Article by Jeff Valliere
Size: S/M/L
312g/11oz size Med
$350
Pros: Light, well vented, fit, style, color choices, top rated protection, quality
Cons: Price, some might find the design to be a bit boxy depending on preference
Introduction/Fit/Style: If you have been following the Tour de France, you have seen the POC Cytal on heads of Team EF Education, including Ben Healy, winner of Stage 6, near miss on Ventoux and the combativity award.
The Cytal is POC’s newest high end road/gravel helmet, with a Virginia Tech 5 Star safety rating, the Cytal features MIPS Air Node rotational impact protection, maximum ventilation, lightweight design and easy 360 degree fit system. At a very reasonable 11 oz /312grams, the Cytal feels very lightweight.
Fit is what I would expect for a size medium, which has been my size in any other helmets throughout my life, with an easy to adjust dial in the back, that snugs securely or loosens enough to provide ample room for a cycling cap or beanie underneath. The Cytal worked perfectly for me out of the box and I did not even have to adjust the straps, I just simply put it on, snugged the dial and off I went.
I find the Cytal to be a sleek, stylish and modern looking helmet, though it does look a bit more boxy than other helmets with a somewhat abrupt front end and bit of a bigger look (or presence) than other helmets. I find the size/appearance though to be in line with its added protection and deliberate design to provide the utmost in safety to earn the top ratings in Va Tech testing.
Features:
The Cytal is packed with cutting edge technology to maximize safety, comfort, fit, ventilation and style.
The ventilation ports are ample, providing maximum air intake that is noticeable at even slower speeds, and is especially noticeable as you go faster.
The venting is also present on the sides and even under the brow as shown below.
The Cytal features MIPS, which helps to minimize rotational impacts in the event of a crash, which is basically an internal cage that stays affixed to your head while the outer shell rotates to absorb and dissipate the impact. I am thankful to have not had to test this first hand, but will lean on the crash test ratings from VA Tech that elevates the Cytal to the top of the charts.
The adjustment dial is easy to use and has positive incremental clicks to tighten or loosen, providing the perfect fit quickly and without fuss.
The vents all lead to the ports in the back, providing a smooth and efficient flow of air for maximum cooling effect.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
I have been putting in long miles with the Cytal on the gravel bike in temperatures from 50 degrees, up into the 90’s and have found performance to be amazing!
In the warmer temperatures, ventilation is fantastic and the airflow/cooling is unparalleled. I have a handful of different helmets, but even aside from reviewing intentions, I find myself instinctively reaching for the Cytal for it’s max ventilation, comfort, fit, ease of use and knowing that it ranks so high in the VA Tech safety ratings, that it is quite likely the most protective helmet in my arsenal.
The overall look of the helmet can be polarizing, perhaps, but I have come to really like the style and think it looks quite sharp in red.
$350 is a lot for a helmet, but you certainly get your money worth with the utmost in quality, protection and functionality, that it becomes a very fair price if it is within your budget.
Size: S-XXL
$160
The Pristine Jersey is a race fit jersey made with lightweight high performance fabric that balances sweat management and everyday race/ride functionality with mesh zones under the arms and pockets for enhanced ventilation and airflow, a full length zipper, reflective details and is made from recycled materials. The Pristine Jersey is also equipped with 4 rear pockets (3 traditional pockets and a small side zip pocket) for organized and secure storage for long distance adventures.
The Pristine Jersey is form fitting, but sizing is true to size in my usual medium and while snug, is not overly so, a fit that I would describe as just right for streamlined recreational riding or racing and in line with other performance/race jerseys (I am 5’9” and weigh 145 lbs with a waist size of 33”).
The sleeves are long, just about to my elbow, with a snug elastic hem. I also appreciate the grippy waist hem that prevents the jersey from riding up, staying securely in place. I will note here that this jersey fits best for those with shorter torsos, as the (elasticized) hem rides a bit high, which happens to work well for me with a near 35” inseam at just 5’9”, but if you have a long torso, I would suggest trying on first to confirm.
I find the materials to be very soft, supple and breathable, quick drying and are odor resistant. I can easily get several rides in before needing (wanting) to wash.
The pockets are a traditional cycling jersey format and hold items securely. On the right side is a zippered pocket, which I really appreciate for stowing valuables such as keys and wallet. I do however find the pockets to be not quite as deep and not as voluminous as some of my other cycling jerseys (up to 1” less depth). This can be problematic if you are prone to maxing out storage with rain jackets and such, but is generally not a problem for my daily rides.
Breathability is excellent and the jersey has a barely there feel, as well as a barely there look as well, as it is essentially see through.
Size: XS-XXL
$140
Like the Pristine Jersey, the Cadence Jersey is a race fit jersey made with lightweight high performance fabric that balances sweat management and everyday race/ride functionality with mesh zones under the pockets for enhanced ventilation and airflow, full length zipper, reflective details and is made from recycled materials.
