Bike Perfect Verdict

Premium quality, close fitting XC, gravel or bikepacking jersey that delivers a great balance of comfort and warmth.

Pros

+
Cut for the ride
+
Slim-fit comfort
+
Instant warmth

Cons

-
Heavy on the wallet

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A man in gravel riding gear — The fit is comfortable thanks to the stretch of the material and close cut (Image credit: Russell Burton)

POC focuses on the performance and quality of its materials, and its ride-specific cut. That attention to detail does not come cheap, and neither does its Ambient Thermal Jersey. In a long-sleeve, full-zip style that’s replicated in every clothing range and every price point, it might be difficult to justify the outlay for this one, but I’m here to tell you that even though I wanted to not notice the difference, I did. Everyone might make a jersey like this, few are as good.

Slim in fit, the Ambient can be worn as a base layer next to the skin, or as I have on colder days, as a mid-layer paired with a base underneath and topped with a waterproof or windproof jacket.

Rear detail of the POC Ambient Thermal jersey — The jersey has four rear access pockets, one zipped. (Image credit: Russell Burton)

Design and Specifications

The POC Ambient Thermal is made from a brushed-back polyamide with four-way stretch. It features a full length front zip and three rear drop-in pockets with one secure zipped pocket for valuables. There is an integrated panel for emergency contact details inside the rear left pocket, which can be left out for visibility. This tab is reflective and there is further reflective detailing on the collar, back pocket and hem. It also features silicon grip at the side and back of the hem.

This is a close fitting style, but worth noting that despite having plenty of stretch for movement, the sleeves are constructed with the curved seams for bike-specific fit that we see on other POC garments.

A close up of the neckline on POC Ambient Thermal jersey — A close fitting cut but it has plenty of stretch (Image credit: Russell Burton)

Performance

The POC Ambient Thermal Jersey is as straightforward a style as it’s possible to get, usually hard to test and harder to write about because by virtue of the simplicity there’s not much to say. Except in this case there is. Far be it for me to persuade you to drop well north of £100 on a long sleeve top, but bear with me while I explain why I might now seriously consider it.

The close fit is comfortable thanks in large part to the stretch of the material, but the cut is an important contributor. When anything designed for movement is cut along the lines of the body it isn’t relying on the stretch in the fabric to make it fit, but to allow it move. It sounds like a small detail, but in practice it makes for less resistance and that elusive barely-there feel that becomes more important the longer you ride. Here it is the curve on the sleeve that makes the difference and finding the perfect fit, even with long arms that many jerseys ride up on, is a delight.

A close up of a tab showing emergency medical details — A tab insert on the left-hand rear pocket enables you to add your emergency details (Image credit: Russell Burton)

More that the fit, what is instantly noticeable is the warm next-to skin feel. It goes on smooth and feels immediately cosy. Strategically placed brushed sections keep you comfortable when it’s cold but wick well on those spring or early autumn days the start with a chill but warm up when the sun comes out. I’ve been wearing this with its POC partner, the Pro Thermal Jacket and I’ve been surprisingly warm for such minimal layering. When the thermometer has been in single digits I have underpinned with a base layer for additional warmth, but as the mercury has been climbing I’ve worn just this and the jacket. The resulting comfort, especially on long rides, has been appreciable.

Reluctant to carry a pack at almost any time, I appreciate the sensible amount of pockets. The three drop in ones carry any emergency supplies that are not on the bike and the zipped one is useful for keys. I probably would have overlooked the ICE tab detail, observing it as a ‘nice to have’ rather than essential, but having had the experience of a ride buddy found on a grass verge not knowing what had happened or even who they were, I’d say fill the damn thing in as reassurance to your nearest and dearest.

Looking back at my notes, which turned out to be extensive for such a simple piece, I notice my one line on the quality of the construction, which is that this is so well made you could wear it inside out and barely notice. It really is that nice.

Verdict

Pricey though it is, the POC Ambient Thermal jersey is a premium quality jersey that delivers a balance of comfort and warmth making it a top option for the shoulder seasons.

Tech specs: POC Ambient Thermal Jersey

Price: $160 / £140
Weight: 211g (large)
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Epidote Green, Uranium Black
Available from: Pocsports.com

Russell has been heavily involved in mountain biking for decades. He originally started out designing and building trail center routes, but soon moved specializing in MTB photography and product testing. Over the years, he's shot and written for just about every British MTB mag and website in existence, including MBUK, What Mountain Bike, Bikeradar.com and most recently Bikeperfect.com. While Russ has ridden MTB bikes of all kinds, he mostly enjoys big days out on his e-MTB or gravel bike these days.