Weather is a force to be reckoned with, but we cyclists are lucky to have a wide selection of riding gear for all conditions. Summers get pretty hot where I live, so I was stoked to receive Velocio’s Ultralight TRAIL jersey and shorts for testing. I also received a sun protection hoody from Le Bent, which arrived just soon enough to be ridden on several hot, sunny days.
While the weather for many of us northern hemisphere riders is cooling down now, summer will be back next year (and there are plenty of places where it’s still hot). Both Velocio and Le Bent’s gear did great at keeping me cool and comfortable on the trails, so they’re worthy of keeping in mind when the temperatures rise next Spring. These three pieces all proved to be ideal options for any day that falls between ‘warm’ and ‘scorching hot’!
Velocio Ultralight TRAIL Jersey: $79
The Ultralight TRAIL Jersey is constructed from ultralight opaque mesh, made from 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane. The jersey is cut with articulated shoulders and an extended hem to ensure good coverage and mobility while you ride. It also features a round lay-flat collar.
Velocio wisely kept the shoulder seams just a bit down the back, so backpack straps won’t sit right on them. This simple jersey has no pockets, and the styling is subdued with two small reflective logos on the chest and left shoulder. In terms of care, please note you should not tumble dry this thin jersey – Velocio suggests laying it flat to dry.
Men’s models are available in Slate (as tested), Black, or Green Spruce colors. Sizes range from XS-4XL. Women’s models are also available in Black, Green Spruce, or Misty Rose colors, with sizes ranging from XXS-3XL.
Ride Impressions:
I’m wearing Velocio’s size small jersey, whereas I often wear size medium jerseys. I’m fairly thin, so the relaxed fit body leaves me a little extra room everywhere. It is evident that the sleeves are cut for optimum mobility in riding position; If you throw your shoulders back in this jersey, the chest gets snug. On the bike, this makes for an ergonomic, non-restrictive fit.
At 5’10”, I found the body length ample as the tail covers my entire butt, and the front is long enough to cover my waist by a few inches. This jersey’s short sleeve length is generous, reaching down to just above my elbows.
My first ride in the Ultralight TRAIL jersey was a perfect test. It was a very hot day at 33° Celsius (91.4º F), and I rode a trail that’s mostly exposed to the sun. After that ride, I can confirm this jersey is definitely one of the coolest in my closet. The fabric is super light and thin, so it feels like you’re barely wearing anything.
The jersey breathes incredibly well and allows a decent amount of air to flow through it. It’s not quite as airy as a thin merino jersey or the open mesh panels some jerseys use in key areas, but it does allow good airflow and vents body heat very effectively.
Another humid ride proved the Ultralight TRAIL jersey is quick to dry. During a sweaty climb, I got pretty wet on the chest, armpits, and under my pack. However, after descending a short trail, the chest area and armpits felt much drier. I rode another descent, then pedalled home, and the only part of the jersey that was still damp was directly where my pack sat. I was impressed, especially given there was no sunlight or warm breeze blowing that day.
Ultralight MTB Shorts: $169
The Ultralight TRAIL Shorts are made from a blend of Polyamide and Elastane. This lightweight stretch woven fabric weighs in at 115gsm. These shorts feature a fairly streamlined cut, but their pre-shaped 3D patterning ensures pedalling mobility. Velocio says the legs should fit well over low-profile kneepads.
For waist adjustability, Velocio includes belt loops and recommends pairing their shorts with Arcade’s stretchy belts (which are intended for active use). I have ridden in Arcade’s belts before, and they are indeed comfortable enough to forget about.
Velocio gives you zippered pockets on each leg, which are designed to minimize the movement of cargo. Other details include a single-button slide-lock waist closure with a zip fly, and silicone grippers inside the rear hem. Finally, a PFAS-free DWR coating provides some resistance against puddle splashes and light rain.
Like the jersey, Velocio recommends laying these shorts flat to dry, as they should not go in a tumble dryer.
The men’s Ultralight TRAIL Shorts are available in Green Spruce (as tested), Black, or Matter Brown. XS-4XL sizes are available. Women’s models come in the same colors, with sizing from XXS-3XL.
Ride Impressions:
Like the jersey, I fit into Velocio’s size small shorts. The small’s 31” waist is perfect for me. The shorts aren’t too tight but stayed put while riding, and I didn’t need to wear a belt with them. The small shorts have a 13” inseam, and the legs reach just over my kneecaps.
These shorts feature a slim cut, but the legs fit reasonably well over my POC VPD Air kneepads. They do sometimes wind up sitting on top of the pads after some pedalling, but any slimmer kneepads would not likely present any issues.
Only one other pair of shorts I have is comparably thin and light to the Ultralight TRAIL shorts. They are super lightweight and very cool to wear. The shorts are also highly breathable – My legs never felt hot or got sweaty in them.