The Cadence Jersey is also equipped with 4 rear pockets (3 traditional pockets and a small side zip pocket) for organized and secure storage for long distance adventures. Additionally, the Cadence Jersey features SPF 20 sun protection.
Again like the Pristine Jersey, the Cadence Jersey is form fitting, but sizing is true to size in my usual medium and while snug, is not overly so, a fit that I would describe as just right for streamlined recreational riding or racing and in line with other performance/race jerseys (I am 5’9” and weigh 145 lbs with a waist size of 33”).
The sleeves are long, just about to my elbow, with a snug elastic hem. I also appreciate the grippy waist hem that prevents the jersey from riding up, staying securely in place. Also like the Pristine Jersey, the Cadence jersey fits best for those with shorter torsos, as the (elasticized) hem rides a bit high, which happens to work well for me with a near 35” inseam at just 5’9”, but if you have a long torso, I would suggest trying on first to confirm.
I find the materials to be very soft, supple and breathable, quick drying and are odor resistant.I can easily get several rides in before needing (wanting) to wash.
The pockets are a traditional cycling jersey format and hold items securely. On the right side is a zippered pocket, which I really appreciate for stowing valuables such as keys and wallet. I do however find the pockets to be not quite as deep and not as voluminous as some of my other cycling jerseys (up to 1” less depth). This can be problematic if you are prone to maxing out storage with rain jackets and such, but is generally not a problem for my daily rides.
Men’s Cadence Cargo Cycling Bib Shorts
Size: XS-XXL
$190
The Cadence Cargo Bib shorts are designed for long distance road or gravel cycling (or mountain), with a patent pending chamois design and bib design, articulated shape, as well as gel chamois inserts.
The moisture wicking materials are SPF 50 to keep you protected from the sun and are exceptionally comfortable, breathable, articulated for a full range of motion and feature a stretch pocket on either thigh. I have come to expect thigh pockets now and have essentially rendered bib shorts without pockets as obsolete (well, maybe not obsolete, but only use them now as liner shorts when mountain biking with an overshort). It is so incredibly handy to have my phone and gels handy for easy access while riding as I can here with the 2 thigh cargo pockets.
The articulated design and 4 way stretch materials really enhance comfort and makes for an easy full range pedaling motion without the shorts shifting. The anatomically shaped design for the male anatomy is also a huge benefit over other shorts, providing extra comfort without feeling overly “bunched up” and allowing your business to relax a bit down there.
The overall fit and length is perfect in my usual size medium, with very secure silicone dotted leg grippers that prevent them from riding up.
The Novus Chamois is a bit wider than usual and carefully sculpted for the ultimate support and comfort, utilizing pressure mapping research for optimal comfort, also with a central channel to support blood flow in the perineal area. The perforated design does a great job aiding in breathability so as to not get as sweaty and sticky, thus reducing chaffing or any other issues that may arise.
Overall fit, breathability and performance is as good as you can get, as the above described features ensure all day comfort. While $190 is a good chunk of change to spend on bike shorts, the price is not out of line or even the most expensive out there and you are getting the highest quality product with top level innovation.
Size: XS-XL
$80
The AVIP Short cycling gloves are developed to give close contact with the bike for maximum control and feedback. With a thin, lightweight design that has minimal padding with just a small reinforced pad under the palm to increase dexterity and tactile feedback. The material is a 4 way stretch mesh that provides a close and comfortable fit with just enough stretch for dexterity and to not feel constrained.
The perforated fabric palm has silicone dots and print (POC) to provide added grip and control, especially handy when gravel biking on bumpy downhills. Additionally, the gloves have pull tabs to help get them on/off. Giving full attention to detail, the gloves also have a terrycloth nose wipe on the thumb, which I think should be standard on all gloves, cycling or otherwise.
Fit is good and as I would expect in my usual size medium. I do find them to be a bit of work to pull off t after a ride, as they are a performance fit and some hand sweat adds to the challenge.
I actually lost my silicone wedding ring taking them off at a trailhead without knowing, so be careful to not do the same (fortunately it was still there when I went back the next day).
The bright AVIP orange is a nice touch, as in my opinion, you cannot be overly visible when riding on the road. While gloves are small in surface area, I have seen other cyclists out on the road with these gloves and have been impressed how well they show up from a distance.
Conclusions:
It has been a pleasure to review the Cytal helmet and POC clothing, as POC makes among the most innovative, stylish, and highest quality cycling gear on the market.
I appreciate the attention to detail and the technology that is evident in every product and look forward to enjoying many rides in the future using this gear, as all of it has become my top pick for any ride of any length. I also like that POC so heavily features the AVIP orange colorways for max visibility, while also providing a range of colors to satisfy anyone’s preferences. Kudos to POC and I highly recommend!!
All RoadTrailRide reviews HERE
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John) and racing as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as heintroduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.
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