Fox Lunar Collection test: Night vision devices - cycling clothing for cool days
Marc Strucken
· 14.02.2025
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This article was first published on 29.10.2014. We have now updated it with our test impressions supplemented.
Where day meets night, the Fox Lunar Collection shines. And in the literal sense. With reflective elements for better visibility at night and additional warmth, the items from Fox are just right for the autumn and winter days in our latitudes. In the Lunar Fire jersey, trousers and gloves, bikers are ready to master the seasonal change in temperatures and conditions. Fox presents a total of 9 pieces of Lunar Collection cycling clothing; from warm socks and jerseys to the special Fox Speedframe MTB helmet with Lunar paint. So make the most of every minute of light and warmth. The Fox fox is with you.
This is the Fox Lunar Collection
- Speedframe Pro Lunar helmet
- Purevue Black/Clear Lunar glasses
- Ranger Lunar trousers
- Defend Fire Lunar trousers
- Flexair Fire Hybrid Lunar Jacket
- Women's Ranger Drirelease MD LS Lunar Jersey
- Men's Ranger Drirelease MD LS Jersey Lunar
- Women's Ranger Fire Lunar Gloves
- Defend Lo-Pro Fire Lunar Gloves
- 8" Defend Lunar socks
What makes it special: The paint finish of this open-face MTB helmet in a glittering rhinestone look. The additional MIPS protection system has proven itself in many other helmets, but also in the regular Fox Speedframe Pro. It minimises rotational movement in the event of a fall by absorbing and redirecting forces that would otherwise be transferred to the brain. Dual-density Varizorb EPS offers improved protection in the Speedframe by distributing the impact forces over a larger area. The Fidlock SNAP helmet fastener had already impressed us with the Fox Crossframe because it ensures quick and safe entry and exit, even when wearing gloves. The removable, washable Ionic+ inserts are antimicrobial and prevent odour while wicking moisture away from the head. Plus:
- Price (RRP): 179.99 euros >> available here
- Optimised ventilation for efficient cooling
- Compatible with sunglasses
- Visor adjustable in 3 positions
- 360° fit system to adapt the helmet to the shape of the head
- Available in sizes S, M, L
Fox Purevue Black/Clear Lunar Goggles
The Fox Purevue was designed to be worn with half-shell helmets. We recently presented the anniversary version of the Purevue MTB goggles. The glasses have polycarbonate lenses with a toric lens shape for the best optical and peripheral vision. Grey lenses and clear lenses are included. There is also a bag for storage. Adjustable straps and multiple nose pads are designed to provide a fit for different nose and head shapes. Reflective elements on the strap increase visibility at night - just like the Lunar Collection.
- Price (RRP): 119.99 euros
- Size: One Size
MTB trousers Fox Ranger Lunar Pant
The Ranger MTB trousers from the Lunar Collection have reflective elements for visibility at night. Fox has designed the cycling trousers for performance on the MTB with a slim silhouette and a tapered lower leg area so that you don't get caught on anything and the wind resistance is not too high. The Ranger is made from technical stretch fabric that is lightweight, durable and offers freedom of movement on the bike.
- Price (RRP): 109.99 euros >> available here
- Adjustable waist drawstring with snap fastener to adjust the width
- Two zip pockets
- Sizes/width: 28" - 40"
Winter MTB trousers Defend Fire Pant Lunar
The Defend Fire MTB trousers from Fox are the piece for autumn and winter. It's a waterproof, fleece-lined pant with stretchy ripstop that lets you ride through the toughest conditions. Polartec Alpha insulation provides enough warmth AND breathability to help eliminate the need to put on or take off layers while riding. As part of the Lunar Collection, it has reflective elements for visibility. The ratchet closure at the waistband ensures a secure fit and quick adjustments on the go.
