POC helmets at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
POC may not be the best known name in the road and cyclocross helmet world, but the company is looking to change that. What started as a ski and snow company evolved to mountain biking and now, into the road market with the recently introduced the Octal for road riding, available in white, bright blue and a loud orange—conscious choices on the company’s part, as they’re trying to make helmet-wearers be seen, not just protected.
You have seen the eye-catching, high-profile helmets on the Garmin-Sharp team on the road.
The Octal offers “optimal ventilation,” while weighing in at sub-200 grams. However, it’s not all about weight: the helmet provides more coverage and additional protection of the temples and back of the head. POC explains that the unibody shell construction functions as a monocoque and enhances the safety properties and construction integrity of the helmet while maintaining this low weight.
Looking at the photo, the most obvious feature is the large vents, which are created—obviously—increase air flow. The MSRP is a hefty $269.99, but then again, it is your head.
Stay Safe(r) with iceDOT:
iceDOT on the POC helmets at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
POC showed off the helmets in conjunction with iceDOT, a company focused on rider safety after a crash, and some of their helmets can be purchased with the iceDOT. A few of the helmets in the POC booth were show with a sensor on the back of the helmet designed to detect impact. After setting it up, and after a crash, it detects the impact and pings your phone, which starts a user-defined countdown. If you don’t turn the alarm off (theoretically because you’re unresponsive and hurt), then it notifies your predetermined emergency contacts, and provides them with your GPS coordinates.
The Crash Sensor app is available for iPhone 4 and higher, and an Android version is coming.
The iceDOT sensor costs $150 for the sensor and a year-long enrollment in the ICEdot premium membership. Additional one year premium membership is $10. A little costly, but if you ride alone, especially in the woods or at night, on a regular basis, this might be one purchase worth making.
More info: pocsports.com
Missed the past week of Sea Otter action? Check out all of our tech goodies from Sea Otter 2014.
