As I continue to test the latest gear unveiled at Sea Otter Classic, I’m excited to share my thoughts on two new additions from POC: the Cytal road/gravel aero helmet and the Cadence collection, which includes bib shorts, jerseys, and accessories.
Cytal Road Helmet
https://poc.com/en-us/product/cytal-cpsc-uranium-black-matt-hydrogen-white-matt
Price: $350
Sizes: Small (50-56), Medium (54-59), Large (56-61)
Weight: Small: 290g
Safety Rating: 5-star from Virginia Tech
Safety Features: MIPS Air Node rotation impact protection
Rear Dial Adjustment: Yes
Vents: 17
Colors: Navy Matt, Fluorescent Orange Matt, Grey Matt, White, White Matt, Green Matt, Red Matt, Black Matt, Black Matt/White Matt
Sunglasses Storage: Yes
Included in the Box: Helmet, storage bag, and extra bridge pads
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Safety is the Priority: New POC Aero Cycling Helmet
This year at Sea Otter Classic, POC unveiled two new helmets—Cytal and Cularis. The Cytal is an aero road/gravel helmet, while the Cularis is for mountain biking. I chose the Cytal to review.
The new helmet was influenced by Cytal Carbon, which many EF Pro Cycling riders use. It utilizes all of POC’s aerodynamic and ventilation knowledge, developed from Cytal Carbon, and adds a refined balance and enhanced protection.
The company sent me their size small Cytal in pargasite green with a matt finish. At 250 grams, the helmet feels very comfortable and lightweight. With a 5-star Virginia Tech rating (ranked #1 for road helmets and #3 overall among all helmets tested) and the MIPS Air Node system, I felt confident that it would protect me in the event of a crash. Of course, I hope it won’t happen.
Providing Ventilation, Airflow, and Comfort at Low and High Speeds
The key differentiator of the Cytal helmet design is its integrated wing, which enhances ventilation and aerodynamics. The integrated wing creates ventilation and cooling across your entire head by encouraging airflow and creating pressure zones inside the helmet. The linear interior channels guide airflow through the helmet and out the back, keeping you cool.
POC utilizes extensive CFD simulation, wind tunnel testing, and real-world testing to develop an aerodynamic helmet. Here, too, the wing design allows frontal air intakes to capture and lead air through the helmet instead of around it. This design reduces the high-pressure zone at the front of the helmet and improves the rider’s aerodynamic profile.
Fit and Function
Designed into the Cytal helmet is a 360-degree fit system with rear dial, removable front brow pads for enhanced ventilation, and adjustable side dividers that sit under the ear.
One feature of the Cytal helmet is its ability to secure you’re sunglasses thanks to high-friction pads located inside two front vents. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to stash your shades during long climbs or at a quick coffee stop.
Bottom Line
Overall, my first experience testing a POC helmet is extremely positive. The Cytal stands out with its excellent safety rating, aerodynamic design, and effective cooling system, all available in a range of nine color options and three sizes. With its 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating and well-rounded features, the Cytal is a compelling choice for road and gravel riders alike.
Women’s Cadence Bib Shorts
https://poc.com/en-us/product/ws-cadence-bib-shorts-uranium-black
Price: $170
Sizes: XS – XL
Colors: Black, Green
Chamois: New patent-pending Novus
Drop Bottom: Yes (well, kinda)
UPF Rating: 50+
Fit: True to size
Compression: Medium
Using Pressure Mapping to Create a New Chamois
Deciding to start from scratch, POC used pressure mapping technology to create the new Novus chamois. This patent-pending chamois is inspired by the data collected and how riders sit on the saddle. As a result, the pad is significantly wider, more ventilated, features channel relief, and has a new innovative gel insert to reduce pressure points.
At Sea Otter, POC had the following display comparing the men’s and women’s Novus chamois. It is visibly wider, but also notice that the tailoring of the women’s pad is shorter in length than the men’s.
For more detailed information on the Novus chamois, read the POC blog here.
I found the fabric covering the pad to be soft, and the chamois to be comfortable and supportive. I completed several test rides (on the trainer and outdoors), with my longest ride being 45 miles, and I experienced no issues.
The bib shorts’ medium compressive, four-way stretch fabric supports muscles and reduces fatigue on long rides. Plus, the UPF 50+ fabric protects from the sun. The wide leg bands with printed silicone grippers keep the shorts in place.
Like the trend with most brands, the Cadence bib shorts have an articulated shape, making you more comfortable while in the riding position. However, with my six-foot frame, the bib straps were a bit short and dug into my shoulders while standing or walking around.
Drop Bottom Design – Doesn’t Work for Everyone
The lightweight perforated fabric of the bib straps increases air flow, helping to keep you cooler. Using black fabric is preferable as it doesn’t show dirt and is less visible if your jersey hikes up in the back. However, the center bib strap is not my favorite design. First, it sits high up on the chest and shows when unzipping your jersey for venting. Second, it would start choking me when trying to use the drop bottom feature.
POC uses an overlap suspender design for their drop bottom. This design might work for a woman of shorter stature, but I couldn’t get it to work for me. I ended up having to remove my jersey and bib straps for nature breaks.
The Cadence bib shorts are affordably priced at $170 and come in two colors—black and green. I like the option of another color instead of black, with the dark green less likely to show sweat stains than a lighter color.
Bottom Line
POC’s new Cadencance bib shorts with their patent-pending Novus pad are very comfortable in the cycling position. However, being six feet tall, I had issues when standing and trying to utilize the drop bottom. My hunch is a sorter person will not have the same trouble.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.