The new BBB Rapid glasses offer full-frame styling and polarized lenses for the reasonable price tag of (Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
BBB's new Arriver sportglasses feature Grilamid half-frames and include three polycarbonate lenses for just (Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
The BBB FlexCage isn't new for 2010 but its design is still interesting with its pivoting hinged design that promises easy bottle insertion and removal and yet also a secure hold.(Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
The new BBB Falcon helmet (left) features a carbon fiber and aluminum internal reinforcement structure, 23 gaping vents and deep internal channeling. The less expensive Fenix (right) does with a more conventional internal skeleton and slightly smaller vents and shallower channeling but a nearly identical appearance.(Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
Styling on the new Falcon helmet is impressively high-end.(Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
The new FixSet grips include extra 'wings' to help distribute pressure across your palms.(Image credit: Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com)
Dutch company BBB has long offered a remarkably diverse array of products including components, accessories, clothing, tools, and more but now is devoting more resources to items designed and developed in house as opposed to rebranded items from overseas manufacturers.
Case in point is the new Falcon helmet, which was not only developed in-house but also signals a new focus towards the higher end of the market with its €145 price tag – not to mention its selection as the official team helmet for the Cofidis squad. Defining traits include 23 gaping vents made possible by generous 'SpiderWeb' carbon fiber and aluminum reinforcing structures (which, of course, are left visible in spots), in-mold construction, an easy-to-use retention system, anti-bacterial pads and a sleek appearance.
BBB will offer the Falcon in two sizes and three colors.
Riders on more of a budget, however, can instead look to the new Fenix helmet, which boasts a similar look and feel to the Falcon but with a more conventional internal reinforcement skeleton instead of the fancy carbon fiber and aluminum extras. The vents are slightly smaller and the internal channeling not quite as deep as a result so it won't feel quite as cool when summer returns but then again the price tag is also more palatable at €95.
The Fenix will come in the same two sizes as the Falcon but in four color options instead of three. Those looking for a visor can opt for the otherwise identical Moco for another €4.95.
Two new designed-in-house sportglasses will greet riders for 2010 as well. The Rapid is a full-framed model with Grilamid construction, rubber nosepieces and temple inserts, and a choice of standard, photochromic, or even polarized polycarbonate lenses when glare is an issue. Even with the polarized lens option, pricing is still quite reasonable at €59.95 with other lens options coming in for even less.
The new Arriver model clearly offers some of the best value in the range, however, with its Grilamid half-frame design, rubber-coated temples and nosepieces, and included trio of polycarbonate lenses: smoke, yellow, and clear. Suggested retail price is just €34.95.
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Other developments for 2010 include a new wireless version of BBB's MicroBoard computer, the HighPower rechargeable headlight with a 3W Cree LED emitter and rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, new ergonomic FixSet grips with pressure-reducing 'wings' and optional integrated bar ends, the 20g carbon fiber LightCage bottle cage, and a more comprehensive XXL version of BBB's popular MicroFold mini-tool range.
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