POC introduce Propel – aerodynamic eyewear
As part of its Aero initiative POC is delighted to release Propel, its brand-new cycling eyewear designed to enhance aerodynamics and performance for each rider.
Developed for high-performance racing and to be the most aerodynamic cycling sunglasses POC has ever produced, Propel is lightweight with a large lens and unique field of view. But what stands the Propel apart from the crowd is the aerodynamic advantage.
The result of meticulous computational fluid dynamic testing (CFD), the Propel features a unique lens and temple design to reduce drag and allow airflow to interact with the rider and their body position.
Introducing the Propel, POC’s eyewear manager, Tilda Håll said:
“In developing our Aero initiative, we wanted to explore the aerodynamic potential of eyewear. 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. The results led us to design the eyewear with the rider's body and position in the forefront of our minds. The result is the most aerodynamic eyewear we have ever produced.”
The Propel is explicitly designed to sit closer to the face, with a wrap-around feel and precise side fairings which guide air away from a rider’s ears. This precise management of airflow brings aerodynamic gains as air is guided over the shoulders - instead of allowing a rider's ears to cause turbulence - which creates a smoother airflow and enhances a rider's aerodynamic profile.
Tested in CFD alongside many of POC’s performance sunglasses, the Propel’s continually came out on top, saving watts and with a new design emerging as the most aerodynamic. In addition, the Propel’s feature a unique Clarity lens that wraps further around the head and results in an incredible field of view, enhancing peripheral vision and the ability to see and react to dangers earlier.
DEBUT AT THE TOUR DOWN UNDER
The Propel made its professional debut at the Tour Down Under with both EF Education First teams using the new eyewear.
Commenting on the Propel’s, EF Education-TIBCO-SVB General Manager, Rachel Hedderman, said:
“Performance is critical when the margins we are playing with are so small. It’s essential that the kit we use can contribute to our success, and it helps motivate us to dig even deeper knowing that everything we use is so technical and highly tuned, designed to support and enhance our effort.”
EF Education – EasyPost CEO, Jonathan Vaughters, added:
“There’s a saying in cycling, ‘if it looks fast, it is fast’, and that sums up Propel. We know all the aerodynamic testing that went into creating it, but equally important is the lens shape and broad field of view, which is incredibly confidence inspiring when you are packed in a tight peloton.”
PRODUCT DETAILS
The result of computational fluid dynamic testing, wind tunnel testing and rider feedback, the Propel sunglasses introduce aerodynamic gains to eyewear. In addition, the sunglasses feature finely tuned, wrap-around Clarity lenses to ensure vision is always at its sharpest.
It is constructed with a bio-grilamid frame, and three nose bridge sizes are included, allowing each user to find a comfortable and secure fit. The temples are fully adjustable in both length and grip for absolute comfort.
Colours:
Hydrogen White / Violet – Silver Mirror
Uranium Black / Violet – Silver Mirror
Grey Translucent / Violet – Silver Mirror
Fluorescent Orange Translucent / Violet – Gold Mirror
Purple Quartz Translucent / Violet – Silver Mirror
Fluorescent Pink/Uranium Black Translucent / Violet – Gold Mirror
Comes as standard with a spare clear lens.
Other lenses available are:
Brown/ Light Silver Mirror; Brown/Silver Mirror; Brown; Clear 90.0; Violet; Violet/Gold Mirror; Violet/Light Silver Mirror; Violet/Silver Mirror
Availability:
Available end of january – soon after the launch on January 24th, 15.00 CET
Product page available HERE
Price MSRP: 249 EUR
NOTES TO EDITORS
Assets
All assets are available HERE
Photos by: Aron Brzezinski, Sofieke Van Bilsen, Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber.
(This compilation will be updated with photos from the Tour Down Under in due time.)
POC’s Aero initiative
Aerodynamics has always been one of the fundamentals at POC, and with our new aero initiative, it’s time to re-evaluate and re-imagine performance and aerodynamics once more.
About POC
A leading manufacturer of snow sports and cycling helmets, eyewear, protection and apparel, POC was founded in 2005 in Sweden, with a strong mission to ‘protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one’, and has received over 70 international awards for technology, innovation and design.
www.pocsports.com
About EF Education-TIBCO-SVB
EF Education-TIBCO-SVB is a UCI Women’s WorldTour team that provides a platform for female cyclists to reach their full potential. Founded in 2004, the team is the longest running professional women’s cycling team in North America. Composed of 15 riders from seven countries, the team races in road, cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bike races across the world. Beyond race results, the team’s dream is to inspire more people to ride. Our original mission to help women reach their goals in a healthy and supportive environment remains central to who we are, and where we’re going. Join us.
About EF Education-EasyPost
Explore the world of professional bike racing with EF Education-EasyPost. We are an international team of free spirits and mavericks, with riders and staff from more than 20 countries. Our team was founded on the belief in ethical competition and providing fans with a team to believe in. In 2018, EF Education First entered cycling as team owner to help spread its mission of “opening the world through education.” From the alt-Tour to the Tour de France, we work together to race with freedom and integrity.
TESTS
Would you like to test this product editorially? Don't hesitate to let us know here: https://danio.typeform.com/to/hBhPBv Please specify in case you have deadlines. We'll send the products out upon availability. PLEASE NOTE that due to a limited availability of samples, the Propel must be returned after testing. Thank you!
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:
