and ill treatment; constant travel, hotel wash basins as a washing machine, cramming items into bags day after day, and the necessity to mix casual clothing with having to look smart. The cycling journalist becomes very canny, very quickly about what to put on their back each morning.
I am, however, in love. Smitten with the new collection of on/off bike clothing from Leicester-based company Velobici. I don’t say these things lightly. I speak as one whose sartorial elegance is closer to carthorse than thoroughbred [how true – ed.]and as one of the most cynical testers you could pick, but I know quality when I wear it.
Velobici have taken a long, hard look at the crossover market for urban cycling clothing and have swiftly rejected the more wacky plus-fours bicycling suit trend in favour of beautifully tailored garments that work on and off the bike, although frankly I find them far too nice to even think about riding in them.
Available in either Grey or Black, the knitwear range is made from 100% Italian Merino wool and is designed to hold its shape after washing. This is especially true of the San Remo turtle neck, although all the garments I have tried so far appear to be of the same quality. They are also exceptionally comfortable, thanks to very neat seamless construction, which is as noticeable off the bike as on it.
Lovely detailing includes a small button-down pocket on the rear and thumb holes on the cuff, suitably reinforced, that make the garment genuinely usable on the bike should you wish. All the garments are made in the UK, which is a nice thing to know, and come wrapped in black tissue paper and branded bags should you be buying as a gift.
I have worn, washed and generally abused all three of the knitwear garments in the 2011 Velobici range, as well as the super lightweight Domestique and heavier Classic T shirts, for well over a month now. I have worn them commuting, at work, slept in them, hurled them into holdalls and attended Olympic receptions in them and it’s a testament to how much I have come to love these items that’s it’s pretty much all I have packed whilst I am away on Paris-Nice.
Exclusively a menswear brand at present, Velobici also produce a selection of woollen caps, arm warmers, scarfs and neck warmers, all of which, along with the above items, are available through their website.
No, they are not cheap, especially the Classic T which, at nearly £70, is enough to make anyone gulp, but these are beautifully made, superb quality garments and, in this case, “you gets what you pays for”.
Prices:
Milano Classic V-Neck – £115
San Remo Classic Turtle Neck – £120
Lombardy Classic Cardigan – £130
