On Thursday, POC unveiled the Sonal, a new time-trial helmet developed with EF Pro Cycling that takes a slightly different approach to aero gains: instead of treating the helmet as a standalone piece, it’s designed around how air moves over the rider’s entire body. You may have noticed the new lid in action at the Tour de France.
The POC Sonal helmet
The Sonal comes in two shell widths that are tailored for different body types. The narrow version is intended for riders with shoulders under 37 cm. The regular version for those over 37 cm. Both use the same internal fit and accommodate heads from 51 to 59 cm.
That wider approach is designed to smooth airflow around the helmet and onto the rider’s body which continues to be the trend for most TT lids.
POC says testing at 60 km/h showed average savings of 15 to 20 watts compared with its existing time-trial helmets, although, as with any aero testing, results depend on the rider and position.
The Sonal also comes with two Clarity lenses. You can choose between a clear and tinted, which attach magnetically, similar to their previous TT helmets.
POC says the helmet is designed to provide a full range of forward and peripheral vision while a rider is tucked into a TT position, which is key when you’re going full-tilt in a chrono.
It weighs 440 grams in the narrow width and 490 grams in the regular, including the lens. The helmet is certified to EN 1078 and CPSC standards and uses a new Boa adjustment system.
The Sonal will initially be available in limited quantities online in October. Then there will be wider retail availability next spring.
POC Sonal, $830