The helmet on top of a time-trial tester’s or triathlete’s head is an important part of their equipment. It’s a game-changer in the battle against aerodynamic drag.
The helmet’s main concept is to offer a short, snub-tailed shape that operates at various degrees of slip and attack, making it less sensitive to head movement and allowing it to work at various angles of slip and assault. But, of course, this isn’t entirely the rider’s responsibility since our yaw angle is affected by wind conditions, course twists, grade changes, and other dynamic factors that we encounter on every ride outside of a wind tunnel.
That’s why POC created the Cerebel Helmet in cooperation with its in-house WATTS lab and Volvo engineers. For a wide range of riders, the Cerebel is designed to be quick in various postures.
What is cerebel?
The Cerebel is a lightweight aero road helmet with a focus on improving aerodynamic performance. Compared to a static TT posture, extensive wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations demonstrate that the Cerebel thrives in dynamic and changing body positions, enhancing upper-body mobility and overall lactate clearance efficiency.
Features
Here are some features listed below
Design
The size offered is a medium, which should suit someone with a head circumference of 54 to 60cm (my head is 58cm, and the fit is perfect). Unfortunately, however, it appears that this is the only size that POC offers.
Vision/ optics
The Cerebel’s visor is both a strength and a vulnerability. The magnetic connection mechanism is incredible. It is quite secure with four powerful magnets, but you can pop the visor on and off while riding.
To reattach it, bring it close to the magnets, which will snap it back into place. Unfortunately, you’ll have to snap it off because it’s susceptible to fogging in humid environments. At the top, there are four tiny slit vents.
The lenses are distortion-free and extremely clear, and long-lasting. Both extremely pale yellow (low light) and dark rose (bright light) lenses are available with the Cerebel. Even in relatively low light, the dark rose lens performs well; however, it is not especially dark if the light is bright. Unfortunately, mirrored alternatives are not available.
Retention system
The dial retention mechanism performs admirably, but in fact that, it is nearly hard to reach without removing the helmet. This might be an issue if you find yourself tightening it too much on race day.
Both helmet components and body parts expand and contracts with the weather, so spend some time dialing this in before your race, as there’s nothing worse than spending time pulling over on race day to adjust the fit of your helmet.
But don’t try to make changes on the fly. The retention mechanism is located quite high up on the helmet, and the covered bottom makes it virtually hard to access while wearing the helmet.
Ventilation
The visor has four tiny slots in it, which are the only exposed inlets on the helmet. In addition, it features a hole in the back of the tail and inverted “gills” on the side, similar to the Specialized.
However, while you’re out on the road, the helmet performs an excellent job of drawing air in and venting it out. As a result, looks may be misleading when it comes to aerodynamics, and it’s apparent from usage that POC worked out how to get air to flow through this helmet. An all-white alternative is also a good option for keeping the helmet cooler.
Color
As part of its AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and Protection) initiative, POC provides all its helmets in exceptionally bright colors. With more races taking place on roads that aren’t blocked to automobiles, having a bit more visibility is always beneficial. The AVIP model is available in a neon orange known as “Zink Orange” by POC.
The helmet is also available in white, Garmin team blue, Garmin (Cannondale) team green, and navy black, in addition to the more typical colors (a sort of dark indigo).
The design is relatively modest, with a considerable block-print POC on the right side and a smaller one on the left front over the visor. Both the logos are adhered to the surface and can be removed.
Performance
The overall impression, which is supported by the testing, is that it’s more than quick enough to justify moving from an aero road helmet. In addition, the Cerebel is the most comfortable helmet I presently possess in terms of comfort.
The straps split into their Y form using a plastic splitter that fits softly and unobtrusively on the face, and the retention retains firmly and gently without pressure points.
Despite the lack of specialized rotational protection, this alone provides enough comfort if ever required in a collision.
Certification
The Cerebel is EN 1078 and CPSC 12.03 approved so that you may use it during any race without worry.
Pros and cons
The verdict
When your head isn’t buried in the aero position, the Cerebel is meant to be forgiving. In addition, these helmets are meant to reduce the penalty for not being in your “best possible posture,” whether you’re sitting, look about, or otherwise be mindful of other athletes and your surroundings.
At the same time, the helmet blends in nicely with the back, almost disappearing beneath the shoulders when tucked. It will take something exceptional to dislodge this helmet after a year of racing in it.
Additional visors for the helmet would be released by POC, maybe with improved ventilation to combat fogging. But, overall, it’s a nice thing to have.
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FAQ
What is cerebel?
The Cerebel is a lightweight aero road helmet with a focus on improving aerodynamic performance. Compared to a static TT posture, extensive wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations demonstrate that the Cerebel thrives in dynamic and changing body positions, enhancing upper-body mobility and overall lactate clearance efficiency.