Inside POC | Cycling Helmet And Clothing Design At POC HQ

We've been invited to POC HQ in snowy Sweden to learn more about their history and exciting developments that they're bringing into the cycling world.
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In association with POC.
With the launch of the new Ventral road cycling helmet, we hopped on a flight to Sweden to learn more. After a quick espresso, Simon talks to the people behind POC. From skiing and MTB, they've moved into road cycling and now design and engineer safety-led materials, eyewear and helmets for cyclists.
Remember to head over to GCN Tech to find out more about the new Ventral helmet too!
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GCN Tech: The Ventral First Look 📹 gcntech.co/ventral
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Leave us a comment below!

[@nathanmullins836]

Had no idea they are so focused on safety. Very cool

[@ChrisCapoccia]

On eyewear, you should cover prescription lenses sometime. Maybe all the GCN folks have great eyes or wear contacts. I'm riding with the Project Rudy Rydon with photocromic coating (so I don't end up riding with dark lenses at night), but mostly that was the choice because of what's available at local shops. For curved lenses, you need a dimension between eyes that isn't part of a normal prescription, so it's not even practical to order online

[@gcn]

That's a good idea Chris. Personally speaking, I don't have any experience of prescription glasses with cycling.

[@brycenatter]

POC has made a huge impact in skiing. I am a ski racer and POC is one of the most recognised and popular brands for protection (Helmets, back protecters, arm y gaurds, ECT.). I found it very interesting that they are such a small team.

[@alexandertrust1]

Yes poc is a very dominant in the ski race scene. Using one myself I feel like they are leading the way for innovation with their safety technology.

[@ChristianHammad]

I had no idea POC was a Swedish company. Thanks for the video GCN!

[@gcn]

Thanks Christian! Hope you enjoy the video.

[@petinka721]

Welcome to the Siberian winter in Stockholm Simon! I hope GCN in future do some more stuff from Sweden. Maybe take a ride around "Vättern".

[@gcntech]

Thanks Petinka!

[@hjshoon5244]

Thoroughly enjoy Inside the factory videos like this, Factor, Elite and Canyon. I own a POC DO Half Blade and loving it. Is there a video on Giro? Would love to watch that. These videos allow us to help appreciate the R&D and design philosophy that goes in. Keep up the good vids!

[@sophiam3415]

Thanks for this video! I love POC and it was great to see the insides of the company!

[@gcn]

Thanks Sophia - really pleased you like this video!

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

The central theme to POC is expensive

[@trailmex]

Love these Factory tours you take us on! I mean, they are REALLY cool, which is indeed something for someone who was previously in-industry and privy to much of this. However, I must say, in the case of POC and others like them; while I understand and appreciate the technology, and wish them every success, I'd much rather hit my head in something stylish, and less advanced, than wear something that makes it look as though I hit my head often....as a child.

[@enriquevuiton6985]

It´s a very good brand, Simon. In Mallorca, my teammates using POC helmets and they are so happy because are very safe. Greetings from Spain.

[@BlueL1n3]

Love my POC OCTAL MIPS helmet, I bought it a few years ago when I was racing and wanting something bright to stand out more to drivers on the road during training rides.

[@vernonhadley]

Love POC. Nice feature!

[@phillwhitlam6999]

Interesting video, good to see the background to a company and the research. Design and aesthetics are often a marmite subject, you only have to look at the "Shard" in London, some people hate it others love it. POC helmets have a distinct look and break the mould from the standard shape. Mate of mine has one and absolutely loves it and the fact it is so cool, in both senses of the word.

[@hurricaneheli79]

I saw GMBN cover POC before, this answers some questions I had. For those who didn't see it check it out. I'm going to look into there clothing.

[@marcwinther4704]

Love BTS content such as visiting manufactures. When can we expect a BTS of the GCN studios?

[@gcn]

We'll have to see Marc. Another behind the scenes video coming up tomorrow, though!

[@Toastybear1]

Everyone loves a company like poc!

[@MauricioAlsinaLee]

So, POC is more awesome that I just thought. Thanks for the data, team! Question: Besides weight, is there any other disadvantage of using a Commuter (and/or BMX specific) helmet on the road or the track? #Torqueback #AskGCN

[@fabianspennare]

I would guess the aero comes in to play.

[@tracyf8420]

Easy to install, I love it

[@rikkiola]

They did lots of research to discover high vis orange is...... highly visible!?

[@SantiagoGT15]

rikkiola they discovered after years of research that OSHA safety colors are actually a thing

[@humbertoleandro896]

While watching this video I had to stop to get an espresso for myself :)

[@roveism]

POC is just fascinating, love my POC gear, I want to know more about the company and its design process!

