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review
Shorts & 3/4s
POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts POC Multi D Bib Shorts
Poc Multi D Bib Shorts

POC Multi D Bib Shorts

5
by edwardbmason
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 18, 2015

2
£150.00

VERDICT:

5
10
Understated, good-looking shorts that should be much better than they are, for the asking price
Weight: 
204g
Contact: 
www.pocsports.com
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Swedish sports brand POC is probably best known for its alternatively styled helmets and goggles, as seen on various members of the Cannondale-Garmin team. It also has a cycling apparel line and these £150 Multi Ds are its cheapest bib shorts. Unfortunately, for the money they don't really live up to expectations.

Considering my favourite ever pair of test shorts (Vermarc Mare) are the best part of 45 quid less than the Multi Ds, I was expecting to come away with a garment that would live at the top of my shorts pile. But from the first time I put the POCs on I could tell this wasn't going to be the case.

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POC constructs its shorts from "durable warp knitted stretch fabric" in a simple four-panel design, with a reflective panel at the back of the shorts.

The combination of fabric, design and the rear panel all added up to a pair of shorts that just didn't feel quite right when I first put them on. The material didn't sit flat against my quads, and the reflective panel at the back actually left an odd gap between my skin and the material rather than hugging me.

I've generally found that shorts that feel odd off the bike can actually feel great when riding, but out on the bike my feelings about the Multi D shorts were pretty much unchanged. While the pad was pretty comfortable, the poor fit of the shorts meant they would move around just a bit as I moved in and out of the saddle. This is certainly not what I expect from a premium pair of shorts. The leg grippers weren't really as secure as I would have liked them to be, either. 

Neither of these factors meant I was actually uncomfortable - I rode a couple of 100km rides in the shorts without much fuss - but nonetheless I can't say I was happy with their performance on the bike. For this kind of money I expect to be actively impressed with a pair of shorts, and this never happened.

Check out our buyer's guide to find the best bib shorts for your budget

As I've said, the pad is pretty good, and feels comfortable on both long-and-slow and fast-and-short rides, and I think the styling of the shorts is great. But that doesn't change the fact that the fit isn't quite as good as it should be for a top end brand and a top end price.

Also, I noticed the 'P' and 'O' of the front logos had started to peel away from the fabric after a few washes, which is a bit poor to be honest.

When you're forking out £150 for a pair of shorts, there's no getting away from the fact that they have to be pretty exceptional. Sadly, POC's Multi D shorts just don't live up to the price tag, on the comfort or durability front.

Verdict

Understated, good-looking shorts that should be much better than they are, for the asking price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Poc Multi D Bib Shorts

Size tested: Medium, Navy Black/Hydrogen White

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

POC says: "The Multi D Bib Shorts are made from durable warp knitted stretch fabric and offer performance, comfort and breathability.

"The ergonomic four-panel design provides a streamlined fit with maximum freedom of movement. The compact structure of the fabric supports your muscles, which helps circulation and recovery.

"The seamless and well-ventilated Multi D chamois gives additional support and helps relieve pressure points and reduces chafing. POC's silicone based pre-cut VPDS inserts have been strategically placed to reduce road vibrations while allowing for optimal airflow.

"The Multi D Bib shorts also feature a pocket in the rear mesh, custom leg gripper for a secure fit and a reflective print on back for improved visibility."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Multi D chamois with silicone based pre-cut VPDS inserts.

Ergonomic four-panel design for comfort and freedom of movement.

Warp knitted stretch fabric with compression properties.

Highly breathable mesh bibs.

Silicone leg gripper for a secure and comfortable fit.

Reflective print on back for improved visibility.

Pocket in the rear mesh.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

They worked fine as a garment, but never shone.

Rate the product for durability:
 
5/10

Not great if the logos are anything to go by, as they started to lift off after a few washes.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Didn't live up to my expectations really.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

At this price, they should have become my favourite shorts from the first ride, which wasn't the case.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well, but not well enough.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

They do look good.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The fit just isn't quite good enough for this asking price.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Probably not

Overall rating: 5/10

About the tester

Age: 21  Height: 182cm  Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: On-One Carbon Whippet Single Speed MTB/Kinesis Pro6  My best bike is: Scott CR1 Pro

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

 

POC Multi D Bib Shorts
POC 2015
poc

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2 comments

Avatar
Chasseur Patate | 9 years ago
0 likes

Offering a differing point of view. I've got two pairs of these and they're the best bibs I have ever had in every respect bar none. They have relegated my Rapha pro teams, Assos, Castelli etc among others to the back of the drawer.

My experience with them is vastly different to that of the reviewer. I rank them as sublime. So good, as I said I bought two pairs after realising they were ahead of all my other shorts. A clubmate has done the same as he shares my opinion. I get the impression the reviewer should have sized down. Mine are snug without being uncomfortable and don't shift in the chamois area or grippers.

Different strokes.

Avatar
jasecd | 9 years ago
0 likes

Why is all of their stuff so expensive? It doesn't seem to be backed up by the reputation of quality that Rapha or Assos have.

I bought some leg warmers earlier - Sportful No Rain @ £28. Poc's were the most expensive listed for £47 and that was half price!

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