Inspired by the Italian word for light, the LUCE collection offers new additions to the KOO Demos and Spectro line. These combine the cycling-specific designs of the Demos and Spectro with transparent frames and bright lens colors. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at KOO Demos in the LUCE Capsule collection. Retail price on the sunglasses is $190 and they are available in three different frame and lens combinations. The KOO Demos have a full frame construction with a lens-over-frame design that gives them a sporty semi-frameless appearance. They utilize an oversized single Zeiss polycarbonate lens with vents cut directly into them.
The KOO Demos sunglasses combine an aggressive oversized lens design with crisp optics and attractive lens and frame colors.
| Retail Price | $190 |
| Rating | Design: A- Optics: A Comfort: A Value: A- |
| Measured weight (in g) | 32 |
| Likes | + Creative colors + Lens over frame gives sunglasses a unique appearance + Temple arms and nose pad are easy to adjust |
| Dislikes | – Hard case is not included |
| Where to Buy (US) | KOO |
UNBOXING
The KOO Demos come in a white and blue cardboard box with the slogan “Your Eyes Our Vision” printed on them. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Demos sunglasses
- Fabric carrying bag
- Replacement nose pad
- Informational pamphlets
Surprisingly, KOO does not include a hard case with the sunglasses despite the premium price of them.
FIT & FINISH
The KOO Demos combine an angular single lens silhouette with a lens-over-frame design to create a distinctive and sporty look. With their oversized design, the Demos were specifically designed to create a wide-field-of-view for cycling. KOO currently offers the Demos sunglasses in an impressive 15 different lens and frame combinations. This includes glossy, matte and even transparent frame designs with mild to wild color options like black to yellow. Within the LUCE Capsule collection there are three options: red glass / red lens, violet glass / green and the teal blue glass / orange we have here in this review. It’s a bright design that combines a translucent teal frame with a mirrored orange frame. Branding is limited to white KOO logos on the temples and the center of the lens for a clean look. Although these are full frame sunglasses, the lack of a nose bridge and thin covered frame make it look more like semi-frameless.
While the transparent frame design makes the sunglasses look fragile, they are one of the stiffest we’ve reviewed. There is very little flex even with the lenses removed from the frame which gives them a substantial and premium feel. With the transparent frame you can visually see the tabs that hold the lens in place as well as the hinge mechanism. The temple arms almost feel like auto-locking arms but are just stiff and require extra force to open and close. Megol inserts in the temple arms provide are non-slip and can flex to accommodate different head shapes.
The nose pads on the Demos have a two-position design that can be tilted inward or outward. Applying a little pressure adjusts the position on each side of the nose pad between a narrow or wide position. KOO includes a second nose pad included to accommodate different nose shapes that can be swapped in by sliding the nose pad onto the grooves. KOO has also designed the Demos with a replaceable lens design. Removing the lens requires lifting the top brow off the lens and tabs, then pulling the lens upward. Our sunglasses have a Cat 2 mirrored orange lens with 35% VLT which is great for sunny days. Replacement lenses cost around $100 depending on which option is selected.
ON THE ROAD
Despite their oversized size, we had no issues wearing the KOO Demos with various helmets like the Limar Air Atlas or Smith Trace. The temple arms are flexible and don’t create any pressure points even on long rides. We found the sunglasses to be comfortable and ideal for riding on sunny days as there is a wide field of view. The Zeiss lens have excellent clarity and increase contrast and colors which makes it easier to spot potholes or debris on the road. We are also fans of the LUCE Capsule color variation as the red mirrored lens and transparent frame are bright and eye-catching. While the sunglasses don’t have the clever magnetic lens system of the Julbo Edge or Shimano S-PHYRE, the full frame design makes them feel robust and well made.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the KOO Demos to be attractive and comfortable sunglasses. With their sharp edges and lens-over-frame design the Demos have a distinctive look. The LUCE Capsule versions take that styling to the next level by adding transparent lenses and bright mirrored lens options. We found the sunglasses to be comfortable and well ventilated for doing short or long rides. The oversized lens and flexible temple arms provide a wide field of view that’s comfortable on short or long rides. If there was one thing we could change it would be the fact that KOO doesn’t include a zippered hard case with the sunglasses which is surprising at this price point. That said, if you’re looking for aggressive styled cycling sunglasses with crisp optics the KOO Demos are a great option.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by KOO. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.