I’ve a small face. I’ve at all times discovered this reality unusual as a result of I am not conscious of my head trying disproportionately small atop my physique (others could say in a different way). Nevertheless, proof that this an undisputable reality has adopted me all through my life: as a younger grownup, handing a baby a small helmet that “suits me”, solely to find it was far too tiny; the truth that some ‘small’ helmets nonetheless fail to fulfill the circumference of my head; and, the problem find sun shades that don’t envelop my options past what’s regular within the age of ‘greater is healthier’.
For those who share my woes, I’ve excellent news: the Koo Alibi will be the greatest biking sun shades you will ever discover. I’ve tried a number of pairs of ‘slender’, ‘small’ and ‘junior’ glasses, and these characterize the superlative, to date.
Koo Alibi sun shades: development
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Koo Alibi glasses can be found in ‘common’ and ‘giant’ match, the previous is designed for ‘slender faces’. Having beforehand solely discovered consolation within the likes of 100%’s ‘XS’ (Additional Small) Speedcraft glasses, and Oakley’s Radar EV ‘Youth Assortment’ glasses, I might counsel naming these ‘Small’ and ‘Common’ may need been extra correct, however I will go away that naming quirk with the advertising and marketing division.
The glasses utilise a ‘half-frame design’, which means there isn’t any body on the decrease half, which is my choice because it avoids any probability of a cumbersome plastic part invading the view mid-ride. The arms curve very barely, which creates a reassuring feeling of being ‘locked in’, even when I vigorously shake my head (or, discover myself rattling down an off-road path). This match is aided by safe nostril pads, which sit flush as they need to, and consist of 1 lengthy pad on either side, hooked up by way of two plastic prongs. That is an space the place I’ve seen glasses fail, long run, as overly fragile pads do not reply effectively to abuse in the event you’re not the type of one who persistently utilises a tough case (I’m not), however Koo’s design seems stable.
The glasses can be found in 12 totally different configurations, which dictate each the (aesthetic) body color, in addition to the lens color, the latter has implications upon the most effective situations to be used. I examined the ‘Galaxy – Metallic Pink / Tremendous Pink Mr’, which provides 11% Seen Mild Transmission (VLT) and falls into filter class 3. All of which means these are glasses for driving beneath shiny, sunny skies. Nevertheless, different lenses can be found for different driving situations (£45-90/$62-$115).
The lenses come from market chief Zeiss, and have air flow holes to protect in opposition to fogging.
Koo Albili sun shades: the experience
The Koo Alibi Glasses in use
(Picture credit score: Future)
From the second I put these glasses on, they had been a winner for me. The shut match provides a sense of safety, with no interference when paired with a helmet (I examined these carrying a Specialised Evade, and the Giro Aries).
The lenses had been crystal clear within the sunshine, blocking out the rays and offering a transparent view of the roads and trails forward. When caught in a sudden, heavy bathe, I may see clearly and did not really feel the necessity to whip the glasses off because the drops grew heavier.
Stopping at lights, the lenses did not fog up, both. Although, apparently, I discover this has been the case over the previous few pairs of sun shades I’ve examined, as soon as a relentless bugbear, this does seem to have improved throughout the board.
I did take a look at these lenses on gravel trails, shaded by low-hanging timber, and on overcast days. These will not be the situations they’re designed for, and so they did not excel in the best way they do in shiny mild. Nevertheless, I would not have any qualms about utilizing this lens till deep winter, once I would need to swap to a transparent, photochromic or extra appropriate choice. Fortunately, all six alternative lens choices can be found in each ‘common’ and ‘giant’ match.
What really units these glasses aside is that they embody a extra trendy (modern), large-frame model, in a smaller bundle. Up to now, appropriate glasses I’ve examined have provided glorious visibility, and ‘youth’ or ‘additional small’ choices have been efficient. Nevertheless, the Alibi from Koo is the primary I’ve tried that basically nails the match alongside a extra en vogue aesthetic.
Koo Alibi sun shades: worth
Koo’s Alibi glasses price between £170-£210 ($190-$235), relying upon the lens and body choice, the pair on take a look at will set you again £170 ($190), with alternative lenses from £45-£90 ($62-$115).
This positions the glasses within the midline vs opponents, 100%’s Hypercraft XS is available in between £112 and £131, the Speedcraft XS from £112 to £175. Oakley’s Sphaera, comparatively, begins at £190 and climbs to £230.
While clearly an funding, these glasses supplied a superb match which I’ve struggled to seek out elsewhere, so, they arrive extremely really helpful.
My solely criticism is that the glasses arrived equipped in a cardboard field, with a delicate case, a scarcity of a tough case does really feel like a let-down contemplating the comparatively premium price ticket.
Koo Alibi sun shades specification
Weight: 25g
RRP: £170-£210 ($190-$235)
Lens: 11% Seen Mild Transmission (VLT), filter class 3