[@philwphoto]

I can see why some people don't like the designs, but for me they are super nice :D

[@glennoc8585]

A guy in Australia is about to release a helmet with in but front and rear cameras, looks pretty stylish too, its on kickstarter.

[@MrFornicater]

I don't get how such an innovative company designs such simplistic looking helmets..it's the equivalent of getting a bowl cut from a world class hairstylist. (I own a lot of their AVIP range)

[@peter_smyth]

An app for a rear bike light would actually be pretty useful. I've sometimes got caught out with my lights needing charging for the ride home, especially in cold weather. Being able to slip my phone into the mesh pocket of my bag cover would be great.

[@glennoc8585]

Pete Smyth you can now buy a rear light that is both usb charged and has an aaa alkaline battery backup automatically kicks in when the volts drop on.the lithium onboard cell, also lights up when the AAA battery power runs low. Oh hang on I dreamt about that light last.night sorry.

[@mandalorean]

Nice Lego Imperial Shuttle on the windowsill ;)

[@manilafixedgear2312]

Do they sell POC lids in IKEA????

[@chrisunderwood3453]

That place looks a lot like all the tech incubator facilities we have here (Kitchener-Waterloo in Ontario). Neat.

[@MarkRobbins1961a]

GREAT show-- you have the BEST JOB

[@K1989L]

I didn't know POCs headquarters were just a short cruise away!

[@dayswithanton8773]

YEAH! welcome to Sweden!

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Poc is putting lots of attention into safety, which is absolutely great (although which designer of helmets would not?) but their products are also insanely expensive.

[@christofferfinman2551]

Please come back here and ride the "Vätternrundan".

[@porsche45353]

yes si on Vr sub 8

[@rogerross_fl]

Funshape at 5:04! Sweet.

[@erasmojmedina]

Amazing to see riders in the winter? Simon, you need to come to Canada and let us show you how is done here on temps of minus 29 :-)

[@gcn]

We'll send Dan to Ottowa...

[@LordMelbury1953]

Send Dan to Winnipeg if you want cold

[@chrisunderwood3453]

Yeah, I was going to say... -7 isn't even that cold out.

[@natsax6351]

i can't cost one... but still my favorite helmet factory!

[@_Digitalnative]

I think that cool bike in the background was developed with input from the Cérvelo Test Team.

[@ianbiggsy791]

With all these specialists working for POC talking about accident prevention etc. I bet not one of them noticed the tires are flat on that bike.......GCN viewers assess risk for free!

[@glefos3917]

Did Si say, “to POC” or “Tupac”? Hahahahaha

[@caseyb6083]

both

[@heathwakefield6883]

Very cool design approach and love that they place safety at the top of their priorities. I can't stand the POC orange or the aesthetics of their helmets for me personally or their extremely high price points. But I can appreciate what they are doing.

[@lisapet160]

GCN! Tell about Sverges riding at -7C to British sportive's organizers! They are cancelling rides at +5C!!!! Sick!

[@LordMelbury1953]

LisaPet wimps

[@LegSpinna]

POC products are touch "marmite" when it comes to aesthetics.

[@francescocrea525]

great fit and light weight.

[@richardmitton5292]

Great products. Insane prices.

[@steve-bs3qp]

I'm off to IKEA for some flat pack furniture in my Volvo estate listening to Abba

[@PBabel-ne3hc]

The „visibility app” was first made by Mavic for their Vision line.

[@mikenel1986]

More about riding on snow it's snowing here in Spokane Washington right now all day!!!

[@gcn]

We have snow here too, for once!

[@sudduthjonathan]

Hey Michael! I’m in Colorado now, but used to be stationed at Fairchild. Met my wife up there. Go Zags!

[@fredom4001]

you guys seem pretty obsessed with aero helmets. Do they make that much of a difference? I mean, the resistance isn't too high wether or not the helmet is aero.

[@publicmichaelzmit]

I don't think the ruggedized shoulders of the MTB shirt is just to withstand brushing branches, more like the features of the tarmac jersey it is to stand up to rubbing over the ground - as most crashes in XC are OTB or sudden loss of grip when cornering, whirling you into a fractional barrel roll and most often landing on your ... ta-da - shoulders.

[@gcn]

What's your favourite bit of tech at POC HQ?

[@Yrogerg1089]

Simon's free glasses!

