Nicola Rutzou
These new BBB glasses have a hidden frame which makes them look good and function well too.
Cycling glasses are a must-have accessory. They not only keep bugs out of your eyes, but they also shield you from the sun and wind, and of course, they look cool, too.
I’m a big fan of photochromatic cycling glasses because you can wear them when it’s dark, and they’ll adjust as the sun rises. So it was with some trepidation, I tested BBB’s new Chester cycling shades.
But after just one outing, I realised my reluctance was unfounded. I tested them in various conditions, from early morning shady weather to bright sunshine, and they worked well every time.
I tested the new Chester narrow model designed to fit people like me with smaller heads, and they fit well. My partner tested the full-size model, and they fitted him nicely too.
BBB says that the Chester design combines the advantages of both full-frame and frameless glasses because it has a frameless appearance but conceals an internal frame. This design achieves the unobstructed view of frameless glasses while ensuring the durability and substantial feel of full-frame options, which I like.
I tested two pairs and preferred the look and function of the ones with the darker lenses. This is partly because of their appearance and partly for the sun protection factor.
The Chester Narrow, in matt white with a pink flash mirror lens, looks too pink to me (I’m not a fan of pink cycling gear) and feels too light for sunny skies. These have Category 2 lenses.
The Chester Narrow in matt black with smoke/rose MLC lenses (pictured here) looked better to me and functioned well in low light and bright sunshine with Category 3 lenses. I also liked the mirror effect of the lenses in the black pair, which probably contributed to their function, but for me, it was about how they looked.
My observations about the lenses are unsurprising, given that Category 2 lenses are designed to allow 18 to 43 per cent light transmission, making them suitable for clear days. Category 3 lenses allow eight to 18 per cent and are ideal for activities in bright sunshine.
My partner tested the Chester matt black with smoke blue MLC lenses and liked how they fit, how they looked, the larger size lenses, and how the arms locked in solidly. They also have Category 3 lenses.
We both found the rubber nosepiece and the rubber temple tips comfortable and adjustable to suit our requirements. I like that the frames are bio-based and made from castor beans, a more sustainable alternative that feels like regular plastic.
At just $89.99 for the Chester Narrow models and $99.99 for the (regular) Chester models, they are well-priced and cheaper than many competitors.
