POC Sonal: Revolutionizing Time Trial Helmets with Dual Shell Sizes

POC has unveiled its latest innovation in time trial helmets, the Sonal, succeeding the groundbreaking Tempor. This new helmet, already utilized by teams like EF Education-EasyPost in the Tour de France, promises substantial aerodynamic advantages, including a 15-20 watt reduction in drag at speeds of 60km/h. What sets the Sonal apart is its unique offering of two distinct shell widths, catering to riders with varying shoulder dimensions. This design philosophy aims to seamlessly integrate the helmet with the cyclist's body, optimizing airflow and reducing drag for a broader spectrum of athletes. The Sonal is not only lighter than its predecessors but also adheres to international safety standards, reflecting POC's commitment to both performance and protection.

The journey of aerodynamic helmets has seen significant evolution, with POC at the forefront since the introduction of the Tempor at the 2012 London Olympics. Initially met with skepticism for its unconventional, bulbous shape, the Tempor challenged the prevailing teardrop design by emphasizing the helmet as an extension of the rider's entire aerodynamic profile rather than an isolated component. Despite early ridicule and initial competitive setbacks, the Tempor gained traction, particularly in the UK time trial scene, and was later revitalized by figures like Dan Bigham, who employed it successfully with the HUUB-Wattbike track team and the Danish quartet, leading to world record-breaking performances. This resurgence propelled the concept of larger frontal profile helmets into mainstream acceptance among rival brands.

The Sonal represents a further refinement of this philosophy. While other brands have pushed boundaries with designs like Giro's Aerohead II, POC's Sonal focuses on personalized aerodynamics. By providing two shell widths—one for shoulders narrower than 37cm and another for wider shoulders—the Sonal ensures a more tailored fit that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency. This adaptability acknowledges that a helmet's performance is highly dependent on the individual rider's body shape and cycling position. POC's internal testing with EF Pro Cycling riders confirmed significant aerodynamic improvements, demonstrating the Sonal's effectiveness across different athletes.

Beyond its aerodynamic prowess, the Sonal prioritizes rider safety. It is certified to EN and CPSC international protection standards, featuring a design optimized for deformation in the event of a crash, thereby offering an additional layer of protection. Despite its advanced design and larger surface area, the Sonal maintains a relatively low weight, with the narrow version weighing 440 grams and the regular at 490 grams, making it lighter than both the Tempor and the Giro Aerohead II. Available in 'Hydrogen White' and 'Uranium Black Matt', the Sonal is priced at €600/£550/$660, positioning it competitively within the high-performance time trial helmet market.

Initial feedback from expert testers, such as Tech Editor Aaron Borrill, highlights the Sonal's impressive performance. Borrill, who transitioned from the Giro Aerohead II, noted the Sonal's lighter feel and the ease with which it integrates into a time trial position. The helmet's design, particularly its interaction with the rider's shoulders and back, is crucial for optimal aerodynamic benefit, requiring precise positioning. While acknowledging the difficulty of quantifying exact watt savings without wind tunnel testing, Borrill's personal experiences in time trials, including achieving a 25-mile personal best and multiple sub-20 minute 10-mile times, suggest a tangible performance advantage. He also observed that the helmet performs best in calm or consistent wind conditions, with strong crosswinds potentially impacting stability.

The Sonal's introduction marks a notable advancement in time trial helmet technology, offering a sophisticated solution for cyclists seeking to optimize their aerodynamic efficiency. Its dual-width design, coupled with a focus on safety and a competitive weight, positions it as a significant contender in the high-performance cycling market. The helmet reinforces the understanding that personalized fit and an integrated approach to rider and equipment are paramount for achieving peak aerodynamic performance.