POC Interbike 2008
POC is a relative new comer not only to the world of bikes but only started making skiing products 3 years ago. They are based in Sweden and will be breaking into the bike market for 2009 with an array of protection products. POC has had great success with their previous products and are trying to truly innovate with their offerings. By employing the help from top experts in the fields of sports medicine, back specialists, and brain scientists POC is able to apply their expertise and proven research into making safer riding equipment.
example of POC protection products (click to enlarge)
POC offers several upper body armor options. They have a short sleeve jacket called the Spine Adaptive Tee, Spine Vest (not pictured), and lightweight back protector Spine Ergo Flow. Their features are below.
Spine Adaptive Tee
Spine Adaptive Tee (click to enlarge)
- Mesh chassis
- Polypropylene shoulder cups and breast plates
- High density Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough (VPD) in spinal area of back protector
- Low density VPD in surrounding area
- Breathable waistband
- Snap on Cervical top
- Level 2 (high performance) rating of motorcyle standard EN-1621-2
Spine Ergo Flow
Spine Ergo Flow (click to enlarge)
- Height adjustable flexible waistband for custom fit
- Polypropylene backplate with mulit-impact absorbing lining
- Snap on Coccyx bottom
- Snap on Cervical top
POC backplate
The backplate itself was very impressive and well ventilated. It was very flexible with a slightly curved pre-molded shape to conform to your back. The flexibility helps in fitting each person individually instead of a static fit as well as allows for easier mobility. When squishing the VPD it reacted much like memory foam with a very slow rebound.
POC backplate (click to enlarge)
POC also offers knee/shin, knee, and elbow guards. They come in two flavors of either hard shell or soft. The hard shell version using Polypropylene covers and the soft using VPD for added flexibility.
Spine Adaptive Tee and elbow guards (click to enlarge)
Leg Bone knee/shin guards (click to enlarge)
The Bone Leg knee/shin guards functioned quite well featuring an articulating knee cap. The knee cap has VPD for protection while the rest of the guard has a padded comfort lining. They have a wrap around calf protector so you pedals don’t bite the back of your leg.
inside view of the Bone Leg knee/shin guard (click to enlarge)
knee articulation detail (click to enlarge)
POC had both their full face and half shell helmet models on display. Both offer some highly technical features for better fit, ventilation, and most of all protection. POC’s helmets take the advantages from the two most common types of helmet design (traditional “hardshell” or “in-mold”) and put them together to form a more complete package.
Cortex DH helmet (click to enlarge)
“By adding a layer of penetration resistant aramid between the shell and the liner, the shell thickness could be reduced, leading to weight reduction and better energy absorption.” - POC
Receptor helmets (click to enlarge)
Cortex Full Face Helmet
- Carbon outer shell (DH version), Fiber glass outer shell (Flow version)
- PC inner shell
- Multi-impact liner
- Aramid penetration barrier
- Ventilation paths through the inner and outer shells, as well as the liner
- Ear chambers for hearing and balance
- Optimized chin bar for breathing and protection
Receptor +
- Designed for multi-sport use (bike, skate, ski, water sports)
- Double shell construction
- Multi-impact liner
- Aramid penetration barrier
- Ventilation paths through the inner and outer shells, as well as the liner
- Attachable winter lining and ear pieces
- Non-water absorbing EVA padding
Receptor Flow
- More ventilated bike version
- Lighter EPS liner with optimized density
- Optional visor placement
- Highly adjustable sizing (circumference and vertical position)
POC is also interested in protecting riders eyes. They offer their Iris goggle in a DH version with tearoff posts and a Flow version with no posts. Features are below.
Iris goggles (click to enlarge)
Iris DH Goggle
- double lense construction
- Anti-fog
- Anti-scratch
- PE clear tear-offs
- Coolmax moisture wicking face foam
- Silicone gripper on band
POC also offers hip shorts, gloves, and many other protective items. To find out more about their products and all the technical details, check out their website.
