As you may have worked out from the name, POC’s Thermal Lite gloves combine a lightweight build with windproofing and insulation properties for use in cooler temperatures. They’ll appeal to riders after some thermal protection without sacrificing bar feel.
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POC Thermal Lite Glove - Technical details
The back of the hand is made from windproof softshell material backed with a thin layer of soft brushed waffle fleece for comfort. The synthetic palm has silicone print details at critical contact points at the braking fingers and palm and small threaded patches at the thumbs for touchscreen compatibility.
High neoprene one-piece cuffs provide a close fit to the wrist to help seal out draughts and act as a buffer between your gloves and jacket. I love a good terrycloth thumb panel for wiping away sweat or acting as a nose wipe in cold weather, so it’s good to see them here. Finished with large reflective POC logos on the back of the hand, you’re sure to be seen in low-light conditions on the road. You can only get them in black, but sizes range from XS to XL.
POC Thermal Lite Glove - Performance
Cold weather gloves with a minimal build are right up my street. Having an option that doesn't need to fulfil a long list of winter must-haves.
The fit through the fingers is good, with only a little extra length at the little fingers. Across the back of the hand, the windproof panel is a little roomy, but this helps with mobility when braking as the material is not very stretchy. If I was being picky, I could mention a bit of bunching at the palm where it meets the cuff, but it’s not noticeable in use and is more of a visual thing. The cuffs are easy to pull on and off and haven’t lost shape over the last few months.
In cold, dry weather, as low as zero degrees, these gloves have kept my hands warm enough to avoid having to reach for something more substantial. The long neoprene cuffs form a great weather seal between my jacket and gloves, enhancing warmth and an overall feeling of protection.
Their windproofing properties are very impressive. Although not waterproof or water-resistant, they have provided enough windproofing to keep my hands warm even when wet. I love the bar feel from the thin palm, and the extra grip from the silicone print is noticeable - especially when the gloves are sodden. As they are so thin, they breathe quite well and have been a comfortable option in fluctuating temperatures, making them a good option if you’re unsure of the conditions or get it wrong.
It hasn’t mattered if I’ve headed out for long rides on my gravel bike or hit the trails on the MTB, they work for both.
The tiny touchscreen pad on the thumb is a letdown, though. Not only does it barely respond to touch but it also feels incorrectly placed. I never scroll with my thumb and feel it could have been better placed (if it worked) at the index or forefinger. It may seem like a minor point, but getting lost and having to remove my gloves every time in the cold to use my phone has been a minor irritation.
POC Thermal Lite Glove - Verdict
Equally at home on the MTB or gravel bike, the 100% Brisker Cold Weather Glove is a perennial favourite and hard to beat on performance, especially at £32, they are almost half the asking price of the POCs.
A great option for cold, crisp days or changeable conditions. Fit is good, and performance is excellent. I especially like the amount of bar feel for a dedicated cold-weather glove and, although you’ll probably need a thicker glove for deep-winter riding, such as the Castelli Perfetto Max Gloves (£90), they are a worthwhile purchase.
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