Swedish company POC notes that its new 2023 cycling season collection is led out by its Aero initiative, which introduces new apparel styles for the performance-focused rider.
‘Featuring new materials and innovations, the highly technical styles complement the new and updated road, gravel, mountain bike and youth styles, and seasonal colour updates introduced in the 2023 collection.’
The company adds that the new collection features a host of versatile pieces designed to perform under a range of extreme conditions, with sustainability playing a central role in the development process. Further, the new collection introduces more Women specific styles and brings a new Youth range specifically designed for younger riders.
Monica Lindström, Apparel Director at POC, said “We are constantly seeking to deliver on our mission and improve on what we have done before by constantly questioning conventional thinking. This is clear in our new collection, especially with our Aero initiative and the return of our performance-optimized collection Raceday.
“It is at the extremes when things show their true colours, in protection and performance; and we are proud to have developed styles and materials for all riders to meet those challenges.”
The new collection complements existing road, gravel and mountain bike styles with various seasonal colours.
The new Raceday collection is aero optimized and part of POC’s Aero initiative. It features a new jersey, bib shorts, gloves and shoe covers, all designed to enhance a riders aerodynamic efficiency. Coming in Women’s and Men’s versions, the bib shorts and jerseys feature innovative materials designed to improve compression and disrupt airflow allowing a rider to slip through the air efficiently.
The key claimed benefit of the Raceday jersey is the inner structure which creates micro-channels between the jersey and the skin for improved airflow, enhancing cooling and breathability.
The Bib shorts feature a woven fabric with stretch and compression, giving the shorts a ribbed, pinstripe appearance. In addition, the Women’s Bib features a brand-new chamois pad designed specifically for female riders and a pioneering reverse suspender system.
For women’s road apparel, this season’s offerings include the W’s Essential Road Jersey Print – which features straight lines, minimal seams and longer arms combined to create a jersey that optimizes functionality and performance. Cut with more refined lines and a lower collar; the jersey maintains a cleaner, sharper finish. It can be paired with the new W’s Essential Layer Vest, a lightweight, close-fitting base layer and flatlock seams, giving greater comfort against the skin.
For those venturing out in the rain or cold the new W’s Thermal Splash jacket is a windproof, partially insulated jacket with wicking capabilities and light water protection. In addition, the W’s Thermal Jacket provides comfort thanks to a thicker, insulated material combined with a brushed inner for comfort and warmth in cooler conditions.
Supporting the launch of the Omne Ultra gravel specific helmet there are some specific styles for those adventure or gravel riding, such as the new W’s Ultra Tee, with a looser fit for relaxed rides and longer adventures. In addition, the new M’s Air Tee is constructed from a lightweight mesh for breathability, giving comfort and fit for hot days.
The POC mountain bike collection continues to expand with the W’s Poise Hoodie, for all-day use, whether on the bike or off it. Constructed from Japanese Delta-Peak polyester, the hoodie has a technical feel.
It is joined by the W’s Poise Crew Neck, which combines a casual style with function. Constructed using a blend of recycled cotton and polyester, the heavyweight top has a loose fit for use with back and elbow protection.
M’s and W’s Essential MTB Lite LS jersey is a Lightweight jersey for mountain bike constructed using recycled materials; the jersey gives comfort, breathability and freedom of movement.
The aero-optimized Propel sunglasses were introduced at the start of 2023 at the Tour Down Under. To meet the challenges of shifting weather, a brand-new Photochromic lens has been developed specifically for the Devour model – allowing riders to have optimum vision across a broader range of light conditions. The lens features a molecular coating which darkens when exposed to sunlight.
The 2023 season will see a new Coron Air helmet, updated with Mips. Developed using POC’s Whole Helmet Concept, the helmet includes optimized ventilation channels that ensure airflow is maximized at both low and high speeds, making the helmet suitable for DH and enduro riders.
Monica Lindstrom, Apparel Director at POC, added “Presenting a new POC collection is always a pleasure as it culminates many years of material innovation and exploration.
“Guided by our view that ‘If it doesn’t exist, then we will make it’, we have infused more sustainable thinking and added more female-specific styles to the collections. To us, it’s fundamental and will help us meet our longer-term vision of more participation with lower impact.”
