If you are like me, a versatile long-sleeve jersey is absolutely essential piece of MTB clothing for year-round riding. Whether it’s keeping the sun and scratchy bushes away from my delicate skin or as part of a layering system in colder months.
It would be unreasonable to expect even the best mountain bike jersey to be able to cover all those bases however Velocio’s Delta Trail jersey comes pretty close thanks to its technical lofted material that promises to enhance body temperature regulation.
Design and specifications
Rather than use a range of different fabrics for the Delta Trail like Fox's Fox Flexair Pro LS, Velocio relies solely on Polartec’s Delta fabric for the Delta Trail. This fabric uses a combination of hydrophobic (non-absorbant) and hydrophilic (absorbent) yarns to soak up and control moisture buildup. The goal is to not simply dry as fast as possible, but to move moisture away from the skin and maximize the cooling performance during evaporation. The lofted material is also designed to increase airflow and to stop the material from sticking to your skin when it's wet too.
The seams are all flatlocked stitched with a low-profile collar, cuffs, and hem. The shoulders are articulated for better fit on the bike and the lower hem has a subtle drop tail to stop any chilly flashes of skin between the jersey and your pants.
As with all Velocio kit, it comes in a huge range of sizes from eight sizes in both women's and men’s versions. There are four color options including Black, Rust (tested), and Moonrock.
Performance
I found the Velocio Delta Trail long-sleeve jersey to be super versatile. The material is comfortable in warmer weather and I was able to manage temperature and avoid any unpleasant moisture build-up. If the weather is a little mild or changeable it works well paired with a windproof gilet to take the edge off and if temperatures are on the cold side I have used it as a mid-layer under a warmer jacket to great effect. It's not going to be as warm as a jersey like Specialized’s Trail Thermal jersey which is made from Polartec Power Grid, but have worn the Delta Trail jersey with a long sleeve base layer down to high single digits comfortably.
I opted for a small size and found the fit and arm length to be very well-sized. The jersey has a slim fit and there was no bunching around the arms with the size small that I tested. There is enough stretch in the material to pull the sleeves up if you start wishing you were wearing a short sleeve. Durability has been good so far with the jerseys still looking fresh after some muddy rides, bush bashing, and plenty of washes. If you miss a wash, the jersey seems to keep unpleasant odors at bay so you won't be turning heads at the top of the trail.
Verdict
The Velocio Delta Trail is a comfortable and well-fitting jersey that looks great, particularly in the bright Rust colorway I have on test. It's versatile too as the Delta Trail’s wicking capabilities help keep things fresh and dry whether it's being used on its own in warmer weather or as part of a layering system when it's a bit colder. I have had really good long-term durability experiences with Velocio’s other kit and so far this jersey looks to be the same You're getting a very high-quality product, although the price certainly reflects this by demanding a premium over the majority of technical MTB jerseys.
Tech specs: Velocio Delta Trail long sleeve jersey
- Price: $99 / £79
- Colors: Plum, Pear Yellow, Vintage White
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Weight: 144g (small)