[@richardknight5661]

the safety features of the clothing were very interesting

[@lukasbadeja6567]

Global Cycling Network Defs the commuter jacket😍

[@gorogueadventures9968]

You

[@cyclingninja9677]

the enhanced features in the clothing are a great idea and don't seem to get the publicity and attention they deserve. Anything that protects the rider better from the almost paper thin clothing in a crash is a great move forward.

[@vladuchoo]

Thank you GCN, now I get why POC products are so unresonably pricy.

[@dominicsarmen]

nice aero helmet si, would prefer that over the ventral

[@gdwlaw5549]

Really the best!

[@tinaortbauer3153]

I understand why there is divided opinion about Gustav Larsson's POC time trial helmet. It makes him look similar to a giant humanoid phallic creature.

[@ludvigabrahamsson1328]

You need to visit Vätternrundan "The world’s largest recreational bike ride, Vätternrundan, is truly an experience. 300 km around the lake Vättern is a proper test for the many participants that annually gathers in Motala for the bike festivity. The event takes place in June and is a part of the Swedish Classic!" vatternrundan.se/en/

[@izi941]

So warm in Stockholm? here in austria it's -15

[@lisapet160]

Russian hackers colluded with your weather channel. Relax - it's warm in Austria :) Alles ist in der Ordnung.

[@carlingas666]

So what’s the difference between an xc helmet and a trail bike/ enduro helmet? Crashes are the same. Is it the weight of the helmet? I ask because i do trail and xc and i am wondering what type of helmet to get. A trail bike/ enduro or an xc helmet.

[@rtaskyy]

Thanks Tupac!!

[@blackwatch_TV]

brilliant

[@james5639]

So hard to concentrate with that tt bike in the background

[@vg5157]

James finally someone else notice the bike in the back

[@Charlie_Broadbent]

I just got a poc Coron Air Spin Helmet

[@Charlie_Broadbent]

Go to mi channel to see the vid

[@jonathangroom5401]

that poc guy doesn't speak very fast... sped up the video to 1.25x and it was perfect = just like a talk given by Emma (love her addition to the team btw!)

[@brakesmadly]

At the start of the video I thought you were opposite the SS Great Britain!

[@sheepgamer6472]

Lol. You said “thank to POC” and I thought you said “thanks 2 Pac” giving a shout out to the late rapper.

[@gimperdaniel]

The branded coffee machine is what makes POC so expensive.

[@jonburnell532]

Not a fan of POC helmet design, but the AVIP clothing looks brilliant.

[@guymorris6596]

Interesting video but I'll stay with Vittoria road cycling shoes, Oakley sunglasses and Giro helmets.

[@aubz1972]

So what bike did they lend you please let me know?

[@hightechhighlander]

I disagree about design being one of the main decision when buying a helmet. Having one is a need and many times it comes down to cost. I would rather pay less for a less sexy helmet that is the safest but $300 for a helmet seems to be a large barrier when it comes to safety.

[@FredrikNylundsthlm]

Yay. Stockholm.

[@spootybaby]

15:12 First time I watched, I heard "...so thank you very much, Tupac"

[@porsche45353]

i wear a pic helmet is very light and comfy and very safe

[@jordantaylorreed]

1:05 - poorly drawn knob on the wall

[@abbreviateTome]

The VOLVO of helmets.

[@Harvey00Fleur2]

#askgcn hi, i was wondering if you guys could help me, i'm thinking about getting a carrera vanquish and it comes with shimano claris gears with the shifter cable on the outside, are the shifters any good, thanks

[@M3T2W01f]

Where’s the skinsuit that Blake wore?

[@gcn]

They hadn't kept it. Funny, that...

[@bebopman5]

It's not anyone's fault, but every time I see "POC" in the title, description, or comments, my mind reads it as "People of Color". "Inside People of Color", "Do they sell People of Color lids at IKEA?", "Thank you to People of Color". It's a fun mental game, lol.

[@CervezaDeGaraje]

Check out Si's pinky coming up at kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5epeZmmmZ2Do8Um53s. He's so used to having tea with HMTQ!!

[@germanhugger41]

POC cycling gear is ridiculously expensive, even when compared to well established brands such as Assos, Oakley and Giro....

[@mikicastan]

Where are theirs bike helmets and sunglases are made?

[@AlexNietoM]

China

[@jimbojet8728]

Nothing elegant about Poc’s gear IMHO. They won’t be getting any of my hard earned’ any day soon!

[@elwinkel90]

Jimbojet, True plus their helments and glasses make the Drapac-Cannondale riders look like clowns. Tske a look at these pictures from Sep Vanmarcke: - nbocdn.akamaized.net/Assets/Images_Upload/2017/11/04/sepke.png?maxheight=460&maxwidth=638 - images.voetbalkrant.com/sport/cycling/2018/02/19/sep-vanmarcke.jpg I feel sorry for these guys, it looks horrible.

