With lots of available options in cycling apparel, I’ve been impressed with some of the unique features Hincapie brings to the table. The Power line offers muted style so your riding can speak for itself. The Power Max Jersey has been a fantastic performer.
Hincapie Power Max Jersey Features:
- Ultra-lightweight, quick-drying Aerator™ Max fabric quickly moves moisture away from the skin
- Comfortable flat-lock seaming throughout garment
- Black reflective logo treatments for high visibility
- 3 rear pockets
- Color: Gunmetal
- MSRP: $120
My Experience
Like most riders, I’ve got a variety of mobile billboard jerseys. They are great to show your allegiance, but that look can often feel tired. This sentiment has driven a more subdued, yet still technical wave of cycling apparel. The Power line is Hincapie’s take on a subdued look.
The Power Max is built with lightweight and stretchy Aerator Max fabric. This material has loads of stretch for uninhibited movement. And, the mesh pattern really does wick moisture as well as the best materials on the market. I’ve worn this jersey in bone dry Utah as well as the humid Midwest and it has continued to breathe well in both low and high humidity. The magic with this fabric is due to its thickness and loft. It’s not just a slab of polyester, but a weave of fibers that increases the surface area to speed wicking and drying.
As mentioned, the fabric is very stretchy, which makes for a super-comfortable feel. However, when the jersey gets really wet, it tends to drape just a tad. This is mostly noticed in the rear pockets, which don’t have enough structure to keep their shape while holding heavy objects (water bottles, multi-tools, etc.). The stretchy fabric does make it difficult to take things in/out. This was particularly true with my iPhone 5 when the LifeProof case was installed as the square edges caught on the fabric. Once items are in there, they stay put — so that’s good.
One of the items I get nit-picky about is the zipper. It’s got to be easy to pull with one hand. The zipper on the Power Max fits that bill with easy venting on the way up and wind protection on the way down. I dig the height of the low-profile collar to keep things cool. Additionally, the sleeves are cut to the perfect length with excellent body-mapped panels that sit pefectly against your body while in the riding position.
I sized down to a medium in this jersey and it fits my 5’11” 170 lb frame perfectly. The length is just right and the grippy rear hem keeps things in place. And, the fit is tight enough so as to stay put at high-speeds.
The Good:
- Muted style lets your riding do the talking
- Very cofortable next-to-skin
- Breathability is excellent
- Low-profile collar is great on warmer days
- Easy-pull zipper can be done with one hand
- Bright contrast stitching adds to visibility
The Bad:
- Rear pockets are hard to reach in/out of due to high placement & stretchy fabric
- Only one color option
The Bottom Line
Subdued styling, superior comfort and fantastic breathability make the Power Max Jersey a great option for road riding in the deep summer. The contrast stitching and reflective treatments aid in visibility on early morning assaults.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
