Price: £270 / $300 / €290
Weight: 351 grams - Small
Colours: Uranium Black
Sizes: XS-XXL
The days may be slowly getting longer in the northern hemisphere, but winter is still well and truly here. As such, my winter bib tight (and kit) testing continues apace.
This week, the POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are under the microscope. POC is a Swedish brand that designs cycling gear but also Snowsport equipment and apparel.
The POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are one of a pair of options in the brand's range, the other being the lower priced Essential Road Thermal tights, which I haven't had the chance to try out yet.
The bibtights in question are a pair of warm, winter bibtights that are available in both men's and women's versions. A key calling card, as evidenced in the model name is the Cargo pocket on each thigh which provides extra storage space. Overall, they are currently the best winter cargo tights I have tested, but not necessarily the best bib tights overall.
The POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are priced at £270 / $300 / €290, so at the premium end of the market price wise, and thankfully given the price they feature the technical details you want to see in a good bibtight; wind/waterproof membrane, DWR coating, cosy fleecy backing and a solid reflective panel.
You can also check out our best winter bibtights guide, which features a wide range of the best bibtight. There should be something in the for you, no matter what kind of riding you do.
Design and Aesthetics
These POC Thermal Crgo Tights come in one colour option, 'Uranium black', which is always good for a winter bibtight as it hides all manner of road spray and muck. Branding is minimal and the tights feature a single reflective 'POC' wordmark on the left leg.
Manufactured in Albania, the bibtights, like most cycling kit, use a blend of polyester, elastane and polyamide. The interior is fully lined with soft fleece, particularly pleasant when pulling the bibtights on; you feel ready to face the cold from the off. The fleece ends at the meshy bibs straps and top back panel. The rear of the left hand calf is also covered in a big piece of reflective fabric. It's very bright when light hits it from behind and a far more than the usual passing not to reflectivity that some garments have.
There's a bright green 'Vital VPDS' chamois pad which hasn't given me any grief, though I get on well with the majority of chamois pads. Unless something is majorly off, I tend to feel comfortable. Chamois thickness can be noticeable at times if you're pulling on new kit. Whilst the Vital pad is plush and soft, it didn't cause issue in any way.
These are, if you haven't worked it out yet, cargo bibtights, and there is a cargo pocket on each leg. The pockets are made from stitched on mesh panels and provide a snug fit for gels, multi tools, phone etc. if you want some extra storage space.
Fit-wise, I haven't had any problems with the tights and I've tested 20+ pairs of bibtights of late. They are true to size; I'm always a size small in tights (up to this point) and the POC small has fitted me well. There's plenty of length in the leg without it going too far. There has also been zero bunching or tightness behind the knee, a key point for me and never very nice when pedalling.
The overall cut is ever so slightly more relaxed, more so than something like the Rapha Pro Team bibtights. They aren't baggy by any stretch of the imagination but there's just a little extra room, and some wrinkles from the fit on the front of the legs.
Performance
Performance has been very good from the bibtights throughout testing. First off, thermal efficiency. These tights have kept me warm and comfortable down to freezing. Warmth - or a lack of it - isn't an issue. A three-hour ride at low intensity in these conditions didn't phase them whatsoever, and they seem to prevent biting winds from chilling you on longer descents. The fleece inside certainly keeps things warm, if anything I'd warn against using them above around 10C / 50F as you may start to feel uncomfortably snug, we are all different however.
No bibtights are totally waterproof in my opinion. I'm currently testing shoes like the new Sidi Nix winter boot as well as bibtights without a front mudguard fitted and have been pummeled with plenty of spray and water on all my recent rides. If your out in a heavy downpour for an extended period of riding, their defences will probably be breached, but they can deal with a decent bit of spray and water.
Two things I'd personally change are the thin bib straps and 'pillowcase openings' at the top of the cargo pockets. The bib straps, whilst perfectly functional, are on the thin side. I find a wider and at times thicker bib strap more comfortable, such as the ones found on the Attaquer Race bibtights.
Second up are the cargo pocket openings. They double over at the the top and are unstitched, like a pillowcase opening. POC claims this helps keeps belongings safe but I find they are snug enough that when you do reach into one for something, pulling your hand out again results in the material folding over itself, bunching and looking undity. It's the kind of thing that niggles at me because it looks a little messy.
If it helps you make a buying decision, I'd say there are tights out there with a more stylish fit, cut, and look that offer similar warmth and protection. Two prime examples are the MAAP Apex winter bibtights and Rapha Pro Team, but they don't have pockets. Premium winter bibtights with cargo pockets are a little more scarce, but if that's what you want you will be well pleased. These will make an excellent pair of winter tights that should handle whatever you want to do in them.
Value
A slightly tricky prospect, as I'm not sure the POC Thermal Cargo tights offer amazing value for the money. They are expensive at £270 / $300 / €290. This is on a par with some of the most expensive bibtights around.
They are a little more than the aforementioned Rapha Pro Team Winter tights, which I prefer for their warmth, style and fit. They match the tights for comfort and warmth, but look really good whilst doing it and have better bib straps.
The tights also don't match up to the Nalini Ergo X Warm bibtights which offer fantastic protection with a brilliantly comfortable fit. I don't feel a million dollars in them and for the money I just want a bit... more.
Verdict
The POC Thermal Cargo Tights are a good set of cargo bibtights. They're warm, comfortable, and durable. If you desire warm winter bibtights with dual cargo pockets these are a very good option that won't let you down. But I feel you can have the same warmth and comfort for less money elsewhere if you forego the need for pockets.
