The B-Rock sits close to your face, which aids in keeping crud from the trail out, and aids in maximizing what you can see.
B-Rock features:
- B-Clear lens technology: Made with light, impact-resistant NXT, which provides optical clarity superior to polycarbonate (the material used for most sunglasses)
- B-Shape temples: Fully adjustable for a precise, secure and comfortable fit
- Anti-Fog treatment: Reduced build-up of condensation.
- Thermogrip temple tips and nosepiece: Rubberized material reacts to body temperature and perspiration to prevent slippage
- Listed price: $189 (non-Modulator version – $179)
There are a few things about the B-Rock that make these glasses stand out in a sea of viable options.
One: the anti-fog coating. I don’t know why this feature doesn’t come stock on all high-end performance glasses. Here in the humid spring and winter riding of the PNW, this is almost a mandatory feature.. assuming you sweat on rides. (for example, Oakleys don’t have this option) Not having my eyewear fog up constantly is huge.
Two: the interchangeable photochromic lenses are another feature extremely useful for riding forest trails. It’s dark in those woods, so I run light tinted lenses. However, it’s nice to get protection from bright light and the lens tint changes automatically to aid on those meadow sections of trail.
Three: the earpieces and nose piece are adjustable in order to dial in that fit. The temple also has a bit that helps wrap around your head, which helps minimize bounce on rough terrain. One of the reasons I stick to goggles is they don’t move, and the B-Rock does a great job in emulating that. Fit is the big on though — I’ve accumulated a drawer full of eyewear over the years, and some of the best looking glasses don’t fit well. Don’t fit, won’t wear. I’m not about to push my glasses back up my sweaty nose in the middle of a technical climb.
On the Trail
I love riding in goggles. Between the eye protection, full coverage and full field of vision, they’re the way to go on any ride with sustained descents and the speeds hit “goggles-fast”. That’s all well and good for riding “enduro” days, but on rides where the ups and downs are tightly spaced together, sunglasses are a more logical choice, especially in warm months where goggles fog on constantly. Wind is the biggest issue for me, and full coverage eyewear is a must; that’s where eye protection like the B-Rock ahem, “rocks” the hardest. They wrap around well thanks to their fully adjustable temples and are easy to customize for an ideal close to the face fit. They also have a rounded shape that aids in this regard.
The model I’m riding — the B-Rock with Brown Emerald Modulator lens change tint based on the amount of light. Known as photochromic lenses, I’m a huge fan. When you’re riding in the woods, the tint lightens so you can actually see, changing to a darker tint once the trail hits the clear cut section. For the bulk of the trail riding in the PNW, modulating lenses rule.
In the winter, I can get by with a light rose or yellow tint though. The standout feature of Bolle glasses is the anti-fog treatment on the lenses.
Like a lot of cycling eyewear, they aren’t the best choice for wearing post ride — these are purpose designed riding glasses. But I don’t wear my goggles to the pub either, and on the trail, all I care about is the ride. Being able to see clearly means more fun on bikes, and when I’m not rocking goggles, I’m rocking.. the rock. The B-Rock. (there, I said it)
The sticking point of the B-Rock? The price. Well, the list price at least. They list for $250 bucks, which is .. well, it’s on the upper end of the spectrum. On the bright side, there are some deals to be had online currently, and at $99 for this pair, they’re a steal.
For more info check out Bolle.com.