Our favourite cycling essentials from Swedish brand POC.

Without wanting to get too old-school Top Gear on you, among the stereotypical attributes associated with Sweden is a reputation for putting safety first. (This is the country that gave us the Volvo, after all.) Not to say that Swedes don’t know how to have a good time – other stereotypical attributes, which include tallness, blondness, attractiveness and being comfortable with nudity, as well as chasing chickens around a kitchen while hollering “Børk!”, suggest that they do. Rather, once you have that sense of security and peace of mind nailed, you’re free to have some fun. Which is where Swedish cycling brand POC comes in.

The company has made a name for itself making cycling and skiing helmets that set the benchmark for safety – no small concern when the chief purpose of its products is protecting your head – but always with a nod to striking design, and a pop of colour. It’s safety gear that doesn’t play it safe.

The brand’s new cycle clothing line takes this idea and runs (ahem, rides) with it. So while this Avid jersey is very functional – being made from an aerodynamic, sweat-wicking stretch-shell with UV protection and mesh panels to circulate air – we can’t help but be drawn to the zing of the orange-on-white block colours.

And sure, these DO Blade sunglasses are designed to cling to your face no matter what the weather, integrate with your Octal Aero helmet, should you have one, and be so lightweight that you wouldn’t know you’re wearing them. But you do know that you are wearing them, and that you look like a badass.

Plus these bib shorts – the one item of clothing most likely to attract arched eyebrows if not open ridicule from non-cyclists – feature compression properties to aid blood flow and muscle recovery, reflective detailing to improve the wearer’s visibility in poor light conditions and an ergonomically padded seat to protect the important bits that the cycling helmet doesn’t. But the design is treated with typically Scandinavian restraint.