The POC autumn set in the road bike clothing test: The weather in autumn is moody, so it is not always easy to find the right road bike clothing. For better orientation, we have examined five autumn sets from well-known manufacturers for you. Here you can find out how POC's outfit performed.
News via push? More information »Content
POC has been a clothing supplier for cycling for many years. The Swedes are known for constantly working on passive safety for cyclists with innovative products. They offer a wide selection of racing bike helmets and racing bike clothing and also equip winter sports enthusiasts. In the best helmet brand category, you voted POC second at the Rennrad-News User Award 2021.
Slide show: Test racing bike clothing 2021: Autumn set from POC Start slide show » # rennrad-outfit-poc-8894Here you will find general tips for racing bike clothing in autumn
POC Thermal VPDs Bib Shorts Review
Although the name suggests it, the POC Thermal VPDs Bib Shorts are not lined on the inside. However, the entire front is made of a windproof and water-repellent fabric. This has such a strong effect when worn that one can definitely speak of “thermal” bib shorts, i.e. warming racing bike pants. Especially since the legs are a bit longer than the "normal" bib shorts from POC. The fabric is also pulled up further on the stomach and protects very effectively against cold wind.
A much thinner fabric is used on the back and on the back of the legs, which is very elastic and highly breathable. It not only ensures an excellent fit, but also very effectively that it does not get too warm and sweaty in the POC Thermal VPDs Bib Shorts.
Equipped in this way, the POC Bib Shorts can be ridden very comfortably in a wide temperature range. The trousers are clearly not suitable for hot summer days. In connection with the pleasant and not too warm POC Thermal Legs, the Thermal VPDs can also be used in winter.
The straps are made entirely of mesh material and are very flexible. The mesh fabric is pulled up very far on the back. The leg ends are very wide and completely siliconized with small dots. They offer the trouser legs a lot of support on bare skin as well as on knee or leg warmers.
The seat pad is very flexible and comfortable, but it doesn't quite come close to the test winner from Gore Wear in terms of wearing comfort. Comfort, workmanship and the true-to-size fit of the POC Thermal VPDs Bib Shorts otherwise give no cause for criticism. Only the reflective elements on the back are set quite high and can therefore be covered by the jersey. The reflection of the lettering on the left leg is rather weak.
# The POC Thermal VPDs Bib Shorts have a completely windproof and water-repellent coating on the front - this is ideal for cool autumn days and also provides a lot of comfort even in very cool temperatures.# Fabric is used on the back, which is much more breathable - that is clearly noticeable and ensures that you don't get too sweaty inside the pants.# The leg ends are designed with a wide, silicone cuff - this offers a lot of support even on cold skin.# The entire upper body and the straps are made of mesh material - because other layers of clothing provide warmth here.Information compact and prices
Price: RRP €180
Our recommendation: Very comfortable bib shorts for temperatures below 15 degrees. One of the best bib shorts for autumn and spring from our comparison.
POC Essential Road Mid LS Jersey Test
POC classifies the Essential Road Mid LS Jersey as a medium-weight jersey for "off-season rides". Without a jacket or vest, we most likely see it in combination with shorts, because it is quite breathable and doesn't warm up much. Therefore ideally suited for intensive sessions on mild autumn days.
The jersey is made entirely of the same high-quality fabric and has a fairly tight fit. It fit our tester with a height of 1.76 meters and 66 kg perfectly when standing. In an aggressive seating position on the racing bike, however, there was a little too much material in the chest area. However, this may look different for a wearer with a more muscular upper body. Otherwise, the jersey fits perfectly, the neckline sits tight without being too tight. Very good.
The fabric has a high-quality finish and feels very comfortable on the skin. The front zipper runs very easily but is only equipped with a wind flap on the neck. At high speeds, you therefore have more drafts in the area of the zipper. This can be uncomfortable on long descents in autumn. The three back pockets are well placed and very functional with different sizes. The pocket with a side zip can also be used very easily while driving.
