Few issues make me as completely happy as unboxing a brand new pair of biking sun shades. Immediately I really feel fashionable and stylish, and I’m motivated to get out using.
After a couple of weeks testing Koo’s Alibi photochromic sun shades, I can say confidently that they don’t simply look good, however their efficiency matches their swankiness.
Half-framed with a colored lens that modifications relying on the sunshine situation, the sun shades are the selection of Bora-Hansgrohe, and whereas I could not trip with the ability and panache of Primož Roglič or Jai Hindley, I can at the least say I look pretty much as good as them. Effectively, possibly. I can dream, proper?
(Picture credit score: Future)
Development
Koo is the sister firm of the Italian helmet model Kask, arrange in 2016. It’s unsurprising, subsequently, that Koo sun shades are made with premium high quality and constructed for the premium market.
The unisex Alibi vary is available in eight completely different colourways, and I examined the blue/inexperienced color that’s formally often known as the Bora-Hansgrohe model. All colors have a half-frame design, are produced from Grilamid polymer (principally a really sturdy materials), and have rounded arms that match into all varieties of helmets. There are additionally two air flow holes on the prime of the body that cease the glasses from condensing.
Zeiss make the cylindrical polycarbonate photochromic lenses, and the full-faced measurement is typical of most fashionable sunnies. The lenses have a Seen Mild Transmission vary of 75% to 12% – in darkish situations, they permit in as much as 75% of sunshine which turns the lenses clear; in brighter situations, solely 12% of sunshine is let in, giving the lens a crimson/purple color exterior.
Alibi is printed on the again of the higher body, and a white Koo brand is engraved on each arms and printed on the centre of the lenses. Spare lenses are that can be purchased, and every set of sun shades comes with a substitute nostril pad. For individuals who put on prescription glasses, the Alibis are appropriate with Koo’s optical clip.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Efficiency
The overwhelming sensation with the Alibi sun shades on my head is that I don’t really feel that they’re there. They’re so extremely gentle, topping my kitchen scales at simply 24 grams. For comparability, the Oakley EV Zero Blades weigh 22g, and the Enduro Dorado II are available in at 30g.
It’s not simply the featherlight weight that’s spectacular, although – they’re extraordinarily snug and keep in place. I’ve worn different glasses that transfer round, however these don’t. What’s extra, the air flow holes do a terrific job of stopping glasses from steaming up when using laborious.
The lenses adapt actually rapidly to altering gentle situations, and so they carried out excellently in each heavy rain showers and cloudless, sunny skies. One smaller factor I used to be significantly impressed by was how even small smudges don’t impede the visibility, and though a tiny little bit of paint has come away from the left arm after only a few weeks, it’s apparent that the development is of a high-quality and these shall be a pair of sturdy and lasting sun shades.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Conclusion and worth
These are a really versatile pair of sun shades, appropriate for all seasons. Not solely that, however they’re modern and get heads turning – nearly everybody I’ve ridden with whereas I’ve examined the glasses has commented on how fashionable they’re. That mentioned, some individuals did counsel that when clear it regarded like I used to be carrying security glasses. I can not disagree, both.
For the worth ($245/£180/€230) they aren’t low cost, however they’re in the identical ballpark as different premium choices, such because the aforementioned Oakleys. It’s potential to get photochromatic sun shades for half the worth, such because the Endura Dorado II, however few are as well-made, elegant and light-weight as these. If you happen to can justify the outlay, spend money on the Alibis.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Specs
Value: $245/£180/€230
Colors: Alibi blue/inexperienced; black matt/gold; darkish blue matt/crimson; gray matt/turquoise; harbour blue matt/copper; orange matt/inexperienced; inexperienced matt/orange; sand matt/gold; white matt/fuchsia
Measurement: all the identical measurement
Web site: kooworld.cc
