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review

BBB Successor Team Sunglasses

8
£59.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Great value for the money and put many more expensive options to shame
Weight: 
25g
Contact: 
www.windwave.co.uk

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The Successors have been a mainstay of BBB's surprisingly large sunglasses range for some time now. Over the years, they've graced the faces of many notable pros including Tom Boonen, whose 2005 world road championships win spawned this rainbow striped edition.

The World Champion model comes with three different lens types which are standard across the whole BBB range; a dark blue tint, a yellow tint for low light situations and a clear lens for your standard British day. Each of the lenses work well for their targeted conditions and between them, they cover the whole range of possible light conditions that one is likely to encounter.

A big tick in the 'plus' column is the ease with which these lenses can be changed. Due to the two lens design, the frame flex required to get the lenses to snap in or out is minimal, which really helps piece of mind. Once in place, the lenses are firmly held with no danger of popping out under normal use. The 'Grilamid' frame is stout enough to take a good deal of abuse whilst still being light and flexible enough, as to be unobtrusive. When riding, the minimalist frame design also allows a decent amount of airflow across the lenses which helps prevent them from fogging up.

The nose bridge section is narrow which ensures that range of vision isn't impaired at all by not using one single wraparound lens. Peripheral vision is also good with no unwanted UV rays creeping in from the bottom or sides. Somewhat annoyingly though, BBB have included some logos in the lower corner of each lens which, whilst not impairing sight, do sometimes cause distraction.

In terms of fit, the Successors size up similarly to the rest of the BBB range which is to say, pretty middle of the road. The inclusion of an adjustable silicon nose piece allows the user adjust the fit to their personal preferences. BBB also makes the Successors with a special narrow fit should your head shape require it.

Compared to a tighter fitting pair of glasses such as the Catlike D'Luxs tested here previously, the Successors don't have that vice like grip when slotted into a helmet. Nevertheless, I found that their hold was more than adequate for road riding when flipped upside down. During my time with the Successors, I've also tested a number of helmets from a variety of manufacturers, and have yet to experience any issues with the arms getting in the way of retention systems.

For your money you also get a neat hard case with special slots to carry each of the lenses. In addition, a cloth is provided to wipe them down post use as well as a single BBB anti-fog wipe. Although, I've yet to use it on these Successors, previous experience with BBB sunglasses has shown that is usually takes quite a while for the anti-fog coating to wear off if you take care to clean them after each ride.

The Successors are also available in a variety of standard colours should you take issue to the use of the rainbow stripes by anyone other than the world champions themselves!

Verdict

The Successors' coup de grace is the 3 lenses that are included as standard, helping to ensure that all climactic conditions are catered for. Coupled with a light but strong frame, and a handy carrying case, the Successors are great value for the money and put many more expensive options to shame.

road.cc test report

Make and model: BBB Successors Team Sunglasses

Size tested: White

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Successors form part of BBB's performance range which is targeted at the whole range of road cyclists; from the recreational rider to the professional.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

-Sportive sportglasses design with interchangeable MLC polycarbonate lenses.

-Lens shape gives protection against sunlight, dust and wind.

-100% UV protection.

-High-end Grilamid frame with adjustable silicon nose piece.

-Soft touch temple tips for a firm fit and comfortable wear.

-Comes with a pouch.

-With extra lenses: yellow and clear.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The lenses are well made and whilst the frame is minimal and does flex quite a bit, it appears to be very strong too

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The lenses all work well in their intended light conditions. Very changeable conditions can be an issue though and it's here where a photo chromatic lens would be a better option

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

As with most of BBBs products, you just know they are well made and will last the distance. The included poach with lens slots also helps prolong their working life as one is less likely to just leave them around

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

The minimal frames yield a total weight of just 24g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

The sizing is pretty much spot on for my very average head and the adjustable nose piece enables micro adjustments to be made to fit.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

You're not just getting a pair of sunglasses for your money, you're also getting those extra lenses, the poach and the various cloths.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, although maybe in the standard colours

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 20  Height: 190cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 2  My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF7

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, sportives, mtb,

 

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

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