[@boethiusm8438]

Questioning why I buy assos 🤔

[@gwilymhowarth]

Rodies drink coffee, Us MTBers have BEER

[@gcn]

Well, we have that too..

[@sudduthjonathan]

The explains why all my MTB friends have bellies. I like me beer too...brew my own in fact.

[@noelharrington4786]

Nice helmets just too expensive. Ruled out straight away

[@singlespeedchronicles7640]

Brilliant overview, Simon. I agree though that the helmets are ugly as sin. I do like the tech going into apparel though.

[@Chineseguy001]

Did you skrattar?

[@DylanTaylor]

Hahaha lemme spend $300 for a pair of glasses. Mmmm. No. Ill stick to the $3 safety glasses

[@hebleh5771]

-Seth's Bike Hacks

[@mattparsons6487]

I thought he said “vegan to vegan communication” autonomous vegans😂

[@rebellis13]

I can ride around like a christmas tree and the car driver won't see me because he / she only sees what he / she wants to see - and thats not a cyclist, but a gap between obstacles to rush through.

[@daviddas7388]

Like their AVIP vests and Do Blade glasses. Their helmets though...not my cup of tea at all

[@stevechance150]

Ok nice video, let me the Virginia Tech helmet testing website. Ugh, POC didn't make it into the top ten. I'll pass.

[@user-nc9nm7lm6r]

I don't like winter sports?

[@gtgeorge1814]

What does POC stand for?

[@David-bp5kd]

Gt George piece of cake

[@glennoc8585]

Gt George price of car, paid on credit, people often conned,

[@gtgeorge1814]

You'll have to do better than that.... I'm curious about where the name came from.

[@dominik78kinimod]

Sad to say, but they “produced” one of the most overpriced bike items...

[@gcn]

Sorry to hear you feel that way about the product guys. A quality helmet is one of the best investments you can make.

[@briansteele2723]

Price does not always equal quality.

[@dominik78kinimod]

Global Cycling Network , yes absolutely true! I didn’t mention quality - that one is OK for all POC products. However you can’t just pump the price up because of “Swedish design”. I also refer to sunglasses, clothes... etc. POC like a lot of Swedish brands try to be unique by setting price level... which is not direction I will go.

[@simonknowles4267]

Global Cycling Network. Well said...how much is a human life worth?

[@gregg1571]

All helmets need to pass the same safety tests, be it a £30 helmet or a £300 one. As GCN tell us in a few of their previous vids, like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnFn32ehrt2Y9U

[@thederpybroccoli4944]

Did you have Swedish meatballs there? # pewdiepie

[@brian7908]

The Derpy Broccoli yes, but the just call them meatballs.

[@gcn]

Of course.

[@ZEFsidepaintball]

Too Expensive!!!!!

[@julianalarcon79]

So cyclists what do you think? kck.st/2Ca0GOQ is it worth it?

[@superstrada6847]

Boycott Giro, Bell and Camelbak: Parent company (thus your money) promotes gun sales, even to kids, with no remorse. So please DO SOMETHING! Buy a POC helmet and be safe.

[@cyclingninja9677]

Safety design is second to none but, the helmets are for cycling rather pig ugly. I use their stuff for skiing but, can't transfer that to cycling. They need to make them just a bit cooler looking

[@gcn]

Each to their own but they look pretty cool to me!

[@D.Eldon_]

POC's goal of safety is admirable and they deserve lots of credit for making that primary. However, POC bicycle helmets are some of the most ugly on the market (equaled only by Catlike). I don't understand why Si would admire their style or graphic design -- it is amazingly ugly.

[@ganainm5113]

@ D.Eldon - I suspect the clue is in the "paid promotion" aspect of this video. I doubt the GCN presenters are able to express their true opinions. Although to be fair, aesthetics are subjective. One persons ugly, may be another persons beauty...

[@gcntech]

Hi Gan. As you'll notice we have teamed up with POC to bring you this piece and our First Look at the new Ventral helmet. We choose to work with brands whose work we admire and always retain full editorial control over what we produce - so that means all opinions expressed will be the presenter's own. Cheers!

[@gcn]

Hey Gan, we're not reviewing the products, but, where we say we like the look of something, that's absolutely true.

[@RandomTheories]

I like the looks of their products..its just your subjective opinion

[@freeskier6377]

D.eldon poc ‘s design is incredibly clean and minimalistic much like catlike. Although some people, including you, may not appreciate this design, many others will do