Oakley are digging into their expansive history for their new Heritage Series goggles. The 2012 line-up not only includes retro-inspired colors and a return of Oakley's old logo but even two throwback frame shapes.
The Heritage Series will include six models in total: the Mayhem, Crowbar, Proven, O Frame, E Frame and L Frame. Sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum are two new Troy Lee Designs edition Mayhem goggles with thoroughly modern looks.
Oakley have also added three new glasses designs to their range for 2012, including the women's-specific Radar Edge with a slimmer fit and smaller lens to better cater to narrower and smaller faces. On the more casual side are the new Jupiter Squared and Dispatch 2, with slightly tweaked shapes relative to the originals – which will remain in the line-up – and the same US$120-180 pricetag.
In non-eyewear news, we're sad to report that Oakley have decided to exit the mountain bike clothing business, citing a desire to concentrate more heavily on other clothing markets where they have more of a presence, such as surfing. Oakley will continue to offer accessories such as gloves but if you're a fan of their trail duds, best to grab it now. /JH
Oakley's new Radar Edge is purpose-built for women's faces, including a lower-profile frame, smaller lenses and softer color options
Smith Optics: Pivlock evolves, Pivlock V2 and V2 Max
We first saw Smith's new Pivlock V2 on the face of HTC-Highroad's Tejay Van Garderen at the Tour de France. The white pair he had matched the polka dot climber's jersey quite well when he pulled it on after stage 8. The basic premise of the design hasn't changed; the Pivlock still attaches two separate ear stems and a nosepiece to a full coverage, rimless lens that also serves as a structural piece.
Those ear stems are new, slightly sleeker and more solid, as is the cut of the lens. The most notable improvement to the Pivlock, however is the new, adjustable, nosepiece. This piece features three detents that allow for better fit to different sized noses, and also the ability to adjust how far the lens sits from your face.
Smith's new Pivlock V2 (l) and the current Pivlock
Gabe Schroder, of Smith's ski and outdoor department, said that adjusting the nosepiece in pushes the glasses off your face, increasing ventilation when climbing, and you can then open it for the closest fit on the descent. The Pivlock V2 will be available in November with the standard and Max lens shapes in white, black, orange and blue, initially.
Not specific to Pivlock V2, but used to make the new frame, is Smith's new Rilsan Clear material. Rislan Clear is a composite that's made with 53 percent renewable non-genetically modified fiber from caster plants, and serves as a non-petroleum plastic substitute. /MP
The new glasses have more solid earstems with a more robust attachment
BBB launch customizable Select glasses for 2012
Dutch parts and accessory company BBB debuted their new Select sunglasses at this year's Interbike show with a strong emphasis on customization. The full-sized glasses feature durable Grilamid frames in three colors, polycarbonate lenses in seven different tints (including photochromics), plus a range of earstem cover color options, too.
In total, BBB say the glasses offer a grand total of 1,029 combinations to suit your particular taste and style. As usual, pricing is modest, starting at €79.95 for complete kits including three lenses and a semi-rigid carrying case. Additional lenses start at €19.95 and temple tips will cost €4.95 per pair. /JH