Harry Kooros and Nicola Rutzou
POC has built a reputation as a brand every cyclist knows – their innovative designs, unique colours, and attention to detail have made them an industry icon. Their new Cytal road helmet continues this legacy. After several weeks of riding the Hydrogen White Matt model, it’s clear that POC has put serious thought into every detail of this helmet.
First impressions
Out of the box, the Cytal looks as premium as the $500 price tag suggests. With a claimed weight of 271 grams, it’s lightweight without feeling weak or flimsy. The Hydrogen White Matt finish is clean, understated, and it left me scared to take it on the road and dirty it up.
One of the defining features of the Cytal is its approach to ventilation. At the centre of the design is an integrated wing structure, which channels airflow more efficiently around and through the helmet. Large front and top vents feed into deep internal channels, allowing air to circulate across the head before exiting at the rear.
A nice bonus is the “eye garage” feature – grippy sections at the front vents designed to hold sunglasses securely.
Style and aesthetics
While safety and performance come first, it’s undeniable that many riders also care about aesthetics. The new Cytal design is sleek and stylish, but the Hydrogen White Matt colour tested here stood out most to me. It has a modern, minimal appeal that pairs well with almost any kit. Put simply, it looks clean, fast, and premium.
Safety credentials
POC has always been known for prioritising safety, and the Cytal is no exception. Alongside the dual-density EPS and MIPS Air Node, the helmet has been independently tested and scored a perfect 5-star rating from Virginia Tech. In fact, it ranks #1 among road cycling helmets in their database and #3 overall across all categories tested.
Fit and comfort
After four years of riding with POC’s Octal road helmet, it was clear that they’ve put a lot of time and effort into improving comfort with the Cytal. Its 360° adjustable cradle allows fine-tuning in both horizontal and vertical directions, so you can really dial the fit to your head shape. The strap dividers under the ears are easier to adjust and stay firmly in place once set.
On-road performance
Beyond the impressive spec sheet, the real test is how the Cytal feels during everyday rides. On the road, the Cytal feels secure but never intrusive. As a rider who typically overheats on almost every ride, the increased airflow was immediately noticeable, keeping my head cool even on sunny days.
The ‘eye garage’ worked much better than I expected, with my non-POC glasses staying securely attached to the helmet when not in use, even on rougher roads.
Room for improvement
No helmet is perfect, and while the Cytal impressed across almost all fronts, there are a couple of minor areas worth noting. First is weight – while not heavy, it isn’t the absolute lightest helmet in its class. Riders obsessed with grams might look to more minimalist climbing-focused options, though most won’t notice the difference once riding.
The second is price. At $500 AUD, the Cytal is at the very top end of the helmet market. Given its safety credentials and build quality, the cost is justifiable, but it does put it out of reach for some riders. For those willing to invest in premium protection, however, the peace of mind is invaluable.
Verdict
The POC Cytal is an outstanding road helmet that blends advanced safety features with real-world comfort and performance. With its Virginia Tech #1 road helmet rating, innovative ventilation system, and MIPS Air Node integration, it delivers the complete package to riders wanting functionality, style, and safety.
While the price is high and the weight could be slightly lower, the Cytal offers class-leading protection and style. For weight-focused riders, POC offers the Cytal Carbon and Cytal Lite models, which are lighter but do come with some small trade-offs, such as the removal of MIPS.
Riders who value safety, comfort, and thoughtful design will find the Cytal among the very best helmets available today.
Specifications
Model: POC Cytal Helmet
Sizes: S (50-56cm), M (54-59cm), L (56-61cm)
Colours: Hydrogen White Matt tested (multiple available)
Certifications: EN 1078, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063
Price: AUD$500
Harry Kooros
Harry Kooros - As a former Advertising Manager of Bicycling Australia, Harry is a keen roadie who has stepped up as a contributor to share his riding and product experiences.
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
