The new POC Sonal promises to save up to 20 watts, with sizing based on shoulder width

POC has just presented the Sonal, a new time trial helmet developed alongside EF Pro Cycling that takes the aerodynamic concept the brand introduced over a decade ago with the Tempor a step further. Its unique design is just part of the proposal. The Sonal is manufactured in two different widths, chosen according to the cyclist's shoulder width, and POC claims to have measured average savings of between 15 and 20 watts at 60 km/h compared to its previous time trial helmets.

POC Sonal, a helmet designed around the cyclist and not just their head

There are few cycling disciplines where aerodynamics have evolved as visibly as in time trials. Helmets are probably one of the best examples, and POC has been advocating for years that optimizing only the airflow around the head makes little sense when the head, shoulders, arms, and torso are part of the same aerodynamic unit.

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This philosophy was already behind the POC Tempor presented in 2012 and is again the basis of the new Sonal, which the Swedish company defines as its fastest helmet to date. To develop it, they worked closely with the riders and performance specialists from EF Pro Cycling.

The project arose precisely from that collaboration. EF wanted to find an evolution of the Tempor that was not only faster but could also offer advantages to a larger number of riders. The development included simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel tests, and specific sessions with team cyclists. POC also used the experience accumulated with its Tempor, Cerebel, and Procen as a reference.

The presentation also comes at a particularly opportune moment. POC officially unveils the Sonal just before the 2026 World Time Trial Championship in Montreal, which takes place this Sunday and where aerodynamics will again be at the center of much technical attention.

The helmet size no longer depends solely on your head

Here appears possibly the most interesting feature of the Sonal. POC has decided that its two exterior versions will not be chosen based on head circumference, but by shoulder width.

The goal is to better adapt the external volume of the helmet to the complete aerodynamic profile of each cyclist. The reference that POC establishes is 37 centimeters, measured between the outermost points of the shoulders while the rider is in an aerodynamic position.

• Less than 37 cm shoulders: narrow shell
• More than 37 cm: standard shell
• Both use an inner size for heads from 51 to 59 cm

Therefore, two cyclists with exactly the same head circumference could use different exterior versions of the Sonal.

The shape of the helmet also responds to this philosophy. The front part extends forward with the intention of managing the high-pressure area that appears in front of the helmet and subsequently directing the airflow around it and over the cyclist's body.

POC estimates the improvement between 15 and 20 watts at 60 km/h

The figures provided by the brand itself are significant. POC acknowledges that aerodynamic performance depends on the anatomy and position of each cyclist, but claims that during its tests, both versions of the Sonal achieved significant improvements.

At 60 km/h, compared to POC's previous time trial helmets, the brand estimates the average savings between 15 and 20 watts.

It is important to clarify that these are results communicated by POC based on its own tests and not from an independent comparison.

Integrated vision and two Clarity lenses

The large volume of current time trial helmets poses another problem: allowing the cyclist to maintain an aggressive aerodynamic position without compromising their ability to look forward.

POC explains that it has designed the frontal angle of the Sonal following the rider's line of sight to provide front and peripheral visual field without forcing them to lift their head.

The helmet also includes two Clarity lenses, one clear and one tinted. Both use magnetic attachment for quick swapping depending on light conditions.

The adjustment system uses Boa, and despite the considerable size of the shell, the declared weight is 440 grams for the narrow version and 490 grams for the standard, including the lens. The Sonal also has EN 1078 and CPSC certifications.

Price and availability of the POC Sonal

The new POC Sonal will have a price of 600 euros and will be available in Hydrogen White and Uranium Black Matt.

The two widths will initially arrive in limited quantities to the POC website during October. Full availability, both online and through distributors, is expected for the spring of the next season.