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Earlier this winter, Velocio introduced some new Recon off-bike wear items made from a heavy weight merino wool blend to the lifestyle wear side of their cycling kit. Don’t you feel like every cycling brand releases expensive branded off-bike kit these days? Yes, this is very expensive loungewear and casual riding gear. But at least it looks like solid performance natural fibers and recycled synthetics, all manufactured within the EU.
So what does Velocio actually think of Recon, and is it really worth it?
Why casual lifestyle wear for cyclists?
Well, now that arctic air has descended on much of Europe and harsh winters are back, I’m in desperate need of some warm and cozy kit to chill out with. Before I muster up the courage to head out into the snow on my fat bike. It’s tempting to think about warm off-bike gear for riding your bike or braving icy gravel rides.
And to me, the Velocio Recon casual lineup seems to focus on high-quality materials, subtle branding, and offers a suitably wide size range. Even if the price is quite high, you can be assured that it is made entirely in Europe.
It’s also packed with functional details that make it suitable for bike commuters and casual riding such as bikepacking.
Velocio Recon Casual Merino Lifestyle Clothing for Cycling and More
Velocio describes this lifestyle kit as “providing warmth and practical style throughout the winter months.” Casual it may be, it’s still very technical, constructed from a combination of natural merino wool and a host of recycled synthetic fibres.
Both women and men will get four key garments from the new Recon range, as well as €27 winter wool socks to wrap them around. Additionally, for women’s lifestyles, the new Recon family of all-synthetic stealth leggings and luxe bras are also available.
On the more active side, there’s the Recon Stealth Pants and Recon Hoodie. For even more lounging, there are Recon merino sweatpants and crew sweatshirts.
Also available for women are compression stealth leggings made from synthetic fibers for $111, and luxe bras for €65 in a variety of color options.
recon sweat
Classically styled sweats are available in women’s or men’s specific cuts made from a heavyweight 285gsm merino blend with a wool (23%) outer lining and recycled polyester fleece lining (74%). , with a little bit of stretchy Lycra.
Both Recon sweatpants and sweatshirts are available in a wide range of 8 sizes for men (XS – 4XL) and women (2XS – 3XL). The sweatpants have two open side pockets and two zippered back pockets. Sweatshirts are simpler, but men’s have reinforced elbow patches, while women’s do not.
They all retail for the same 185 euros and are only available in black.
Reconnaissance in progress
Wo/Men’s Recon Stealth Pants are suitable for active casual wear. Velocio designed the Recon Stealth Pant for around town and everyday wear. At 250 euros, it’s not cheap, but instead it uses a stretchy biopolyamide fabric treated with a PFAS-free DWR coating, which will help you weather the occasional shower or deluge on your commute. It dries quickly afterwards. Men’s has belt loops and women’s has a wide stretch waistband. Both feature three zippered pockets, an open drop-in rear pocket, and subtle reflective details.
Women choose between navy blue or charcoal gray, while men add a third coffee brown option.
Next up, back to merino, we have the Wo/Men’s Recon parka for €231. Made from the same black-only heavy merino blend and lined with recycled fleece. His full-length YKK zip hooded sweatshirt features a slim fit and is also perfect for mountain bike rides. Two side slash pockets with zippers. Plus, there’s a third zipper pocket at the bottom of the back to carry your essentials while riding.
So it’s almost evenly split between whether it’s made in Lithuania or Italy. Some colors and sizes are already sold out. However, Velocio plans to expand his lifestyle lineup in 2024, and plans to add even more colors to this existing collection as well. In a surefire hint at these future plans, Velocio’s lifestyle page is littered with images that clearly show sweats and hoodies in several more colors…
bellsio.cc