# The POC Essential Road Mid LS Jersey was tested in a striking color combination - clearly visible colors increase passive safety, especially in autumn.# Three pockets offer plenty of storage space - they are well placed and easy to reach.# Looks tight, but fits perfect - the tight-fitting collar keeps the wind out.# The reflective lettering increases visibility - the net structure of the base layer can be seen through the rather thin fabric.# A wide waistband keeps the jersey in the right place - it is limited to the back and the side.# Pocket with a zip for the smartphone - it's also easy to reach while driving.Concise information and prices
Price: RRP €150
Our recommendation: Very comfortable long-sleeved jersey for mild autumn days above 12 degrees.
POC Essential Layer LS Test
The POC Essential Layer LS is a very thin long-sleeved underwear that can be used in almost any weather. However, you shouldn't expect a lot of heat output, because the fabric is very thin and is more intended to transport sweat from the skin and evaporate it or pass it on to the next layer of clothing.
The shirt fits snug but not skin tight, at least that was the case with our tester and size M. The length of the sleeves and the torso are generous, so that you don't have to struggle with the cuffs riding up in autumn or winter. The fabric with a clear mesh structure feels comfortable on the skin. The net pattern is very pronounced and is often visible on the outside of a jersey worn over it.
A non-mesh fabric is used on the side of the body and inside of the arms. The POC Essential Layer LS is completely finished with flat seams.
# The POC Essential Layer LS is made of very thin fabric - the cut is relatively generous.# The mesh structure is clearly pronounced - a strip of smooth fabric is used under the arms.# Double mesh is still very breathable - the fit of the base Layers could definitely be a bit tighter.Information compact and prices
Price: RRP €70
More on the topicAccessories for indoor training Part 3 Testing indoor racing bike clothingAutumn racing bike clothing 2021 tested The test winners and favorite outfitsRacing bike clothing for autumn Well dressed in changeable weatherPOC Ventral Lite helmet and Supreme Jacket Let it be light!Our recommendation: Thin base layer with good function but without great heat output. Rather suitable for mild temperatures.
POC Thermal Legs Test
The POC Thermal Legs are long leg warmers that suit riders who are not quite as sensitive to cold, but want a lot of freedom of movement and no heat build-up on their legs.
The main fabric is quite thin and very breathable. On the front of the knees, POC relies on a light lining with brushed fleece on the inside of the fabric. This combination is very functional and really comfortable to wear. Because it is usually the knees that are primarily cold. They are well warmed by the fleece, otherwise you benefit from the excellent breathability, so the leg warmers don't feel sweaty even on strenuous uphill sections. The "warmer" area is also optimally designed in terms of size and placement. If you wear long winter socks, the area that is open between the bib shorts and the socks is lined - and only on the front side, which is exposed to the wind.
The fit is excellent and true to size. The leg warmers are held at the thighs by a wide waistband, which is very thin and not bulky at all. The POC Thermal Legs are snug but not too tight and have a perfect length that hits the ankles. There is no seam in the hollow of the knee, and the thin leg warmers are extremely comfortable to wear, even when pedaling fast. They can also be folded up small and fit in any jersey pocket. All in all, a very coherent package for cold autumn days and thus the test winner in this category.
# The POC Thermal Legs offer a great combination of warmth in the right place and high breathability - also a great fit - test winner.# The reflective seam is very well placed - a lettering can only be found on the left leg.# The flat seams offer high Comfort and are well placed - the back of the knee remains seamless.Information compact and prices
Price: RRP €70
Our recommendation: Breathable and comfortable leg warmers for temperatures below 12 degrees.
Conclusion - Autumn Set 2021 by POC
POC sent a high-quality autumn set to our test, from which the VPDs Bib Shorts and the Thermal Legs leg warmers stand out in particular. Thanks to the windproof front, the bib shorts offer great comfort over a very wide temperature window and work perfectly well into winter, especially in combination with the very well thought-out thermal legs. Like the other items, the Essential Layer and Essential Road Mid LS Jersey are top-quality. The tops in the test are more suitable for mild autumn temperatures. The cuts seem to be designed for very muscular torsos, for our tester they were a little big.
ProContraWhat are your experiences with autumn road bike clothing from POC, do you have any special recommendations?
Here are the other tests of road bike clothing for autumn 2021
