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These days, it seems like no matter what route you choose you’re bound to run into more than a handful of riders bearing Rapha’s scripted logo and signature pink. Don’t get us wrong — we’re big fans of Rapha — but if you want to stand out in the pack, you’re better off with a lesser-known company, like Velobici.
The company was founded in 2010 by Chris Puttnam, who gave himself one strict parameter for the brand to adhere to: everything had to be produced in England. The notion came from Puttnam’s family history — his father owned a local knitwear factory during a time when Britain’s textile industry began its overseas transfer. Today, Velobici’s fabrics are knitted in Nottinghamshire, and individual pieces are constructed in Leicestershire. All of the smaller details like zippers and reflective materials are also produced in England.
After locality, Velobici’s emphasis is on balancing style with performance, off-bike and on. In addition to every piece cyclists need — jerseys, bibs, jackets, gilets, baselayers, socks, caps — the company produces a collection of casual knitwear, t-shirts and more. All are made with premium materials and designed to handle riding yearlong, in any condition imaginable. Most bear the brand’s signature VB mark, a logo you aren’t likely to encounter in your local bike shop, and certainly not on your local hill climb (unless you live in England, of course).
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