POC launches its new cycling helmet on route performance, the Cytal Carbon. It sets a new standard in the world of high-performance helmets. The Cytal Carbon takes a pioneering approach to safety, aerodynamics and ventilation, including the inclusion of an innovative, hand-crafted carbon fin.
Source: Press release, photos: Jered Gruber and Ashley Gruber | Gruber Images
Used on the pitch by many EF Pro Cycling riders in recent weeks, the Cytal Carbon will be available immediately from selected online stores and retailers, as well as the POC website.
About Cytal Carbon, Oscar Huss, Product Manager for POC, explains: “ When developing the Cytal Carbon, we used our knowledge of cycling helmets on route high performance helmet to optimize safety, aerodynamics and cooling. In particular, we want to improve cycling performance through more ventilation and cooling effect, which are essential for performance. By challenging conventional thinking and using unique materials and developing new shapes, we have found the answer: a unique helmet, which integrates a carbon part hand-shaped in Italy. We are extremely satisfied with the result.
Ventilation
The Cytal Carbon continues to exploit the Venturi effect, which is POC's well-known and respected approach to airflow and ventilation in its helmets. Inspired by racing cars, the carbon fin is hand-shaped with great precision in Italy. It promotes superior ventilation and cooling all around the head. To optimize airflow and create precise pressure zones inside the helmet, the carbon has a variable shape and thickness, like a wing. This increases the speed of air circulation and the cooling effect of the helmet. The result: the cycling helmet on route the best ventilated to date.
Testblown in the wind tunnel and adjusted using the tests in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the carbon fin design and the strength of the material allow for increased frontal air intake. This allows more air to flow freely inside the helmet. Linear interior channels, which guide the airflow, and associated outlet ports allow large amounts of air to flow in and out of the helmet, cooling the rider in the process.
Aerodynamic
Aerodynamics is another essential component of modern performance. Cytal Carbon has been extensively simulated in CFD, many tests in wind tunnel as well as tests on the ground by EF Pro Cycling riders.
The aerodynamic performance of the Cytal Carbon, especially at high speeds, has also been optimized. The integration of the carbon winglet requires a different approach to the materials used. It allowed for the design of larger, air-slicing front inlet ports.
The precise size and angles of the Cytal Carbon’s front air intakes capture and direct air through the helmet, rather than around it. This significantly reduces the high-pressure area at the front of the helmet. The optimized aerodynamic design controls the residual air that flows over and around the helmet. It reduces turbulence and maintains a smooth airflow around the helmet and rider, improving their aerodynamic performance.
Safety
POC's safety and mission are the foundation of POC's helmet design and development processes. Of course, the Cytal Carbon has passed the tests classic certifications. But It has also been subjected to research and tests in-house FEM (Finite Element Model) experts. They serve as a fundamental guide for innovation and the use of materials during the development process. Designed to evaluate many more safety variables, our FEM modeling process ensures our products meet our safety requirements. It is the origin of the carbon fin. This process also inspired the Koridion insert between the carbon plates of the fin, which optimizes safety by transferring forces throughout the helmet, reinforcing its overall integrity.
POC applies its “Whole Helmet Concept™” to all of its helmet development and design to ensure that the helmet is greater than the sum of its parts. The Cytal Carbon's features such as the quality and shape of its materials, its one-piece construction, its precise EPS density zones, its ergonomic straps, its goggle storage and its adjustment system for personalized comfort and a secure fit work perfectly together. It is thanks to this design process that the Cytal Carbon achieved the highest score (five stars) in the tests independent of Virginia Tech laboratories.
The Cytal Carbon will be available immediately in many markets. The version offered will be the same (in a different color) as the one used by the EF men's and women's teams.
The EF Pro Cycling Performance Team was involved in the entire development process, as described by Andreas Klier, Performance Manager for EF Pro Cycling: "We know the importance of aerodynamics and the advancetagand what it can bring to the race. Cooling and ventilation are also essential when it comes to performance. Using a helmet that excels in all these areas is an advantagetage crucial. We spent a lot of time working with POC engineers to refine the details and we, the riders, are excited about the results.”
Product and technical characteristics
– The Cytal Carbon features an integrated carbon fin that optimizes ventilation and aerodynamic performance.
– The Koridion insert of the carbon fin optimizes safety, helmet integrity and force distribution.
– Extreme cooling and ventilation thanks to the air inlet points and the innovative design promoting its circulation.
- Testé in the Virgina Tech laboratories with a five-star score.
– Helmet with optimized structure. Precise ventilation points to control air intake and release, both at high speed and at slower pace.
– Design optimized by test in computational fluid mechanics. Promotes aerodynamic performance and reduces turbulence.
– High-performance EPS internal structure with targeted and optimized density, to provide the ideal balance between reduced weight and impact protection.
– Fully enveloping single shell construction for added safety and helmet integrity.
– Lightweight size adjustment system for personalized comfort and fit. 360 degree padding and adjustment option.
– Polycarbonate shell optimized for greater safety, strength and balance.
– Precise and easily adjustable straps, fixed to the internal structure of the helmet for greater comfort and safety.
– Specific notches to fix your glasses on the helmet in a stable manner.
– Model used by EF Pro Cycling team cyclists.
– Sizes – S (50-56), M (54-59), L (56-61).
– Weight – 250 g CE (size M).
Availability
Cytal Carbon will be available for purchase immediately at www.poc.com and select online stores and retailers, with availability in the Asia Pacific region later this summer.
Color
Noir
Price
€400
