Review: POC Fondo Elements Jersey
As a rider who was looking for the perfect year-round jersey, the Fondo Elements was the perfect choice.
Cycling apparel has to be multi-functional to stick out in the overwhelming world of sports clothing. POC promises just that with their Fondo Elements jersey. It works great no matter what the weather throws at it and is the perfect piece of clothing for bike riding. The best thing about this jersey, is its ability to keep warm, without feeling like I’m putting on super thick layers.
A windproof front keeps me warm on cool rides.
The back has well-placed mesh sections to prevent overheating.
The Fondo Elements can be warm almost all-year-round.
The facts
The Fondo Elements jersey promises to be perfect for almost every time of the year. At first glance, it has a sleek design and looks like a classic short sleeve jersey. There are no thick softshell materials used, but instead a thin wind-resistant membrane sewn on the inside. The included arm warmers are made of the same material and effectively turn the Fondo into a long sleeve jersey. Overall, wonderfully made, just like what I expect from POC.
On long, cold descents, the jersey still keeps me warm.
On the back and under the arms, POC uses a different material. To achieve maximum breathability, they have sewn in mesh, so that when the pedals get churning, there is no overheating. The three back pockets offer plenty of space for anything you might need and there is a zippered pocket for valuables. The arm warmers both fit well into one the pockets, leaving two pockets to be stuffed for longer rides.
Overall, wonderfully made, just like what I expect from POC.
The cut
Because the jersey is a part of POC’s Fondo series, it is has an athletic cut that isn’t too tight. The sizing is consistent with European standards and I was able to wear S like I always do. It isn’t especially long, short, tight or loose, just the perfect shape for the majority of Road cyclists. The only thing I noticed was that the arm warmers were a little too loose for my tastes, but that probably because I spend too much time on the bike and not enough time on the bench press. Still, they never slipped thanks to the silicone grip strip.
The test
I started riding with the jersey in January, when there was still plenty of snow slush on the ground. I rode the jersey well into April, catching a few sunny days as well. To be honest, when the temperatures are just above freezing, I often hit the forest with my MTB instead of spending hours on my Road bike. The jersey did a great job of keeping me warm in the cold forest and when I was on my race bike, it did its job equally as well.
The arm warmers make the short sleeve to long.
With temperatures in spring floating around 10-15°C, my riding buddies were busy putting on and taking of their wind vests, while I just kept riding. I even spent some time riding the Fondo Elements in 25° C weather and it was never too warm.
I even spent some time riding the Fondo Elements in 25° C weather and it was never too warm.
The rain
POC did not make this jersey to be rain ready and they don’t market it as that either. However, I did find it to be water-resistant in light rain showers. Of course, when the rides get longer, a rain jacket is always necessary.
Cold starts and warm finishes. The Fondo Elements can do it all.
Breathability to the max. thanks to the mesh back.
A year-round jersey?
Yes and no. For extremely cold temperatures, I would not recommend wearing it, but everything above freezing works great. When combined with a warm base layer it can take quite a bit. With the included arm warmers it can be worn from early spring all the way into late fall, without issue.
The fact that it can also be worn in the summer is especially impressive. Thanks to the mesh back, I never had an issue with overheating. It’s always great to find a jersey that can be worn in so many conditions. For those who are looking for something that can be worn almost a year round, the POC Fondo Elements jersey is the perfect choice.
