Dutch cycling accessory manufacturer BBB Cycling is expanding its range of performance eyewear with a new model and innovative lens technology. With a weight of 30 grams, the new Valor Flux sunglasses are fairly lightweight sports glasses - and comparable to the significantly more expensive Shimano S-Phyre. The centrepiece of the new product is the Flux lens technology, which BBB describes as its most advanced lens development to date. The Flux lenses filter the light spectrum between red, green and blue wavelengths to optimise brightness and contrast. This should enable riders to recognise obstacles such as roots, potholes or changes in terrain more quickly. The Flux technology is used for both the new Valor and the the existing Chester model - we already tested the predecessor model last year.
BBB Valor Flux sunglasses: 4 lens variants from road to trail
BBB offers the Flux lenses in four different colour variants, each of which is optimised for specific areas of use. According to the manufacturer, the red Flux version is specially designed for racing cyclists and filters out warm colours to improve contrast on asphalt and cobblestones. With a light transmission of 16.8 per cent, it is suitable for sunny and cloudy conditions. For gravel riders, BBB recommends the blue Flux lens, which offers the highest colour enhancement with 14.6 percent light transmission and is designed to increase contrast on gravel paths.
Special coatings for durability and comfort
The green Flux version is aimed at trail riders and, with 16 per cent light transmission, is designed to maximise contrast on brown and yellow surfaces to make it easier to see roots and stones. As an all-rounder for all disciplines, the Flux Pure lens with 12.5 percent light transmission is offered, which according to BBB is optimised for brighter conditions, but also adapts to cloudy skies and forest trails. All Flux lenses have 100 per cent UV-A and UV-B protection as well as blue and infrared light filtering.
Lightweight frame made from bio-based material
The frame of the new Valor Flux is made from Rilsan G850, a 45 per cent bio-based nylon derived from castor beans. BBB promises that this material offers both flexibility and strength in a sustainable package. Features include rubberised temple grips, a slightly curved temple design and an adjustable nose piece for optimum grip. The Valor Flux comes with an additional clear interchangeable lens for changing light conditions and a robust hard case.
Prices and availability
The Valor Flux is now available at a price of 129.99 euros (RRP). For customers who want the Flux technology in a more affordable package, BBB offers the updated Chester Flux model.
The Chester Flux features a concealed full frame made from a bio-based material with high strength, an improved temple design and an adjustable nose piece. It is also supplied in a robust hard case box and is available at a price of 89.99 euros (RRP).
The BBB Valor Flux Red in practice
The slightly more expensive models from BBB Cycling have already impressed us several times, most recently the Chester. We were therefore looking forward to the new Valor, which after the self-tinting models is the most expensive in the Dutch company's portfolio. The Valor photochromatic sunglasses are set to follow soon and, at 169 euros, will be the most expensive of all.
The tested BBB Valor Flux Red fits perfectly, no squeezing or slipping during the test. The nose pads are adjustable and, together with the rubberised temples, provide optimum support. The design of the goggles is of course a matter of taste, but they are not excessively wide or high cut and should therefore suit most faces.
Initially, the lenses have a somewhat irritating characteristic in that they lose their reddish tint slightly depending on the viewing angle. In concrete terms: if you sit in a sporty position and look up at the sky without raising your head, you will notice that the sky appears less reddish at the upper edge of the lens. However, this is not a question of tinting, but apparently a question of the angle at which the light falls into the eye. In the same way, however, it is also noticeable that a few minor distortions occur at the upper edge of the glass, but these are not disturbing. In practice, the red tint is not only pleasant and contrast-enhancing on the road, but also darkens well in full sunshine.
Changing the tinted lenses to the clear lenses supplied is easy to do with a little practice. The nose bridge detaches from the lens without much tugging. The frame is also easy to separate once you have got the hang of it.
Bottom line: The new BBB Valor Flux wears well. The road tint we tested also works well on gravel or trails when the sun is shining brightly. The design-related dust accumulation that the BBB Chester had is eliminated here, which should make the Valor a loyal companion. Our tip: Although the self-tinting version is even more expensive, it should be more worthwhile in terms of fit, design and function, as there is no need to change lenses.
Technical specifications of the Flux lenses
- Flux Red: 16.8 % light transmission (for racing bikes, bright sunshine)
- Flux Green: 16 % light transmission (for trail, sunny and cloudy conditions)
- Flux Blue: 14.6 % light transmission (for gravel, sunny and cloudy conditions)
- Flux Pure: 12.5 % light transmission (all-rounder, sunny and cloudy)
- UV protection: 100 % UV-A and UV-B
- Coatings: Two layers of anti-scratch coating, oleophobic outer coating, anti-fog inner coating
BBB Valor Flux sunglasses
- Frame material: Rilsan G850 (45 % bio-based nylon)
- Features: Rubberised temple grips, curved temple design, adjustable nose piece
- Scope of delivery: Additional clear interchangeable lens, hard case box, fabric bag
- Weight: 30 grams (BIKE measurement)
- Price: 129,99 Euro
BBB Chester Flux
- Frame material: Bio-based material with high strength
- Features: Hidden full frame, improved temple design, adjustable nose piece
- Scope of delivery: Hardcase box, fabric bag
- Weight: n. A.
- Price: 89,99 Euro
Marc Strucken
Editor