- Price (RRP): 179.99 euros >> available here
- Recycled material
- 4-way stretch for mobility
- Zip pockets
- Cordura knee panels for greater durability and abrasion resistance
- Zip cuffs at the bottom of the trousers
- Sizes/widths: 28" - 40"
Fox Flexair Fire Hybrid Lunar Jacket
You can already see one thing about it: It matches the Defend Fire trousers. The Flexair Fire Hybrid Lunar jacket is also warm and water-repellent. The lightweight main material has 4-way stretch and is made from at least 88% recycled material. Strategically placed ripstop material with synthetic insulation filling keeps you warm even when wet. The bike jacket also has reflective elements to make it recognisable and more visible.
- Price (RRP): 239.99 euros >> available here
- 2 zip pockets
- Special MTB cut for additional comfort on the bike
- Longer cut back for additional protection
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Ranger Drirelease MD LS Jersey Lunar for women and men
The Fox Ranger Jersey is so casual that you can probably wear it without a bike under your bum and look good. Technically, it has reflective elements - Lunar Collection and all - for visibility at night. But the main point is the Drirelease material, which wicks away moisture and dries four times faster than cotton. The entire long-sleeved jersey is made from recycled fabrics.
- Price (RRP): 69.99 euros >> available here
- Longer cut back section
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Ranger Fire Glove Lunar cycling gloves for women
The Ranger Fire Lunar bike gloves for women are black with a reflective Fox fox. The water-resistant Ax suede on the palm is designed to provide the best grip in all conditions. Silicone on the thumb and 2 other fingers provide even better grip on the brakes. An extended cuff and brushed fleece inner material make the gloves nice and warm - and a nose wiper on the thumb is an important detail in winter. And yes, conductive material in the thumb and index finger make the cycling glove touchscreen-compatible.
- Price (RRP): 39.99 euros >> available here
- Sizes: S, M, L
For men: The Defend Lo-Pro Fire Glove Lunar
The men's model from Fox, the Defend Lo-Pro Fire cycling glove, also reflects the light at night. However, it has a conductive Clarino palm for a good handlebar feel and touchscreen compatibility. Durable water-repellent coating repels moisture, dirt and mud. The micro-suede thumb rest, on the other hand, absorbs nose water. The fleece-lined ripstop back of the hand offers abrasion resistance and insulation.
- Price (RRP): 44.99 euros >> available here
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Last: Socks - Defend Sock Lunar
What mustn't be missing in cool temperatures? Warm socks! The 8" Defend Sock Lunar from Fox are made from a stretch cotton construction for pleasant comfort. Of course, they are also reflective - otherwise they wouldn't be on Team Lunar. They also have a padded footbed and compression ribbed knit on the arch of the foot.
- Price (RRP): 22.99 euros >> available here
- Sizes XS/S, S/M, L/XL
- Unisex
The Fox Lunar Collection in practice
Unfortunately, we only had parts of the entire collection to test, namely only the really warm pieces - and unfortunately only for men:
The trousers and jacket are from the "normal" collection, which means that the reflective prints are simply missing. And the glasses shown in the photos below are already the new Shimano S-Phyre.
How the Fox Speedframe Pro Lunar MTB helmet rides
Even if the entire Lunar Collection only stands out from the standard models in terms of looks, it does so in a very stylish way! Especially the Fox Speedframe Pro helmet, of which there is already a successorlooks super classy with the reflective and especially the mother-of-pearl effect. Sometimes someone looks at it as they drive past! Style 10 points.
In our large helmet test, the Speedframe Pro performed decently, the MIPS system was praised. In fact, the fit is more suitable for long heads, so it may pinch on the side for some. But thanks to the adjustment mechanism, it sits firmly on the head and the slightly higher weight (403 g for size M) is not a negative factor. The new Speedframe Pro is supposed to be a little lighter.
As a tester, I love magnetic buckles - including the ones on this Fox helmet. However, the black colour is likely to get quite hot in strong sunlight. And the high-gloss paint is - unsurprisingly - quite sensitive to scratches.
How the Fox Defend Fire Lunar MTB trousers perform on the trail
Unfortunately, we "only" had the normal, less conspicuously printed Defend Fire bike trousers to test. From a technical point of view, the model variants are similar. And the features make the trousers - I hate to say it again - a favourite.
