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Rapha Gets Dotty for the Female Body and Velocio Releases the Recon Vest for Men and Women

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Velocio Recon vest, mens and womens

A good piece of cycling clothing has a few jobs to do – it has to fit well and allow mobility, it has to keep you protected from weather conditions while controlling your inner climate, and it’s gotta look good all the while. Thankfully companies like Rapha and Velocio are putting out thoughtful, quality garments with us riders squarely in their sights.

For the ladies, Rapha has added some functional style by popping high-vis reflective dots all over the back of their existing Women’s Rain Jacket. Fellow garment makers Velocio have recently added a new vest to their versatile Recon collection, which comes in both women’s and men’s styles. Click below the break for the finer details of each…

Rapha Polka Dot Women’s Rain Jacket

Rapha women's rain jacket, lumbar logo

Rapha has updated the design of their 2015 Women’s Rain Jacket, which now features reflective polka dots splashed across the back panel to increase your visibility and reduce the chances of a car-vs-bike accident. A reflective Rapha logo also adorns your lumbar region, and two small reflective stripes accent the sleeves near your wrists.

The jacket is fully waterproof, with taped seams at the shoulders and upper arms plus Aquaguard zippers to ensure you stay happy and dry. It is also breathable and lightweight enough to stuff into a jersey pocket when not needed.

Rapha women's rain jacket, pink, front Rapha women's rain jacket, black, back

The jacket’s face fabric is made from False Twist Nylon, and the back panel is 85% Nylon with 15% Elastane to allow for a bit of stretch. In order to make the jacket more comfortable against bare skin when worn over short sleeved jerseys, three ply fabric is used for the forearms.

Rapha women's rain jacket, on bike
*Photos courtesy of Rapha

Other features include a diagonal full length front zipper, zippered pockets on each side and an elongated tail and high collar to provide full coverage against the elements. Sizes XXS-XL are available, and color options include Raspberry Pink or black. The Women’s Rain Jacket can be purchased online for 210€ ($225 USD).

rapha.cc

Velocio Recon Quilted Vest

Velocio Recon vest, womens, front Velocio Recon vest, womens, back

Velocio has just added a new piece to their existing Recon line, a collection of cycling clothing that offers comfort, durability and versatile style for on-bike performance and a dash of panache at the coffee shop or apres-ride stop.

The Recon vest is an insulating layer that can be worn with just about any outfit, from your full race kit to a casual get-up of your daily streetwear. The vest is anatomically designed for riders with Velocio’s ‘cycling fit’, which incorporates a shaped collar and long rear hem. The Recon vest is a bit relaxed, so the company advises sizing down if you prefer a snug hug.

Velocio Recon vest, mens, zipper

The vest is made from breathable, odor-resistant (and sustainably raised) merino wool with a lightweight, windproof Pertex Quantum shell fabric on the front and side panels. Quilted side panels add a bit of detail and provide good insulation without excess bulk.

Velocio Recon vest, mens, pocket
*Photos courtesy of Velocio

The Recon features a two-way nickel-plated main zipper, plus two front and one rear zippered pockets. Reflective logos and trim ensure motorists see you on the road, and an included light loop can carry a rear blinker on darker rides.

The Recon vest costs $269 USD through Velocio’s website and comes in black only. XS to XXL sizes are available for Men, and Women’s sizes go from XXS-XL.

velocio.cc

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Markus
Markus
9 years ago

So do the hi-vis dots increase visibility on an overcast winter day?

I just got run over from behind twice in the last few weeks. On straight roads, during the day. Seriously, put flashing tail lights on your bike. Wear bright colours. And pray that you’re lucky …

Scoops
Scoops
9 years ago

Markus, what about a Garmin Varia?

Bill
Bill
9 years ago

@Scoops.. The varia is a neat piece of tech, for sure, but.. I don’t see how it helps anything. Most of us spending that kind of money on bike stuff ride enough to know where we should be in the lane all the time anyway, so what, it gives you a moment to brace for impact? Every time a car comes up?

Markus
Markus
9 years ago

totally agree with @Bill’s comment. Does Varia tell you if the car drives into you or passes by?

Like most of us I drive a car, too. Even for me it is often difficult to notice these totally in black dressed cyclists. Black may look cool but it definitely does not help with surviving out there.

Gunnstein
Gunnstein
9 years ago

Any decent helmet/eyeglass mirror beats the Varia IMHO. It tells you whether the driver is giving you space or not, and lets you judge their speed. It has far more range than 140 meters, requires no batteries, and you don’t even have to look down at the bars.

Axel
9 years ago

(deleted)

Allan
Allan
9 years ago

Agree with the comments above me. Both of the models in this article are totally blacked out. What is it with dudes and their blackity black blackness?! I get annoyed now when I’m driving and I see a cyclist kitted out in all black without any lights. OOOOH YER COOL BUDDY, but I can’t see you for shi*! Get a grip people, it’s a war out there dealing with cars, be smart!

gm
gm
9 years ago

Eyeglass mirror + powerful flashing tail light for daytime. I also ride a bit in the lane because thats where the drivers are looking and not the shoulder. They notice the tail light and slow down, thats when I move over to the right.

Antipodean_eleven
9 years ago

Ahh, you see people, with all black you have no issues matching to your all black bike. You never have to worry about matching your kit and it never goes out of ‘style’.

Sheesh, git wit da programme (spelt the British way) folks!!

Antipodean_eleven
9 years ago

*insert discussion about ‘all black’ being a fashion*

*insert second discussion about ‘all black’ being a display of a gross lack of imagination*

Rides bikes
Rides bikes
9 years ago

Stupid of Rapha to make black, stupid to buy it, stupid drivers don’t pay enough attention.

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