The Ultralight TRAIL shorts’ 3D patterning is noticeable, as the butt seam sticks out a bit when you’re standing straight up. This, of course, makes for a great fit when you’re in riding position. While the patterning alone does a fine job of offering unrestricted mobility, the shorts’ stretchy fabric ensures it. I don’t recall snagging the crotch of these shorts on my saddle at all. The cut is adequately roomy, but lean enough to avoid catching on your seat.
The leg pockets are big enough to carry a large smartphone, and I didn’t notice my phone or keys bouncing around at all while I rode. With zippered closures, you’ll never worry about anything falling out.
I did get a splashy fall ride in these shorts, and the water droplets beaded up on them nicely. If you do get wet in them, the fabric dries quickly. I soaked the saddle area of the shorts (by sitting on my wet seat), but not long after I got home, I noticed they had totally dried up.
Le Bent Featherweight Hooded LS Crew: $169.95
Inspired by some fair-skinned friends, I was curious to try out a super thin hooded shirt that could offer sun protection while keeping me cool on hot rides. Through a PR agent representing Nuyarn, I was sent Le Bent’s Featherweight Hooded LS Crew shirt.
Le Bent classifies this hoody as a base layer, but its thin 125gsm construction makes it ideal as a sun protection hoody too. They do note it is built for year-round comfort, and it does provide UPF50+ sun protection. The Featherweight hoody uses a blended merino wool, bamboo, and Nylon fabric developed in partnership with Nuyarn. The fabric aims to offer excellent breathability, quick drying, 4-way stretch with good durability, odor resistance, and a soft feel. Compared to 100% merino wool, Le Bent says this fabric blend offers faster drying, more elasticity, more thermal retention, and much better durability.
The hoody features lean construction with no pockets, hood adjusters, or unnecessary seams. Styling is kept simple with solid colors and one small Le Bent logo on the left arm.
It is recommended to wash this garment on a gentle cycle and not to tumble dry it. Men’s sizes range from S-XL, and color options are Black, Heather Grey, or Natural. Women’s versions are also available in XS-L sizes, in Black, Natural, or Sage colors.
Ride Impressions:
I’m wearing a size medium, and I’m very happy with the fit. The body and sleeves are both a bit long, which I like as it ensures full coverage and sun protection. I could get away with a slimmer cut on the body, but I like how the hoody is totally non-restrictive in any body position.
Unfortunately, I didn’t receive the grey color I requested and was sent a black hoody instead. Obviously, black is not the best color for beating the heat in sunny conditions. Overall, the hoody still did great at keeping me cool, but in direct sunlight, I could feel heat building up, as you’d expect from a dark colored shirt. I’d recommend the lighter grey or natural color options if you’re buying this hoody for sun protection.
My first ride with the Le Bent hoody was on a sunny day at 27° Celsius with a gentle breeze blowing. That breeze demonstrated the top-notch breathability of this hoody. Even light wind cuts right through the thin fabric, so it does really well at venting body heat. Throughout this ride, I never regretted wearing this long-sleeved hoody. It felt just as cool as any short-sleeved jersey I own.
This hoody is very soft and comfortable, and has possibly the most stretchy fabric I’ve ever felt! The merino blend also does a great job of absorbing moisture and wicking it off your skin. I got sweaty on my first test ride, but the Featherweight hoody sucked it up like a sponge. Any area not covered by my backpack dried quickly, especially with a little wind or some descending.
Le Bent says this hoody is highly durable, but I suspect they mean in terms of longevity. I snagged the thin fabric on a branch while walking on the trailside, and it pulled some fibers loose. The hoody did take this jab well – Looking at it now, I can’t even find the snag. Given how thin it is, I can’t imagine it standing up to a nasty crash or branch snag too well, but the same could be said for other ultralight shirts/jerseys.
After one wash, I hung the hoody on a hanger to dry, and after one day, I could see on the shoulders where the hoodie stretched around the ends of the hanger. Going forward, I’ll stick with laying it flat to dry.
One rainy day, I wore the Featherweight hoody as a base layer. Climbing with a jacket on, I got good and sweaty but hardly noticed until I pulled off the jacket. However, after more climbing with my jacket off, the hoody was actually getting drier (until the rain picked up).
I was very impressed by how comfortable the hoody kept me in damp conditions. Through weather that went from misty to lightly raining, I didn’t feel wet or cold until the rain started soaking through the hoody. Despite how thin the fabric is, it still helps regulate body temperature and doesn’t let you feel clammy until it’s wetter than it really ever should be. I haven’t had the Featherweight hoody for too long, so I can’t comment much on long-term durability. That said, I did ride with my camera pack over it for a few hours, and I can’t see any pilling or wear on the back panel yet. Also, it has been washed a few times, and there is no sign of the hoody warping or stretching out of shape.
