Spandex kits have always seemed odd to me while riding MTB. I get and understand the benefits when riding XC but, for me, it still doesn’t seem to fit. Perfectly-suited for riders like me, POC put together a great kit that brings some of the baggy styling from freeride kits but with the performance you’d expect from a XC kit.
POC Resistance Pro XC Jersey & Shorts Features:
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- Tear-resistant Cordura sleeves
- Internal mesh gaiter to hold back pockets
- Dirt resistant membrane in lower material at back
- Two rear pockets and a cell phone pocket with zipper
- Sleeves with elastic cuff grippers
- Reflective label on shoulder
- XC-specific MTB shell shorts in durable 4-ways stretch material
- Durable fabric patches at the rear for extra protection
- Mesh inside leg for comfort and ventilation
- Adjustable velcro waist and higher back
- Pre-shaped and longer at the knee
- Hidden security pocket with zipper closure on the side
- Tra-in security front button with zip fly
- Silicon tabs inside the waistband to secure fit with bib shorts
- Weight: Jersey – 191g; Shorts – 222g
- MSRP: Jersey – $160; Shorts – $200
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The Resistance Kit is
First and foremost, the POC Resistance Pro XC Tee is comfortable. The main body of the fabric has a smooth, soft texture, which feels great on skin.
The sleeves are longer, covering 3/4s of my upper arm. The sleeves feature two layers. The under layer is mesh for breathability and the end is lined to provide grip to keep it in place. The outer layer of the sleeve and up over the shoulders features a textured, tear resistant fabric to help with wear and tear from wearing a hydration pack.
The bottom of the tee is interesting. The best way I’ve thought to describe it is like a powder skirt. There’s an inner mesh liner of sorts, that pulls down lower than the main body. It is treated similarly to the sleeves to provide grip to help keep it in place. I love this feature because it helps keep the tee down and in place but allows the rest of the shirt to move with your body while actively riding without the tee pulling up.
The fit is along the lines of a slim-fit, but it’s looser than your typical jersey. It toes the line nicely between jersey and baggy. It also runs true to size. I’m 6′ and about 180 lbs and the large fits me perfectly.
The Resistance Pro Tee features three jersey pockets on the back. I’ll admit that I never used them, I ride with a hydration pack. The two outer pockets are open and big enough to stash keys, wallet, gels, food, etc. The center pocket is a zippered, cell phone pocket. I was skeptical of the size of the pocket. I currently use a Nexus 6P (similar is size and scale to a plus-sized iPhone) in a slim case. I was able to fit the phone in the pocket both width-wise and height-wise. Thank you POC for making a pocket big enough to fit big phones.
There are two things about the Resistance Pro XC tee that I’m not stoked on. First, the neck is wide. Wider than I would have expected. It feels a little weird and because I’m not used to wider necks, I had to sunscreen my neck more. Small problem, I know, but it still bugs me.
Second, I have the Resistance Pro XC tee in the “Fenestrane Blue” color. It’s a light blue and it stains easily. First ride out was a little muddy and I had spatters up the front of the jersey. First time out the washer the mud color didn’t come out. I had to treat with a stain treatment and wash again to get it come out. Not sure if this will exist with the other colors.
Much like the tee, the POC Resistance Pro XC Shorts have a lot of the same features and benefits.
The shorts are really comfortable. They are woven with 4-way stretch which moves with you when pedaling, swinging your leg over the bike, or bailing. Most importantly, they deliver unrestricted movement on the bike so I never felt like I was working against them.
The fabric is also very tear resistant. I’ve only had a couple of small crashes in them but I’ve brushed plenty of bushes, trees, and rocks on narrow trails and I haven’t had any snags.
Shorts are unlined but are “compatible” with the Resistance XC Bib Short. Meaning they have some rubbers tabs along the inside of the waist that help hold them in place on the bib shorts. I’ve been riding with regular bike shorts underneath and I haven’t noticed any issues.
POC built in some ventilation inside the legs. I have to say, I haven’t really noticed it, but I’m sure it’s cooling things off a touch.
The shorts feature a single, zippered security pocket. It’s low key, I totally missed it until I was putting this review together. It’s big enough to hold your car key or remote, ID, and some bills. You might be able to squeeze a gel in there, though I’m not sure you’d want to. Definitely couldn’t put your phone in it.
Sizing runs true-to-size. Knowing waists are variable they built in some velcro adjustment straps to give you some adjustment to hone the fit so you won’t have to wear a belt.
The Good
- Durable fabrics and construction
- Muted style that doesn’t headline with Spandex
- Comfortable with uninhibited movement
- Good breathability and on-bike performance
The Bad
- Wide neck
- Blue color stains easily
- Could use more pockets on the shorts
The Bottom Line: POC Resistance Pro XC Kit
This is a great kit. It delivers XC performance without wearing traditional kit. So far it has proven to be extremely durable and has performed superbly on the trail.
Buy Now: Pro XC Tee and Pro XC Shorts available at Backcountry
