Every detail matters in the world of competitive cycling. Every aspect of a cyclist's equipment needs to be optimized to improve performance, from the weight of a bike to the cut of a jersey. However, one area that has gone unnoticed is the humble sunglasses.
POC, a Swedish company known for making high-performance cycling gear, has changed that by introducing its Propel sunglasses, which are the first to claim to be aerodynamically optimized.
The Propel Glasses
Cyclingnews tells us that the POC Propel sunglasses are the first aerodynamically optimized sunglasses on the market. You can see them on the faces of EF Education-Easypost riders at the Tour Down Under. They were created using CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing to be as slick as possible.
POC's Head of Eyewear, Tilda Håll, explains, "We know the world of performance cycling is about marginal gains, and every watt saved can make a difference. We tested continually with CFD to research and fine-tune our ideas."
She underscored that the results led the company to design the eyewear with the rider's body and position in the forefront as the main point of emphasis. "The result is the most aerodynamic eyewear we have ever produced," Håll adds.
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The Propel sunglasses have a simple silhouette and are designed in the classic POC design aesthetic. The lens, which wraps around the side of the face to smooth airflow rather than sitting flat, away from the face like a shield, distinguishes them from other options.
Using a unique lens and temple design improves aerodynamics and the field of view by covering more of the peripheral vision while reducing drag and optimizing airflow around the rider and their body position.
Maximum Aerodynamic Benefit
Like the rest of the POC line, the Propel sunglasses are designed to be used with POC helmets. For the best fit, the upper is devised to sit flush with the brim of the helmets.
The temples are length and grip adjustable, and each set comes with a clear lens to swap out for clarity lenses when the sun goes down, as well as three different nose bridges.
Offroad.cc highlights six stock color combinations of frame and lens, with an additional eight lens options for various conditions.
The same Offroad.cc article tells us that the frame is manufactured using a bio-grilamid structure and three nose bridge sizes for ultimate comfort - the temples are also fully adjustable in terms of length and grip levels.
The POC Propel sunglasses are currently on sale and can be purchased for $250 (or €249) per pair. Pricing information for the UK is not yet available.
It is exciting to see that POC has applied the same level of attention to detail and innovation to the design of its sunglasses. Whether you are a professional biker or a casual hobbyist, this gear is made for you.
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