BBB offer loads of new kit for 2011

Parts and accessories manufacturer BBB were showing off their vast range at the Cycle Show in London, including many interesting new designs for 2011. Here’s our pick of the crop…

BBB – it stands for Bikeparts for Bikers by Bikers, dontcha know – are introducing two new road helmets. The posher one is the Griffon (€79.95 – we don’t have a sterling price on some of these products because BBB are just changing UK distributors) which, like all BBB helmets, has an in-moulded shell. It comes with an easy-to-use Dual Close adjustment system that consists of two buttons on the retention harness that you slide either together or further apart.

The cheaper Hawk (£44.95) uses a TwistClose adjustment system – you just turn a dial to alter the fit of the retention harness. Both come with washable anti-bacterial pads and reflective stickers around the back.

BBB have increased the size of their already extensive lights range with the new High Integrate bar-mounted unit (£29.95). It’s an unusual design in that it comes with a 1 Watt LED up top and two micro LEDs below. You can switch the two parts on separately or together depending on the brightness you need, and BBB reckon the battery life (it takes four AAAs) in the continuous energy-saving mode is over 19hrs.

We like the look of the new Impulse glasses (€59.95) that come with interchangeable polycarbonate lenses: smoke, yellow and clear for all your riding needs. An adjustable silicon nosepiece holds them firmly on your schnoz while soft-touch temple grippers stop the arms from slipping, and they’ll keep your peepers safe with 100% UV protection. There’s a photochromic version available too (€99.95) – where the lens tint varies according to the light conditions.

It’s not often we get that engrossed by brake pads but BBB have a new high performance compound that they say offers increased braking power in both wet and dry conditions. They also reckon the pads are resistant to high temperatures and that there’s no drop off in performance if they do get hot. Admittedly, that’s more relevant if you’re riding in the Alps than in East Anglia, but more predictability has to be good news.

The new pads are used in the lightweight Airco Road HP brake shoes (€39.95) which have an open, skeletal design, allowing for extra cooling and saving a few grams in the process.

BBB have a new-for-2011 range of compact multi-tools that look like excellent value for money. The tools are chrome plated and come in a light aluminium body with the 12-function Primefold M costing just £16.95.

While we’re on a maintenance tip, the HoseRoad (€29.95) is a new BBB minipump that looks pretty cool. It’s made from polished aluminium and has a sturdy feel to it although we’ve yet to use one in anger. The HoseRoad comes with a switchable inner valve that fits both Presta and Schrader and an extractable hose that stays attached to the top so it can’t go AWOL. Measuring 22cm long, it’ll fit into your jersey pocket without much trouble and BBB claim it’ll inflate your tubes to 123psi.

Finally, BBB have innovated the RingFix quick release system to install their RoadCatcher II rear mudguard (£8.95). You just clip the strap in place around your seatpost, turn the ring and, as if by magic, the composite Roadcatcher is fixed in place. It’ll fit any seatpost diameter from 25.0mm to 34.9mm – which covers just about everything.

We’ll try to get all of this kit in for testing to see how it shapes up out on the road.