This year, the transition from autumn to the feeling of winter happened all at once. With the short autumn gone and the true winter season finally upon us, one might feel inclined to stay indoors. However, contrary to that feeling, the impact of COVID has led to a global surge in demand for bicycles, and the number of people taking up cycling seriously is on the rise.
As the number of cyclists grows, so does the need for items to ride safely.
Helmets, being one of these essentials, are increasingly seen as necessary for daily cycling, and we are receiving a great many inquiries from first-time buyers.
POC Helmet Asian Fit Models: A First
When it comes to helmets at Circles, our three pillars are SMITH, GIRO, and POC, but even among those, the majority of people found that POC’s shape didn’t fit their heads. However, a long-awaited Asian Fit model from POC has finally arrived!
The fact that requests from Asia have crossed the ocean to reach Europe and resulted in more options for us in Japan highlights just how much the needs in Asia are growing.
POC: Combining Refined Design and Safety
Based in Sweden, POC creates products with superior protective performance under the motto, "Protecting athletes from serious accidents with everything we have."
At their laboratory located in the suburbs of Stockholm—a hub for Europe’s finest technology in fields such as safety, medicine, insurance, and performance testing—POC works daily to improve protection by patenting material combinations and structures.
Every product is tested repeatedly by top athletes, and their stance of never compromising—even when it affects profits or costs—in order to achieve superior safety, quality, and performance is second to none.
From Racing to Long Rides – Ventral Air Spin Asian Fit
【POC】Ventral Air Spin Asian Fit
Color : Hydrogen White / Uranium Black Matt
Size : S(55-58cm) , M(59-61cm)
Weight : 230g
Price: 30,000 yen (excluding tax)
The Ventral is a model that balances aerodynamics, safety, and ventilation. The effective ventilation layout and internal structure create an airflow that passes through the interior rather than just around the helmet, resulting in excellent cooling performance. While extremely lightweight, it features a unibody shell structure that wraps around the entire head and an optimized EPS liner for a high level of safety.
I had always wanted to wear a POC helmet, but because their previous shape didn't fit my head at all, I chose other brands like Smith and Giro. Now that the Asian Fit model is out, I've started using it for races and commuting, and its lightness and ventilation are so good you can feel them the moment you put it on.
By the way, my head circumference is 55.5cm, and the size S was a perfect fit.
The POC Asian Fit model fits my head shape even better than the Smith helmet I’ve been using for a long time, which is what decided it for me.
From Everyday Use to Weekend Rides – Omne Air Spin Asian Fit
【POC】Omne Air Spin Asian Fit
Color : Hydrogen White / Uranium Black Matt
Size : S(55-58cm) , M(59-61cm)
Weight : 350g
Price: 22,000 yen (excluding tax)
The Omne is a versatile model suitable for various scenes such as commuting and touring. POC had previously focused on their top-tier lineup, but they have finally released a model that is easy to incorporate into daily life in terms of both price and looks.
I lined them up to show the difference in shape. You can see that they look different just by the 5mm difference in length and width.
Compared to the Ventral, it has a more cohesive and compact impression, but it doesn't sacrifice safety. It is equipped with SPIN, POC’s proprietary impact mitigation system. The innovative, unique pad technology inside allows the helmet to move relative to the head during an impact, minimizing the force transmitted to the brain and cervical spine.
I already own a Ventral, but I can't stop wanting this model too, as it would be easier for daily commuting and everyday use...
Standard Model Also Available – Omne Air Spin
【POC】Omne Air SPIN
Color : Hydrogen White / Kalkopyrit Blue Matt
Size : M (305g) / L (350g)
Price: 22,000 yen (excluding tax)
If the Asian Fit model doesn't feel quite right, it is possible that the standard POC model might fit you better. This model comes in two colors, including a rare blue, which might be a nice accent for your everyday style.
Even if you are Asian, everyone has a different head shape, so I think you need to try them on in person to see what works for you. Please come by the shop to try them on and compare them with other brands like Smith and Giro!
Come to think of it, POC helmets used to be called "mushroom helmets," didn't they?
Perhaps because of the season, mushrooms have been proliferating around the Circles area lately.
They were delicious, so they disappeared quickly... but they are currently growing at full power, so for those of you who couldn't harvest any, make sure not to miss out next time... Still, the sheer force of mushroom clusters is impressive...
We recommend booking an appointment to try on and choose your helmet at a leisurely pace.
We look forward to your visit.