Nicola Rutzou
Italy is well known for its panache. Think Ferrari and Ferragamo, and then extend that to cycling gear. Koo eyewear also fits the mould. We recently tested the new model which look good and function well.
There are plenty of options available for cycling eyewear, making it difficult to decide, and many, like the good-looking Koo Hype, are an investment. Koo is an Italian brand and the sister company to Kask. It was launched by Kask in 2016, with the name inspired by “Kask Optics.”
When I first picked up the Koo Hype glasses, I thought the angular shape was a little unattractive, but my first impression was unfounded because when I put them on, I realised they were shaped that way for a reason. The design somehow fits the human face and provides an impressive amount of coverage from the sun and obstacles.
I was also concerned that the unisex fit would be too big for me, as I often wear narrow-fit cycling glasses. However, my concern was unjustified, as they fit me well and don’t look or feel too wide for my face.
The primary selling point of this new Hype model is its ventilation system, which features a central frontal port on the glasses and temple vents to enhance airflow and minimise fogging. For me, this feature worked well, as I live in a city with a humid climate, particularly in late summer, when I tested it.
My test pair featured dark red matt frames with red mirror lenses. These have a level 2 filter that allows 30% of visible light, which meant they worked well in the bright sunshine of Sydney’s late summer and early Autumn.
The polycarbonate Toric lens by Zeiss used in the sunglasses utilises a double-curvature shape for visual comfort. While the single lens appears to be two lenses from the front, it is actually a single piece, making it easy to change if required, and other lenses are available for purchase from Koo.
The arms are designed to wrap around the head, keeping them firmly in place. The rubber grips at the end of the arms aid in their stability. I found them comfortable and wasn’t constantly pushing them up my nose like I do with other glasses. This was also aided by the adjustable nose piece, which is also replaceable.
The frame is made from 45% bio-based polymer material and is compatible with Koo Eyewear’s Optical Clip for prescription lens application.
My only wish would be for a photochromic lens option. I’m a big fan of photochromatic lenses and find them the best choice for early morning riding, as they can transition from dark to sunshine seamlessly.
The Koo Hype glasses are available in 12 colour options, featuring different lenses, including a special limited edition pair worn by the Koo-sponsored pro team, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe. The retail price is $300 ($350 for the Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe model). 
More info kooworld.cc/apac/en/
