By taking the best of enduro protection, and road’s lightweight/aero designs, POC is releasing a cross country focused Resistance Pro apparel lineup and Octal X helmet. As usual, POC’s Eurobike presence includes new products that are destined for shop floors, but also a number of creative concepts that we may see in the future.
As we’ve seen during the Rio Olympics, XC rides need more protection than ever, while also requiring light and aerodynamic designs. POC seems to be on the right track using strategically placed durable fabrics, and reinforced helmet liners, plus it’s all somewhat lightweight.
Pop past the break for the scoop…
The Octal X is POC’s considered to be a cross country specific helmet. If the name doesn’t give it away, it’s inspired by the Octal road helmet where it inherits large vents, a uni-body shell, eye garage, an adjustable harness, and straps molded into the liner. It gets more safety features such as aramid bridges, and an EPS shell that wraps around more of the liner offering improved strength. With the added protection the Octal X gains 10 g for a total of 210g.
POC will be also be offering the Resistance Pro lineup, its cross county focused apparel with protection in mind. It’s based on the DH/Enduro Resistance series, and keeps true to its durable relatives. Completing the lineup are bibs, shorts, full-zip jerseys, rain jackets, vests, and t-shirts. The jerseys get YKK zippers, mesh backings, reflective shoulder details, and protective Cordura sleeves. The Splash Jacket and Wind Vest have waterproof coatings and YKK zippers, extended back panels, stretchable fabrics, and protective Vectran sleeves (shoulders for the vest).
Staying casual the tee gets abrasion resistant Cordura sleeves, and a robust lower to keep dirt and grime out. The shorts have durable 4-way stretch fabric with added protection in the back, and shaped cuffs to cover the knees. To round off the accessories there’s arm and leg covers, gloves, socks, and caps.
In addition to their Resistance lineup, they’ll also be offering redesigned protective packs in 13 and 8 liter options. The Spine VPD Air packs get an integrated EN 1621-1 certified back protector, enough room for 3l bladders, and they get two chest straps for a snug and secure fit. They also feature side pockets and a number of internal compartments that are intended to offer convenient storage and weight distribution.
Over the years, POC has consistently shown a number of concepts at trade shows that highlight the potential for new safety measure in their clothing and gear. Even though many of these products will never make it to market, a few of them actually have and it shows their commitment to thinking towards the future.
Building on their partnership with ice., the Corpora Aid helmet concept combines visibility with the functionality of the ice. crash sensor. The multi impact helmet has LEDS built into the rear which function as standard bike lights but also include an accelerometer which causes them to become brighter when braking. Inside the helmet is an ice. crash sensor which detects impacts and then signals your emergency contacts if you don’t reset the system after a crash.
Continuing to bridge the gap between clothing and electronics, the Light Flex Vest builds in a light panel on your back to increase your visibility. The vest is still lightweight, flexible, and washable, and the back of the vest includes 3 layer DWR fabric over the light.
Rather than building in the electronics into the garment, the POC and Forth concept builds in a place to store your electronics. Specifically, a waterproof pocket to store your cell phone with a clear panel that sits over the phone’s screen. The phone would then run an app that causes turn signals and brake lights to appear on the phone’s screen that correspond to your riding. Kind of a cool ideal, but as someone who has had their phone’s screen broken from keeping the screen facing out while riding, that storage pocket better have some decent impact protection.
