Test: With the new POC Resistance PRO XC collection, the Swedish clothing and accessories manufacturer closed the last gap in its already large portfolio for this season. The motto was high-quality and stylish clothing for cross-country racers. We were able to take a close look at a clothing set and were very impressed by the function, appearance and appearance.
POC Resistance PRO XC Zip Jersey
POC has three jerseys to choose from in the new Resistance collection for cross-country racers: In addition to the long-sleeved PRO XC Zip Jersey that we tested, there are also two short-sleeve versions - one with and one without a zip. However, apart from the sleeve length and the zip, the three kits share the same 'construction' that the Swedes are very proud of. Great care was taken in selecting the materials used. For example, the sleeves of the PRO XC zip jersey are divided in two: On the upper side, the tried-and-tested, high-quality Cordura fabric is used, which is extremely light, breathable and stretchy. Appropriate to the area of use, firmer material is then used on the underside, which not only offers better protection in the event of a fall, but also allows dirt and moisture to simply roll off. This worked really well in the test and even the thin Cordura fabric can cope with light drizzle and keeps the moisture out for a long time. If the jersey gets wet in heavy rain, it dries completely again within a very short time. Excellent!
So far we've only talked about the sleeves - however, the rest of the kit is at least as well thought out. Fine mesh is used on the back and under the arms for better ventilation. Three well-sized back pockets offer space for bars, gels, CO² and everything you need in the race. The smartphone is now a constant companion for many riders on training rides and the new POC jersey has its own pocket, which sits in the middle of the lower back and protects the valuable content from dirt and moisture with a flap and zip.
The fit of the jersey is unsurprisingly extremely sporty and is almost a little too small for our taste - if in doubt, try it on before buying or order one size larger. However, once you have found the right size, the jersey fits like a glove. The preformed sleeves are very comfortable and extremely comfortable to wear.
However, so much high-tech in jersey form also has its price: the POC Resistance PRO XC Zip Jersey costs €200.
POC Resistance PRO XC shorts
Of course, the new POC Resistance collection also includes matching baggy shorts - meanwhile, not only Manuel Fumic relies on the more relaxed leg clothes among the pros, and the other shorts have always been very popular among hobby cyclists. What is special about POC's new XC baggy is the consistent focus on race needs - light, durable, excellently ventilated and for many hours in the saddle it should be. POC's decision to do without a seat pad is interesting, especially in view of the high price of €240. The shorts are designed to be worn directly over the matching bib - for this purpose they also have silicone inserts on the inside of the waistband, which are supposed to prevent slipping and guarantee a secure fit, which works very well in practice.
Otherwise, great importance was also attached to a high-quality and well thought-out mix of materials for the Resistance Shorts: thin, breathable material is used in strategically sensible areas such as above the buttocks and on the inside of the legs, otherwise a highly elastic, strong but at the same time light fabric. In addition, some areas, such as the side hip area, are selectively reinforced to provide some protection in the event of a fall and to extend the life of the shorts. This is also where the only pocket of the shorts is located, which is protected by a zipper and is completely invisible. It doesn't offer a lot of space, but a 'heavy load' would only be a nuisance when pedaling anyway.
The cut of the Resistance shorts is well thought out - the front is slightly longer in the knee area, the pants themselves are cut higher at the back. The width of the waistband can be varied with external Velcro fasteners. All in all, the baggy – especially compared to the jersey – is rather large or 'normal'.
POC Resistance PRO XC Glove
The third resistance part in the test bundle are the gloves. Often underestimated, they play a decisive role on longer journeys, because they significantly influence comfort and feeling at one of three contact points with the bike. The Swedes have a lot of experience in this area and remain true to themselves - less is sometimes more. Exactly according to this principle, the Resistance PRO XC Gloves are rather minimalistic.
With a thin, breathable material on the upper side and robust Cordura on the palm, which looks like leather, there is no experimentation. Of course, terrycloth inserts should not be missing to quickly wipe away the sweat. Silicone patches on the middle and index fingers improve grip, especially in the wet. In any case, the €70 gloves were completely convincing in the test - the fit is really great and the POC are among the most comfortable gloves that we have had on our hands in recent years. The thin but robust material and the perforated palm ensure a pleasant climate. It's also nice that the upper material lets light rain drip off.
