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Velocity Women’s Cycling Capris

7
£90.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Top quality 3/4s that are comfortable on the bike and look smart off it – but they come at a price
Weight: 
302g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Perfect for autumn or spring, these mid-weight, smart-casual Velocity Women's Cycling Capris are bike-friendly yet will segue seamlessly to the office. The cycle-specific features – such as the diamond gusset and reflective accents – are subtly hidden, but the low-rise waist might not suit everyone and the price tag is pretty hefty, especially compared to non-bike-friendly high street offerings that are very similar in appearance.

  • Pros: Excellent quality fabric and construction
  • Cons: Small sizing and low-rise waist

So, what are exactly are you paying for? Well, top-quality fabric and construction for starters, and the clever design touches that make the Cycling Capris extremely comfortable to ride in, as well as durable. Also, all Velocity cycle wear can boast its 'Made in Britain' label with pride – it is both designed and manufactured in good ol' London town.

> Buy these online here

Made from cotton, with 2% elastane for a bit of stretch, the material feels akin to chinos so they're well suited to a normal British summer (but were a bit warm this heatwave year). The fabric is treated with Nanosphere, for water and stain resistance. I didn't test the latter, but they are certainly more water repellent than I'd expect for such a heavy cotton. Getting caught in the odd shower, water beaded and was held off well before the Cycling Capris got wet, and then they dried out surprisingly quickly.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_side.jpg

They ooze quality, being very well made with excellent finishing and attention to detail in the design. I particularly like the deep rear pockets (big enough for a good-sized wallet) with their reflective trim and button for extra peace of mind.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_back_pocket.jpg

The front hand pockets are useful too, but more for off the bike in my opinion.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_side_pocket.jpg

The diamond-shaped gusset is an easily overlooked feature, but important for cycling comfort as it means there are no seams to rub, as these capris are intended to be worn without padded pants or Lycra underneath.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_back.jpg

Another bike-friendly design touch is the articulated knees, for unrestricted pedalling movement.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_pleat.jpg

Overall, I found these 3/4 trousers very comfortable to ride in, with a good cut through the leg for my body shape. However, on me the waist is extremely low rise at the front – so make sure you pair the capris with a long top, unless you're lucky enough to possess a washboard stomach that you're happy to flaunt! Similarly, when wearing casual clothes the rear waist exposed my lower back/pants when cycling – despite being advertised as 'high back, for modesty'.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_riding_1.jpg

Of course, we all come in different shapes and sizes, but on me (nearly 5ft 7in and 28/30in waist) the size 12s are a great fit apart from the waist being too big; happily, there are belt loops so I can cinch it in. It's worth mentioning that I had to go up one size from the size chart recommendation – I could barely squeeze into the 10s.

velocity_womens_cycling_capris_-_waist.jpg

The Cycling Capris come in burgundy and petrol blue, with a choice of trim – black reflective and black buttons or silver reflective and white buttons. They're also available as full-length trousers for £85-£94 in (grey, black and petrol blue) – see our review of the men's version here.

> Read more road.cc reviews of women’s cycle clothing here

Verdict

Top quality 3/4s that are comfortable on the bike and look smart off it – but they come at a price

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Velocity Women's Cycling Capris

Size tested: 12

Tell us what the product is for

Velocity says: "Velocity Cycle Wear creates stylish, yet functional clothes that you can wear on and off your bike. It's great to look good when you cycle, and it's even better to get off your bike and not look like you've been cycling. Women's specific, cycling specific capri trousers – that look just as good on and off your bike."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Velocity:

NanoSphere® treated fabric, for water and stain resistant cycling

98% cotton and 2% elastine, for just enough stretch

Reinforced diamond seat, for comfort and durability

Articulated knees, for ease of movement

High back, for modesty and low waist, for comfort

Heavy duty belt loops, for carrying things

Phone sized pockets, to stay connected

Reflective pocket trim, for a high-viz eyeful

YKK Zippers

Designed and made in London

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
4/10

Go up one size from size chart.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
7/10

Low rise but too big waist niggled me.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easy: machine wash at 30°C.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

They do the job well – very cycle-friendly – but whether you get on with them depends if the cut suits your body shape.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The quality feel, fabric and details.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The extreme low-rise waist, and price tag.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Women's cycling capris are few and far between – the now-discontinued Vulpine Women's Capri Pants and Pearl Izumi's Launch Capri were both a similar price. Rapha's shorter Randonnee Shorts are £90.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? If at a sale price...

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

A quality cycle-specific product, but they're very spendy and you can find similar-looking non-cycling capris on the high street at a fraction of the price.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 170cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Whyte T-130 RS

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax

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