It sits comfortably at the top and can be the Monserat Trailpantscan be adjusted with a ratchet fastener. The soft fleece inside keeps you really cosy and warm even at temperatures below zero.
The outer fabric is robust, still quite dirt and water repellent, at least after a few washes, and above all fairly windproof. Only a seam above the knee, where the coarse ripstop fabric gives way to an even stretchier one, lets in a little air/cold.
The zip at the end of the leg is practical when adjusting the protectors or putting them on. When closed, it tightens the trouser leg nicely towards the bottom, so that nothing can rub against the frame or the chain.
And yes: the Fox MTB trousers easily passed my favourite blackberry bush test for robustness without any damage. With the two trouser pockets on the side, the Fox Defend Fire trousers are actually quite suitable for everyday use and sooo nice and warm.
What the Fox Flexair Fire Hybrid MTB jacket can do
We also didn't have a brand new Lunar model available for the Flexair Fire Hybrid MTB jacket from Fox. But the padding of the simple version is still awesome. The waistcoat had already protected tester Laurin from the elements.
Very well positioned on the chest, shoulders and upper back, the approximately 2 cm-thick clouds with synthetic filling keep you warm where the wind picks up. The rest of the fabric is fairly windproof and also keeps you warm - just under 10 degrees and that Fox Ranger Jersey below that was enough with moderate pedalling.
But beware: if you're wearing a rucksack and sweating underneath, your back will get very cold without the rucksack because the material of the Flexair MTB jacket is good at wicking away moisture - but it's also great for cooling, which can be uncomfortable at 10 degrees. So carry a hipbag!
The pockets at the front are good for keeping cold hands warm, but less suitable for transport, as mobile phones and keys get in the way when pedalling. In the photos above, with the jersey underneath, you can see the asymmetrical cut of the waistband: mullet - short at the front, long at the back.
Perfect complement: Fox Ranger Drirelease MD LS Jersey Lunar
Is it just a longsleeve from Fox? Not at all. Firstly, the Fox Ranger Jersey has a cool print. Secondly, it is made from Drirelease fabric, which ensures good sweat wicking. Thirdly, it is made from wonderfully thick fabric that keeps you nice and warm. And fourthly, it has a good and above all long cut. Like this.
Ok, I do have one reservation: the cuffs on the arms are tight, very tight. Sure, so they don't ride up, for example under the Flexair Fire Jacketbut I can barely get my size 10 hands through and wearing a watch is really annoying. Otherwise, a casual fox longsleeve for cool days or as the perfect complement to a jacket.
Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire Lunar bike gloves
The Defend Lo-Pro Fire Lunar gloves from Fox were probably the ones I tested most thoroughly because I always needed something warm for my fingers this winter. And they can do that. The MTB gloves from Fox look very stiff and neoprene-like, but they are very comfortable to wear and can withstand water and mud to a large extent.
There is only one layer of synthetic leather on the palm, which ensures a good grip on the bike handle. The index and middle fingers also have a rubber coating. This sticks well to the brake lever, even in wet conditions.
For the fact that these gloves are explicitly made for cold weather - they have "Fire" in their name - the cuff is too short for me. There is always a gap between the jacket and gloves above the hand and it draws in cold air. This is all the more noticeable because the hand is wrapped up nice and warm.
Last but not least: Fox 8" Defend Lunar Socks
Test socks? Yes, if they are part of the Lunar Collection. But even without the corresponding reflective prints (the fox), these socks are great for cold days. They fit nicely, don't crease or slip in any way.
In something more voluminous cut bike shoes, such as the Shimano MW502 winter shoethey ensure really warm feet. In the shown Crankbrothers Mallet Trail shoes they were also nice and warm, but almost a little "too much", i.e. too thick, and after a while they started to pinch.
Unfortunately, the reflective print started to crack after a few bike sessions and the fox no longer looks so nice. Assuming these socks were too warm for mild temperatures above 10 degrees and you didn't want to wear them under your MTB shorts anyway, that wouldn't be so bad. We haven't tried that yet. But you almost want to wear them again and again just because they fit really well.
Marc Strucken
Editor
