Dutch company BBB have long offered a diverse array of products including components, accessories, clothing, tools and more. They're now devoting more resources to items designed and developed in-house, as opposed to rebranded items from overseas manufacturers.
A case in point is the new Falcon helmet, which was not only developed in-house but also signals a new focus towards the higher end of the market with its £99.95 (€145 / approx US$215) price tag – not to mention its selection as the team helmet for the Cofidis squad.
Defining traits include 23 gaping vents made possible by generous 'SpiderWeb' carbon fibre and aluminium reinforcing structures (which, of course, are left visible in spots), in-mould construction, an easy-to-use retention system, anti-bacterial pads and a sleek appearance. BBB will offer the Falcon in two sizes and three colours.
Styling on the new BBB Falcon helmet is impressively high-end
Riders on more of a budget can instead look to the new Fenix helmet, which boasts a similar look and feel to the Falcon but with a more conventional internal reinforcement skeleton.
The vents are slightly smaller and the internal channeling not quite as deep as a result, so it won't feel quite as cool when summer returns, but then again the price tag is also more palatable at £66.95 (€95 / approx $140).
The Fenix will come in the same two sizes as the Falcon but in four colour options instead of three. Those looking for a peak can opt for the otherwise identical Moco.
Two new designed-in-house sport glasses will greet riders for 2010 as well. The Rapid is a full-framed model with Grilamid construction, rubber nosepieces and temple inserts, and a choice of standard, photochromic or polarised polycarbonate lenses. Even with the polarised lens, pricing is quite reasonable at £49.95 (€59.95 / approx $90), with other lens options coming in for even less.
BBB's Rapid glasses are available with polarised lenses
The new Arriver model offers some of the best value in the range, with its Grilamid half-frame design, rubber-coated temples and nosepieces, and included trio of polycarbonate lenses: smoke, yellow, and clear. Suggested retail price is £29.95 (€34.95 / approx $45).
The Arriver comes with three polycarbonate lenses
Other developments for 2010 include a new wireless version of BBB's MicroBoard computer, the HighPower rechargeable headlight with a 3W Cree LED emitter and rechargeable li-ion battery pack, new ergonomic FixSet grips with pressure-reducing 'wings' and optional integrated bar ends, the 20g carbon fibre LightCage bottle cage, and a more comprehensive XXL version of BBB's popular MicroFold mini-tool range.
The new FixSet grips include extra 'wings' to help distribute pressure across your palms