POC recently added several new items to its Cadence collection – cargo bib shorts, a short-sleeve jersey, and a long-sleeve jersey. In addition, the company released new sunglasses and an MTB helmet.
Cadence Long Sleeve Jersey
Price: $170
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Hydrogen White, Uranium Black, Granite Grey
Pockets: Three rear pockets, plus rear zip security pocket
Fit: Close to the body, runs small
Fabric: Recycled polyester
UV Protection: UPF 50
Style, Comfort, and Sun Protection
The new Cadence long-sleeve jersey (also available in short sleeves) is made from a soft, lightweight, 4-way-stretch recycled polyester fabric. It fits close to the body and runs a little small, so I recommend sizing up. The material is highly breathable and wicks moisture away, keeping you dry throughout the ride.
A wide bottom hem uses elastic and silicon grippers to keep the jersey from creeping up, while a full-length front zipper allows for added ventilation and temperature control.
The unique design of the three rear storage pockets makes the jersey more breathable. A lighter mesh fabric sits next to the body, while an outer layer is constructed of a more solid material. Items stay securely inside the pockets as heat dissipates from your lower back. Note that anything you carry in your jersey pocket will collect moisture from sweat. Using a baggie for a cell phone or nutrition could be helpful.
A combination of long sleeves and recycled polyester fabric, the Cadence jersey offers UPF 50 sun protection. However, the narrow collar lacks protection for the back of your neck. So be sure to use sunscreen on longer rides.
The Cadence jersey is available for $170, in three colors, and sizes XS to XL.
Devour Mid Sunglasses and Devour Sunglasses
Price: $300
Colors: 4 color combos for Devour Mid; 13 color combos for Devour
Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
# of Lens Shields: 2
Lens Shield Type: Carl Zeiss Clarity
Lens Treatment: Ri-Pel (protects from dirt, oil, and water) and anti-scratch coating
Fit: Medium to large faces
Weight: 39g
Devour Mid Sunglasses; Devour Sunglasses
Maximum Eye Protection for MTB or Road Riding
In April, POC launched a scaled-down version of its Devour sunglasses, perfect for smaller, narrower faces. The Devour Mid’s large single shield provides coverage nearly as extensive as a pair of goggles while allowing more airflow and comfort.
The wide field of view is perfect for mountain biking or for road riders seeking extra eye protection. Since the Devour Mid and Devour come with two lens shields, you can easily swap them out depending on light conditions.
The Zeiss lens’s outstanding clarity provides complete protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. A RiPel treatment resists dirt, oil, and water, while an anti-scratch coating protects your investment.
Customize the Fit
The length of the temples is adjustable for a customized fit. The company’s website claims that the nose piece is adjustable, but I was unable to make any adjustments. I was sent the standard Devour model, which was too big for my narrow face. The Devour Mid would probably have fit me much better.
As you can see in the picture above, I paired the sunglasses with the POC Cularis MTB helmet. The integration of the sunglasses and helmet is spot on.
What’s Included in the Box?
The Devour comes with two lens shields and a microfiber pouch. For the $300 price tag, I’d expect a hard-shell case to safely store the frames and the extra shield. I’m not sure how you are supposed to store the extra shield.
Cularis MTB Helmet with MIPS
Price: $260
Sizes: S, M, L
Colors: 11 color variations
Safety Rating: 5-star Virginia Tech
Safety Feature: Mips Air Node
Buckle Type: Fidlock®
Movable Visor: Yes
# of Vents: 15
Weight: 350g (size M)
Safety, Comfort, and Ventilation
The POC Cularis helmet is all about safety and comfort. Beginning with safety, Cularis secured a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech. By integrating the Mips Air Node module with the helmet’s padding, it offers protection from rotational impacts. In addition, there’s extended protection around the temples and back of the head, as well as a patented breakaway visor that snaps off in a crash. By breaking away, the rider is better protected from injury, especially to the neck.
But all the safety features in the world are worthless unless the helmet is comfortable and ventilated. Large front intake vents and rear exhaust channels create consistent airflow through the helmet. These combine with an internal air-duct construction that guides cool air around your head while expelling warm air out the back.
Other features include the front vents, which serve as a secure place to store sunglasses. Also, the one-handed rear dial adjusts a 360-degree fit cradle to evenly distribute pressure without creating hot spots.
The helmet’s straps sit flush against your face and securely clip with a Fidlock magnetic buckle.
POC recently launched the Cularis Pure helmet. At $210, it’s cheaper than the Cularis, but at 380 grams, it is heavier. This helmet has a unique feature: an interchangeable cover that closes the ventilation ports when it rains. It carries a five-star Virginia Tech rating, uses the same airflow modeling as Cularis, and comes in six colorways.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.