Cycle ClothingFeaturedReviews

Vélobici Verne three-season short sleeve cycling jersey reviewed

Velobici Verne

Vélobici Verne (Cannon Grey) Short Sleeve Jersey (Spring, Summer, Autumn) £150

Between us, Victoria and I have worn, ridden in and tested more than our fair share of cycling apparel over what has been a very busy inaugural year for Vamper.cc.

Without fail, every brand that has asked us to run our rule over their latest kit has stressed the quality and craftsmanship of the garments they produce.

Some brands you just know will deliver, while some you guess might not. British cycle wear brand Vélobici is definitely the former, delivering high end quality in a league of its own.

Such is the attention to detail, both technically and aesthetically, that it’s hard to draw comparisons – no matter which competitor you pit Vélobici against.

Velobici Verne

The Vélobici Verne (this version in Cannon Grey) is designed as a three-season short sleeve jersey to be worn, alongside layering, throughout spring, summer and autumn.

It conforms to standard race fit, which I found very comfortable in size medium – I’m 6ft and weigh 11st 6lbs.

One point to note on sizing is that front hem of the Verne is cut quite high compared to most jerseys. It’s a classic cut, but if you have a long torso you might find it riding up. It’s worth taking into account when deciding which size to order (or choosing which bib tights from your wardrobe you’ll pair the Verne with.)

The VB/Pro-VR1 fabric used to construct the Verne is 90% Meryl and 10% Lycra. It is heavier gauge than most standard summer jersey fare, giving it a premium feel.

Such is the attention to detail, both technically and aesthetically, that it’s hard to draw comparisons – no matter which competitor you pit Vélobici against.

Vélobici hasn’t strayed into the merino construction that many manufacturers employ for their high-end apparel with the Verne jersey. Instead, they have crafted a garment that feels markedly different to the touch – soft but durable, and incredibly nice to wear.

The Verne has proved to be great at wicking moisture, drying very quickly. It is windproof and provides protection against UVA and UVB sunlight for those long summer days in the saddle.

I’ve worn the Verne several times in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions, from early spring sleet showers to a scorching hot day in late May. On cold days it’s ideal teamed with arm warmers and a base layer, and on hot days it performs well on its own.

Velobici Verne

Technically the Verne is very nicely adorned with a seamless silicone gripper on the sleeve cuffs and hem, detailing I love which ensures everything stays in place.

In Vélobici ‘s Verne jersey you are getting the type of craftsmanship that could see it outlasting you. There is a risk you could be passing this jersey down to your kids – and how many of your other jerseys can you say that about?

It has the Vélobici signature rear four-pocket design, one of which is zipped and waterproof. While I’m on the subject of zips, the VB logo zip pullers are super high quality – they reinforce the level of detail in Vélobici construction. I have a real thing about the quality of the zip on cycle wear; it is a real giveaway about the true quality and workmanship of a garment. This is top notch.

The jersey features a retro font embroidered ‘Verne’ sleeve and embroidered ‘VB’ lettering on the chest. There is Vélobici jacquard on the back and side panels and a black Vélobici reflective top pocket, hem and sleeve cuffs.

However, none of this comes cheap – the Verne cycling jersey is priced at £150. That said, British-made, technically loaded, impeccably finished cycle wear doesn’t come cheap – and nor should it. You’re paying for quality and, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. In Vélobici ‘s Verne jersey you are getting the type of craftsmanship that could see it outlasting you. There is a risk you could be passing this jersey down to your kids – and how many of your other jerseys can you say that about?

VB04