Patrick Bardelli
Guide

Two new sports glasses from BBB Cycling for all conditions

Glaring sunlight, dark shadows or dense clouds: changing visibility conditions can get tricky on a bike. Thankfully, the new Valor Flux and Valor PH MLC models from BBB Cycling master them with grace.

There’s something about being in a flow state, a condition that’s particularly sought after in sports. Everything just flows, well, like a river. And that’s pretty topical for today’s review. As it turns out, the Flux name given to the lens tech from Dutch bicycle accessory manufacturer BBB Cycling is derived from the Latin «Fluxus», or river. This lens technology is used in the new Valor Flux model, among others.

The multi-coated cylindrical lenses are water, dirt, dust and fingerprint repellent, protected against scratches and high-contrast to boot. What’s more, they’re also sweat and vapour repellent, so they won’t fog up. I can confirm this from my own experience.

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX red (Black, Red)
Sports glasses
−12%
CHF75.90 was CHF85.90

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX red

Black, Red

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX green (Green, Black)
Sports glasses
−12%
CHF75.90 was CHF85.90

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX green

Green, Black

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX red (Black, Red)
−12%
CHF75.90 was CHF85.90

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX red

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX green (Green, Black)
−12%
CHF75.90 was CHF85.90

BBB Glasses Valor black, FLUX green

Valor Flux in four colours

The new Valor Flux combines high-tech glass with a frame made of a sustainable material. According to the manufacturer, it’s Rilsan G850, a 45 per cent biological nylon obtained from castor beans.

BBB offers these glasses in four different lens colours for different applications. The red lens is suitable for roads, the green lens for trails, the blue lens works best for gravel biking and the Pure model serves as an all-round lens, according to the manufacturer. I’ve been riding with the gravel model for the last few weeks.

You can see how the different colours influence visual perception on roads and the like here.

The Valor Flux from BBB Cycling with its blue lens and grey frame for gravel bikes.
The Valor Flux from BBB Cycling with its blue lens and grey frame for gravel bikes.

It’s all made with the aim to detect roots, potholes or changes in terrain more quickly. The lenses filter the light spectrum between red, green and blue wavelengths to optimise brightness and contrast. This way the rider should be less distracted, recognise more details and experience less eye strain. In short, you’ll tire less quickly on a bike ride and stay in the flow state.

The Valor Flux lenses are categorised as level 3 (page in German), suitable for sunny conditions. A category 0 interchangeable lens is suitable for use in cloudy conditions. In my opinion, the only drawback here is the inconvenience of changing lenses. It’s an annoying fiddly process until the lens is replaced.

Thanks in part to the adjustable nose bridge, the 30 gramme glasses fit perfectly. Whether on gravel paths or trails, the bike stays where it belongs.

The Valor Flux with interchangeable lenses for cloudy outings.
The Valor Flux with interchangeable lenses for cloudy outings.

Technical data on the Flux lenses

  • Flux Red: 16.8 per cent translucent (for clear/lightly clouded streets)
  • Flux Green: 16 per cent translucent (for a sunny/cloudy trail)
  • Flux Blue: 14.6 per cent translucent (for sunny/cloudy gravel)
  • Flux Pure: 12.5 per cent translucent (all-rounder, sunny or cloudy)

Valor PH MLC with photochromic glass

In addition to new glasses with interchangeable lenses, the manufacturer is also launching a model with photochromic lenses. This saves you having to change lenses. The Valor PH MLC automatically adapts to changing light conditions. Its glass lenses darken in bright light and become almost clear in low light conditions. According to the manufacturer, translucency varies between 63 and 16 per cent.

This model also weighs 30 grammes and comes with a 45 per cent biological nylon frame made from castor beans. According to BBB Cycling, this material is particularly suitable for high-quality spectacle frames, since it’s more sustainable as well as light, flexible and virtually unbreakable.

The Valor PH MLC with photochromic glass.
The Valor PH MLC with photochromic glass.

An anti-fog coating on the inside keeps the lenses clear even during intensive use, while the oleophobic coating repels water and dirt. Here too, the manufacturer’s promise matches my lived experience.

BBB Glasses Valor PH MLC black (Gold multilayer coating)
Sports glasses
CHF139.–

BBB Glasses Valor PH MLC black

Gold multilayer coating

My verdict

Both new glasses from BBB Cycling, now available at Galaxus, are pretty impressive. In my opinion, the only drawback is changing lenses for the Valor Flux. It’s just too fiddly for me, if that’s the right word to use. Anyway, you know what I mean. This leads me to the Valor PH MLC with photochromic glass, where this isn’t an issue. However, this luxury costs a few francs more. However, I think it’s an investment that’ll pay off.

Both models come with a hard case and a microfibre bag that also serves as a cleaning cloth. Neither work with corrective lenses.

The Valor Flux with its case and spare lens…
The Valor Flux with its case and spare lens…
 … the photochromic Valor PH MLC.
… the photochromic Valor PH MLC.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli

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From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.


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