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Oakley released its anticipated Jawbone sunglasses worldwide to coincide with their debut on riders at the 2009 Tour de France.
Oakley devised a new design that includes original frame architecture for its newest line of sunglasses targeted at sports enthusiasts.
“Jawbone is a milestone in technology, a true breakthrough that provides athletes with an invaluable performance tool,” said Colin Baden, president of Oakley.
The company sponsors many professional athletes including several cyclists. Lance Armstrong, 7-time champion of the Tour de France, is taking advantage of the new Jawbone in this year’s race. “This is exactly what I expect from Oakley — more than just a new benchmark,” said Armstrong. “Jawbone gives me the performance, fit and styling I have come to expect from Oakley for over 20 years now. The simple lens changing lets me match my vision to racing conditions with ease.” Oakley has also released a LIVESTRONG special edition of Jawbone, characterized by the organization’s trademark yellow and black colors, to aid the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its ongoing mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
Oakley riders George Hincapie, Mark Cavendish, Oscar Pereiro, Amael Moinard and Thor Hushovd are sporting new Jawbones at the Tour de France in various color combinations crafted specifically to suit the riders’ tastes. Beginning in September 2009, Oakley plans to introduce a program that will allow customers to create their own color combinations for the sunglasses’ frames and stem sleeves.
The Oakley Jawbone utilizes Switchlock technology to allow easy switching of the lenses to adapt to any sports environment. The nose piece flips up, the jawbone flips down, and the lens slides out with minimal handling. The glasses come with interchangeable lenses available in several shapes and a spectrum of colors.
A new lens suspension system means they virtually float around the orbital space reducing stress and giving crisp optical clarity. The lenses are polarized with 100% UV protection and a hydrophobic coating that repels rain and sweat and prevents streaking on the lenses. They also employ Oakley’s signature High Definition Optics for unbeatable clarity at all angles of vision.
Interchangeable nose piece sizes and specially-crafted components that increase grip with sweat ensure a comfortable fit.
George Hincapie, U.S. pro champion and Olympic cyclist, says these are “the baddest racing glasses Oakley has made.”