Two French brands – Le Coq Sportif and Bollé – are partnering on custom versions of Bollé’s of FURO Mips helmet and SHIFTER sunglasses. This collaboration aims to ‘pay tribute to the common heritage of both brands at the highest level of cycling.’
The collaboration was originally initiated last year. Founded respectively in 1882 and 1888, both companies are French and have been involved in high-level cycling since the beginning of the 1950s, when Le Coq Sportif became the official jersey supplier of Le Tour de France, and when Bollé launched its first cycling-specific sunglasses, the Nylon Grand Sport.
With a view to echoing this common heritage, the brands have partnered on a capsule collection; Bollé x Le Coq Sportif. This is composed of two high performance products, the helmet FURO MIPS and SHIFTER sunglasses, customised with the colours of this partnership.
SHIFTER (RRP £100)
With its distinguishable retro-futuristic design based on Bollé’s 80s sports models, SHIFTER includes a combination of technologies. Frontal air vents directly integrated in the lens help ensure optimal air flow and prevent fogging.
A hydrophobic treatment (so that water droplets roll off) and oleophobic treatment (to repel dirt) keep the cyclist’s vision clear. SHIFTER Bollé x Le Coq Sportif features a category 3 lens with a tint ‘preserving a natural perception of the surroundings’.
This model is also equipped with Bollé’s Thermogrip hydrophilic rubber on the temples and the nose pads. Bollé adds that, by absorbing water, this material prevents the sunglasses from slipping and ensures a perfect grip during the most intense efforts.
FURO MIPS (RRP £179)
Aerodynamic development, ventilation design and air flow testing has led to the creation of FURO Mips, which is positioned as Bollé’s pinnacle performance road cycling helmet. FURO’s design is recognizable with its two aerodynamic features: a NACA duct allowing increased airflow, and a kamm tail. According to Bollé, this provides a smaller wake to reduce drag for better aerodynamic properties.
FURO MIPS features a 360° integrated MIPS® system, and claims to achieve extra protection against angled impacts.
Available this summer, the combo products will be sold in Le Coq Sportif shops and in the brands’ partner sports shops.
