Since 1888 they have been creating glasses and helmets by combining style and performanceToday they are a brand recognized throughout the world and support cyclists in every need. The team Kern Pharma dresses the best models of Bollé for every pro race. With Giovanni Carboni let's discover the glasses provided and the technical curiosities that a professional athlete is able to appreciate.
Let's first analyze the C-Shifter model, a product that thanks to its versatility, accompanies the cyclist in every road race. Following the Lightshifter, chosen by the Marche region for the most adverse days thanks to their stability and the anti-scratch, oleo/hydrophobic treatment of the lens. Finally, the Icarus, used for the trials against time thanks to their aerodynamic silhouette and anti-fog treatment.
A model that stands out for the cylindrical lines, combined with technological detailsThe open structure ensures the best ventilation, with the TR90 nylon frame light, flexible and comfortable. The nose pads and temples are both adjustable and made of Thermogrip rubber and ensure a perfect fit.
Which model are you using this season?
I almost always use the C-Shifter apart from in the races with rain and worse weather where instead I use the Lightshifter.
Why?
Because I like to use the completely transparent lens but above all They're a little narrower and work better in wet conditions. I like how they fit on my face because they're more compact, so less water gets in and they're more protected. The lens makes water slide off and they never fog up.
For the time trials instead…
We use Icarus which integrate best with the helmet line and are very aerodynamic. They don't have a frame at the top, which makes them even lighter and sleeker when in position. They also offer 100 percent unobstructed vision.
Let's get back to C-Shifters. What lens do you usually use?
The dark mirror lens. Because it allows me to to protect myself as best as possible and to filter the sunlight moreIt is not excessively dark and therefore adapts very well even in changes in light, when entering a tunnel or on a shaded stretch of road going up or down.
Do you have the option to change lenses?
Yes, I can put one clearer lens which some of my friends also use in case of rain, but honestly in those conditions I like the transparent lens of the other model.
Have you ever used the Phantom+ photochromic lens?
No, because I prefer dark or clear lens settings. I know my teammates say it works really well. Mine is more of a habit.
What can you tell us about the stability of the glasses?
The temples are well-adherentThey follow the shape of my face very well. I have a very small face, and I wear a size S helmet, so despite everything, I have no issues with the stability of the glasses. The Thermogrip nose pads are adjustable and have a well-designed support and who does not suffer from sweating.
Back to the lenses. The Volt+ improves color vision by 30%. Have you noticed this quality?
I'm someone who really likes to take off my glasses when climbing. I have to say that The visual and practical quality of these lenses makes me forget to take them off. Plus, they're very light and after a while you forget you're wearing them.
Artificial intelligence
Bollé's Volt+ lens deserves a closer look. According to the French company, It's the first sunglasses created with artificial intelligenceBollé tested over 20 million combinations to develop the ultimate solution and then patented it. Tests show that Volt+ lenses improve color vision by 30%, without altering white balanceAmong the other results declared and confirmed by Carboni are high-contrast vision and excellent depth perception.
What colors do you use them in?
We have them in stock green, the team colors.
How do you rate the ventilation of these glasses?
It's a pair of glasses that lets you "breathe." The eye mask it doesn't let air in from belowThey remain very closed but at the same time well ventilated.
