POC’s Cadence apparel lineup was designed to blend technical performance and comfort for all-day rides or racing. Not only is it a great name for an apparel line, but it also has POC’s signature minimalist design and technical features to make it an all-around kit for training or racing. POC currently offers short sleeve jerseys as well as bib shorts in both men’s and women’s specific versions in the Cadence lineup. For this review, we’ll be looking at the $170 Cadence cargo bib shorts and the $140 Cadence short sleeve jersey. The bib shorts feature the Novus Chamois which is a patent pending design to eliminate hot spots as well as cargo pockets for additional utility. For the jersey you have a made in Italy construction using recycled polyester, UPF 20 rating and YKK full length front zipper. Combined, the Cadence kit is a lightweight cycling kit at a solid price point.
The POC Cadence cycling kit combines POC’s minimalist designs and color with technical features to tackle any ride.
| Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts | Cargo Short Sleeve Jersey | |
| Rating | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A | Design: A Size: B+ Comfort: A |
| Retail Price | $170 | $140 |
| Likes | + Plenty of storage with built-in pockets + Comfortable fit for short or long rides + Wide straps eliminate pressure points or chafing | + Unique two tone color scheme helps it stand out + Breathable while providing protection from sun and elements + Large pockets with additional zipper pocket for smaller items |
| Dislikes | – Lacks a raw hem like other premium cargo bib shorts | – Those with broader shoulders / upper body may end up with drag lines on jersey |
| Where to Buy (US) | POC | POC |
CADENCE CARGO BIB SHORTS
The Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts were designed by POC to balance comfort and performance. They have a minimal panel design with articulated shape that is optimized for a rider’s position on the bike. POC currently offers the Cadence Cargo bib shorts in two colors: uranium black and apatite navy. There is also a non-cargo version which has a unique lighter green color instead of navy. We have the uranium black version which is a black or dark slate color that matches POC helmets and sunglasses. Although it’s all black, the bib shorts have additional reflective hit points on the rear which help with visibility.
With the cargo version, you have two open mesh pockets on each thigh right above the POC logo. It gives the white POC logo an interesting effect as the mesh has a brushed like finish to it. The pockets are also nicely sized so they can fit larger cell phones or snacks. At the bottom of the bib shorts you’ll find silicone gripers along the hem. Surprisingly, there is no raw hem on the Cadence Bib Shorts which is becoming more popular. Instead, there is a separate elastic panel with the silicone dots to ensure the bib shorts stay in place. There are tight seams and minimal side panels placed around your natural motion and a 4-way elastic material that can stretch around your body.
Inside the bib shorts you have POC’s patent-pending Novus chamois. With this men’s version you have a dual foam density with a center relief channel. There is also a built-in cup like you find on GORE bib shorts that extends on the front with perforations for venting. Inside you can also see how the front panel wraps over the waist which helps eliminate pressure points. The bib straps have a Y-design with two separate front steps that join on the back. Each strap is a nice flexible microfiber material that is wide to avoid any chafing. At the rear they join together with a breathable mesh panel that has laser cut perforations and is highly elastic.
CADENCE SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY
Marketed as a go-to-jersey for every road cyclist, the Cadence is one of POC’s newest jerseys. While there are men’s and women’s specific versions, they are only offered in these short sleeve variations currently. POC offers the Cadence jersey in five unique color schemes that borrow colors from other POC gear. There is an off-white, navy, light blue, dark blue and dark orange which all feature a lighter color along the center section and darker sleeves and sides. For this review, we have the dark orange which has a light brown type color on the sides and a brighter orange like color on the center. You have simple POC branding in white on the chest and the rear pocket
It’s a fairly standard jersey design with separate underarm panels and set-in sleeves. The sleeves are fairly long though and extend about to the elbow which gives you additional coverage. POC has constructed the jersey with recycled polyester and a small percentage of elastane which gives it a soft and elastic feel. On the front of the jersey you have a full length YKK Vislon zipper with a bright white and orange pull on it. Behind the zipper is a small wind protector which helps protect your chest while descending or in windy conditions. The collar is described as a mid-length collar but it’s quite short as the jersey is optimized for warm weather riding.
Inside the jersey you have a off-white color with the gold stitching peaking through. The backside of the jersey is one large rear panel and the four pockets below it. You have three standard open pockets with reinforcements to prevent sagging. There is a fourth zippered pocket on the right rear pocket that’s perfect for cash or keys you don’t want to lose on a ride. There is also a dropped tail with silicone gripper as well with multiple dots along the hem that is designed for aggressive aero riding positions.
ON THE ROAD
While we have reviewed a number of POC items like the Cytal helmet and Elicit Toric sunglasses, the POC Cadence is the first cycling kit we’ve had the chance to review. Because of that we weren’t sure about sizing as many European brands can have smaller sizes than traditional US based brands. Luckily, our size medium jersey and bib shorts fit our 6’1” 165lb rider great with a nice tight race-like fit with enough elasticity for comfort. You have a nice next-to-skin fit that eliminates any flapping without being overly restrictive. The long length of the sleeves and bib shorts also provides additional coverage and more comfort.
Right out of the bag, the Cadence kit has the same unique colors that make POC gear look so unique. The Bauxite Brown jersey with its two tone appearance has an attractive blend of brown and light orange or curry type color that doesn’t match any of our existing gear. It’s an attractive setup with plenty of versatility thanks to the cargo bib short mesh pockets and four well-sized pockets on the jersey. The kit has nice breathability making it a great choice for warmer weather or for layering up in cooler temperatures. While it’s not quite as nice as some of the higher-end Velocio kits we’ve worn, it feels high quality and comfortable for short or long rides.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the POC Cadence apparel offers attractive looks and excellent performance. POC has combined their unique color schemes with the technical know-how to create the Cadence kit. We were impressed with the quality and fit of the jersey and bib shorts which felt great while climbing or doing endurance rides. Even the price point is pretty attractive as it makes the kit competitive with other pro-level kits on the market. The cargo bib shorts offer even more versatility with side pockets that are great for holding small snacks or gear close at hand. There isn’t really anything negative to say about the kit aside from the lack of long sleeve or jacket options which we’d expect POC to add in the future. That said, the POC Cadence kit is a great choice for cyclists looking for style and comfort.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by POC. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.