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review
Glasses
BBB Summit GlassesBBB BSG-50 Summit Glasses.jpg

BBB Summit Glasses

9
by George Hill
UPDATED Thu, Apr 14, 2016 15:45

First Published Apr 14, 2016

2
£69.95

VERDICT:

9
10
A pair of glasses that punch well above their weight
Weight: 
31g
Contact: 
www.windwave.co.uk
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Although BBB's BSG-50 Summits are mid-range models, they're really good glasses and pack in a number of innovative features.

One of the most important, and one that BBB is keen to promote, is the ease with which the lenses can be switched. In fact they excel here; aside from the high-end hinged Oakleys, they are one of the simplest to change that I have used. All you do is pull down the nosepiece and slide out the lenses. It takes about 10 seconds.

> Find your nearest dealer here

It's good because you get three different lens colours with the glasses, with varying degrees of protection – full mirrored, yellow and clear. These lenses work really well and I was particularly impressed by their anti-fogging qualities, which works through a combination of anti-fog coating and very impressive ventilation on the top and sides of the lenses (the side vent is actually built into the frame). I found that they avoided fogging better than many of the glasses I have worth over £100, and are one of the best pairs I have used in this regard.

Fit is also good, with texturised rubber on the arms and an adjustable rubber-coated nosepiece keeping the glasses in place. Although not as good as the Unobtainium on Oakley glasses, they still kept the glasses in place well, even when I was very sweaty. Given their 31g weight, there's also no chafing on the top of the ears.

They have a half-wrap frame, with some frame visible in your peripheral vision while riding. It gives them a slightly aggressive look when combined with the deep arms, which I think look really good.

> Check out our guide to the best cycling glasses here

Looks-wise, the review pair came in a divisive bright orange, but given that they also come in a selection of other colours there should be something there you'll like.

Price-wise, I think their RRP of £69.95 is good for glasses that perform this well. I don't know if you could put them in the same bracket as Oakleys, but I would certainly say they perform as well as those around the £100 mark.

Verdict

A pair of glasses that punch well above their weight

road.cc test report

Make and model: BBB BSG-50 Summit Glasses

Size tested: Matt Orange, Black Tips, Orange Lens

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?

A mid range set of performance cycling glasses, with decent ventilation and the ability to quickly and easily change lenses.

The lenses are simple to change, ventilation is great and the glasses are comfortable to use over a long period.

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

Sport glasses with special 'quick-snap' system which allows you to change the lens easily.

Create your own style! With the replaceable lens and temple tips you create the style you like and make a perfect match with your other gear.

Interchangeable polycarbonate lenses with special air flow system and anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens which ensures better performance in humid weather conditions.

The included lenses feature a hydrophobic coating. In rain, the water will slide of the lenses while riding.

Variation of lenses and temple tip colors available separately.

Full round lens shape gives optimal protection against sunlight, dust and wind.

100% UV protection.

High-end Grilamid frame with adjustable rubber nose piece.

Includes carrying case.

With extra lenses: yellow and clear.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well made with thick arms, robust hinges and the lenses are malleable and unlikely to snap.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Impressive protection and ventilation; and lens changing is a real winner.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seem to be well made and likely to last for a long time.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
5/10

31g for glasses is not the lightest, but certainly isn't heavy.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10

Rubberised nosepiece and arms mean that they stay in place nicely and don't rub in the usual areas.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Very good value, easily compete with glasses I have used at the £100+ mark.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, I was really impressed with these glasses. They offer a decent view, comfort on long rides, a choice of lenses and brilliant ventilation, what more do you need from a pair of glasses?

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Ventilation and lack of fogging was a real highlight.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The bright orange colour of those tested, but they are available in a range of options.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Performing well above their price range and with ventilation that beats most, they are a really good choice for a mid-range set of glasses.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

BBB BSG-50 Summit Glasses 2016
BBB BSG-50 Summit Glasses
BBB 2016
BBB
George Hill

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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2 comments

Avatar
Dnnnnnn | 8 years ago
0 likes

Thay sound like the set I got from Lidl for £2.99.

Avatar
Roderick replied to Dnnnnnn | 8 years ago
1 like
Duncann wrote:

Thay sound like the set I got from Lidl for £2.99.

 

A set from the Lidl is not made from Grilamid material, doesn't contain nearly as much research as glasses from manufacturers like BBB and definitely don't have the same quality in lenses. So comparing those type of glasses and price points is like comparing a bike like the Cervélo R3 or R5 with a racebike you buy at the Lidl for a fraction of the price. Just something completely different.

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