Gear News

POC Fondo spring/summer clothing – 2016 sneak peek

New range of more affordable clothing 'for any rider' coming from POC in 2016

As we approach the end of the year, we look ahead to what’s new for 2016. The latest apparel range from POC, aptly named Fondo, is designed for all-day comfort with styling fit for the café stop.

In the past, POC have been best known as a snow sports and mountain bike company but entered the road market in 2012, when Swedish riders wore the eye-catching Tempor time trial helmet at the Olympic Games in London, before Ryder Hesjedal debuted the out-there POC DID sunglasses at the Tour de France, and the Octal road helmet was launched in 2013.

Ever since then, POC’s designs have been divisive, as ‘those’ sunglasses were, but the firm’s latest ideas don’t seem quite so outlandish, pitched as clothing at the more affordable end of the POC spectrum (all things being relative, of course – this is still fairly pricey gear) and aimed at riders not so concerned by race-focused kit. The fit is a little more relaxed, as you’d expect.

The jerseys come in four colour palettes, each inspired by locations around the world

The Fondo range draws from both the AVIP and RaceDay collections and builds on that success with tonal colours, clever design features and lower prices.

“We wanted to translate the experience gained from AVIP, RaceDay and from working with professional cyclists to come up with a range which represents more than performance. It also supports and improves the experience of any rider,” said Oscar Huss, POC’s head of product development.

The jerseys come in four colour palettes, each inspired by locations around the world such as the Napa Valley (pyrite multi green), Holguin in Cuba (seaborgium multi blue), New York (phosphite multi grey) and Rio de Janeiro (sulfate multi pink). Clever stylistic details include a zip puller in the shape of the Christ the Redeemer statue on the Rio jersey we’ve got here.

Out back there are three rear pockets and an additional fourth zipped pocket

There are two jersey options to choose from. The cheaper Light Jersey comes in at £99 and has a wide weave designed to keep the wearer cooler in hot conditions. The other is the Classic Jersey, pictured here, which will retail at £115.

The Classic Jersey is made from slightly heavier polyester and features a similar raglan construction to the Light Jersey. Both have three rear pockets, but on the Classic Jersey there’s a separate zip-up valuables pocket. It’s also available in the women’s Fondo range.

POC’s Fondo bib shorts are priced at £115, cheaper than their current entry-level shorts. They have a similar four-panel design that incorporates mesh straps and breathable mid-section. For this range, POC has introduced a new Fondo pad that has silicone inserts, supposedly designed for all-day comfort.

There’s also a Fondo Wind Vest, which will retail at £100, made from a windproof polyester on the front and shoulders. The back is made from mesh for ventilation. It also features a card pocket and a reflective POC logo on the dropped tail.

The fit is a little more relaxed than POC’s race-focused clothing

The £135 Splash Jacket is an early favourite of ours. POC aren’t claiming it to be waterproof; it’s designed as a shell to protect the rider from the elements, namely wind and showers. POC have focused on breathability and there are laser cut vents under the arms. The jacket also has a phone pocket and has a reflective logo on the arm and tail.

The Fondo collection also includes a selection of accessories, including a cotton cap, arm and knee warmers, mitts and overshoes. Plus there’s a silk scarf.

We’ve received a selection of the POC Fondo range to test, so watch out for full reviews in due course. Otherwise, check out the full collection in the photo gallery below. If you want some for yourself then the clothing will be in shops from early spring 2016.

Website: POC Sports