Fox Purevue commits to the open-face helmet and goggle look

Wearing goggles with half-shell helmet is a niche trend, if a growing one. As bikes that aren’t technically downhill bikes get better and better, people are looking for the comfort and clarity of goggles, if not necessarily the protection of a downhill helmet. If that describes you, Fox is here for you. As part of it’s 50th anniversary celebrations Fox is releasing the Purevue goggles.

Designed specifically for use with a half-shell helmet, the Purevue’s have a look as distinct as their function. They also might be as functional, even for a half-shell/goggle doubter, as they are distinctive in appearance.

We’ve had a few rides in these half-shell goggles. They’re not the first to this admittedly-niche product segment, but they’re good. In part, due to the lens quality, but there’s more to them than just optics. Check out details about the Purevue goggles below followed by our first impressions of this divisive look.

Fox Purevue goggles: the details

Purevue is an all-new line for Fox. While the mountain bike and motocross brand has a long history in goggles, and apparel more generally, the open-face helmet and goggle market is a more recent trend. The Purevue goggle is designs specifically for this purpose.

How? Well, it’s lighter, much more breathable and smaller than any of Fox’s other goggles. Fox also is debuting its VIVID lens technology, designed specifically for high-contrast vision in poor lighting conditions with the Purevue. Dappled light, fog, and trails going in and out of the woods: all are difficult to make a single lens for, never mind in combination. Vivid lens’ aim to manage each condition as well as transition between them. Fox will expand Vivid to Vue, Airspace and Main full-size goggles in Fall 2024. That’s a good thing for mountain bikers as the new tinted lens is great in a range of conditions.

As for the frame, Fox uses a smaller body and partial frame. It’s a bit of a merger between sunglasses and goggles, with foam lining most of the Purevue frame and a nose piece, which comes in several sizes, adding support.

“Like most design briefs at Fox, we approached trail-specific eyewear with a unique perspective that is authentic to our brand. Purevue was born from gravity and a rider’s preference to wear a goggle for additional security and field of view like you find in a full-face helmet, but specifically developed for trail riding experiences (including the functionality of climbing),” said Ryan…