Poc Propel sunglasses review - Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads

Poc go full sci-fi in the quest for speed and efficiency

POC Propel sunglasses
(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

You've likely already decided whether you think Poc's Propel glasses look like the coolest shades out there or are better suited to cyborg fancy dress. You've also probably decided whether you think that the modest gain in watts from the aero design is worth grabbing or whether, if you were really bothered about more watts, you'd train a little more. Away from the divisive matters there are a few clearer pros and cons of the Propels: clarity and field of vision is really stunning; fit is good and their adjustability means that this should be the case for pretty much everyone. As they're close fitting they're prone to misting up and hard to reposition, and they cost an awful lot of money.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Massive field of vision

  • +

    Excellent lens clarity

  • +

    Size adjustable

  • +

    Modelled aerodynamic efficiency

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Cost

  • -

    Liable to steam up

  • -

    Improvement in aerodynamics is very modest

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Poc launched new Propel sunglasses with the claim that they are "the most aerodynamic cycling sunglasses Poc has ever produced", thanks in part to the addition of "side fairings" to the wrap-around lens - the better to help guide air away from the rider's ears.

With Poc itself being less than precise about the exact aero gains, I did my best to put the Propels through a rigorous testing programme and see how they stack up against our other best cycling glasses. But in terms of how many watts are actually saved, unfortunately I don't have any clearer a picture. 

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Rachel has been writing about and reviewing bike tech for the last 10 years. Cynical by nature, Rachel never really trusts the marketing hype and prefers to give products a mighty good testing before deciding whether they're worth buying or not. 

Rachel's first riding love is mountain biking where she's been European and UK 24hr Champion on more than one occasion. She's not just confined to the trails though and regularly rides - and occasionally races - on gravel and road too.