How to choose a road cycling helmet
A helmet is vital for your safety, but it’s also a fundamental part of forming the perfect kit. Your helmet choice helps to define you as a cyclist, so it’s always important to choose carefully.
Follow this guide to find the most important things to consider when choosing a road cycling helmet so that you can always perform at your best each time you ride.
Left: Ventral Air Right: Cytal
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Whether you prefer the most aerodynamic model, the lightest, or choose your head protection based more on colour and features, there are a few common things to consider to find the right helmet for your needs.
Fit is always the first thing to think about. All our models share features like an adjustable 360° fit system, comfort padding and an adjustable cradle, so it’s easy to find a secure and comfortable fit for most head shapes, no matter which model you choose.
Certain models are available in WF or 'wide fit' format. These helmets are slightly shorter from front to back and are wider across, giving a rounder shape. If you use low-bridge nose sunglasses, a wide-fit helmet is probably best for you.
When multiple models fit, choice becomes more about your preferred style of riding and the extra features you need.
Left: Ventral Lite Right: Omne Lite + Elicit
RIDING STYLE: THE CLIMBER
If your favourite days in the saddle are those where you need to be up and out of the saddle, then helmet weight and ventilation are some of the most important factors to consider.
Lightweight cycling helmet models like the Ventral Lite, Omne Lite or Ventral Air balance weight and ventilation with trusted protection.
RECOMMENDED HELMETS
Left: Cytal Right: Ventral Air + Elicit
RIDING STYLE: THE CLUB RIDER
If the highlight of your week is the Sunday club ride, complete with a café stop, then comfort, weight and performance need to be balanced in equal measure.
Consider models like the Cytal, Ventral Mips, Ventral Air and Omne Air for all-round performance.Their versatility makes them ideal for everything from the occasional race and regular club rides to gentler individual sessions.
RECOMMENDED HELMETS
Left: Ventral Mips Right: Cytal Carbon + Propel
RIDING STYLE: THE AERO ENTHUSIAST
When aerodynamics matter more than anything else, look for a helmet proven to be fast. The Cytal Carbon, Ventral Mips and the Procen Air are all aerodynamic road helmets built for speed. Each has been developed following extensive modelling and testing to give ultimate aerodynamic performance while still providing effective ventilation and cooling.
RECOMMENDED HELMETS
Left: Omne Air Right: The integrated light of the Omne Beacon
RIDING STYLE: THE ALL-ROUNDER
If you need one helmet to do it all: from the daily commute to the office, to weekend training rides or competition, a model like the Omne Air balances durability with performance credentials.
Riding style: THE commuter
For those who take the road bike while commuting through the city all year round, choose a helmet with extra details to help keep you seen. Models like the Omne Beacon, with an integrated rear light, make it easier for others to notice you all year round.
RECOMMENDED HELMETS
The Whole Helmet Concept®
All POC road cycling helmets are developed and constructed following our Whole Helmet Concept®, where every aspect of a helmet is considered from a user perspective, and is created so that all parts of the helmet work with each other for your protection. We believe that the safest cycling helmet is the one you wear, so remember that this guide is for inspiration, and always choose the helmet you like the most, so you are always proud to wear it.