The lens also reacts quickly to changes in light. ROKA Matador are unique thanks to the shape of their frame. Tifosi Alliant sunglasses are also durable, and suitable for various MTB disciplines like cross-country. Firstly you get a much bigger field of view, noticeably less obstructed by the frame, and secondly, you are afforded (on the whole) greater wind protection. The lenses are enormous, some of the biggest out there, only second to the POC Devour, which gives a pretty uninterrupted field of view. This technology is called HiPER and is available for selected lenses only. Our main criticism is that for such a premium-priced pair of cycling sunglasses the build quality feels a little cheap compared to the other options on this list. Once youve cast your eyes over the recommendations, keep scrolling to find our buyers guide to cycling sunglasses. The use of sunglasses by the cyclist is significant and recommended because it helps prevent the eyes from the brightness of the sun and contains some upcoming dangers like dust, bugs, etc., from entering the eyes. In this article, we'll take the mystery out of sunglasses and help you understand what to look for when you buy a pair. Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. While buying glasses, you will come across several different dimensions. Frameless cycling glasses offer the most unimpeded view, provided they have the same size lens as the equivalent full frame option. Polarized lenses are suitable for cyclists living in a sunny area or near the ocean.On the other hand, polarized lenses make reading the screen of your cycling computer or a mobile phone a little bit more difficult. The impact-resistant, single-piece lens offers great clarity. Three lenses are included a dark tint, yellow for low light and clear and swapping by popping them out of the frame is straightforward. And quite frankly, cycling sunglasses are a perfect accessory that underlines your style. There are no vents, but the lens sits far enough away from your face that you wont miss them. The box includes a clear lens for poor weather conditions and two different nose pieces. The biggest disadvantage riders report is that they tend to fog. The Oakley Sutro has proved to possess some pretty decent staying power, thanks to a combination of excellent optics but also a style that's good both on and off the bike. Now things have moved on, and a single lens can often cope with both bright sun and very low light too. No, you wont get the precise optics of Oakleys, but its hard to beat the quality and style options for the price. The Propulse has a fit similar to Rudy Projects Cutline model, with a soft and easily adjustable nosepiece and grippy temple arms. The temple length is also important. Sunglasses are regulated by law and must block UVA and UVB, and all the glasses here will meet the minimum required protection. RELATED: 7 Oakley sunglasses hits and misses. Best Sport Sunglasses For Hiking: Sunski Treeline. Not as good as the Encoder, but probably the second best. That being said, more premium options have advantages in terms of adjustability, field of view, build quality and optical clarity. Rapha has a bit of a reputation for high prices compared to the competition, so it's refreshing here to see it coming in at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Oakley Custom Holbrook. When shopping for sunglasses, its worth considering the overall package. The lenses feature contrast-enhancing technology. I admit these are not the cheapest cycling sunglasses, but they are worth the price. The enormous lens measures over 60mm at certain points, giving these an incredibly bold look. If you keep an eye on the US cycling scene, you may know ROKA thanks to L39ion of the Los AngelesUCI continental team. The Tifosi Alliant cycling glasses stay firmly on your head thanks to rubbery arm tips and an adjustable nose piece. We get asked this a lot, so we put together a full piece on cheap vs expensivecycling glasses to answer it comprehensively once and for all. The quality of the mirrored Hiper lens is as good as any and the finish around the edges is noticeably high-quality. Previously, in the era of Coppi et al, cycling sunglasses were just sunglasses, or if your name was Laurent Fignon, actual spectacles. The Best Cycling Sunglasses Ranked & Reviewed 11. Top-rated cycling glasses to protect your eyes out on the road. For night time, a clear lens is really the only choice, so if you're going to be riding in the dark then make sure your glasses ship with a clear lens, or at least come with the option of swapping to one. The most important dimensions are the bridge &frame width. This means on smaller faces they tend to slide forwards. To hear all about what we loved and what we didn't like head to our POC Devour review. Naturally, they are available in multiple color options, and you can buy an extra photochromic lens. Naturally, they will fog during certain conditions but will become clear quickly. Disclaimer: These recommendations come from my experience, and I dont guarantee that the sunglasses with these dimensions will fit you. Tifosi Eyewear Alliant Gunmetal Fototec Light Night Lens. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. So as with our recent sunglasses roundup, here you'll find a selection of riders from this year's Tour de France, their choice of footwear (sponsor correct or otherwise), and we'll give you clues. Theyre a chance to present yourself to the world. You also dont have to be afraid of fog because the lenses are fog-resistant. These two measurements influence how well the sunglasses will fit you. The Oakley Encoder cycling sunglasses feel rigid despite their frameless design. In this section, you learn what to be aware of when choosing them. Elements Protection 3. Rudy Projects Deltabeat cycling glasses blend the right amount of stiffness and flex to achieve an ideal fit and remain secure even off-road. One cannot falter with any of these. One drawback we did notice was that the lenses, because they sit quite far out from the face, are prone to producing internal reflections when the sun is either to the side or behind. Oakley: Flight Jacket, Jawbreaker . To that end, if you've not found the sunglasses you likeso far in this guide, here are a few more options. At this price, this is disappointing and takes the shine off a nearly excellent set of cycling sunglasses. Especially in the summer months when it is warm, and they are the most active. There was a problem. For cycling-specific sunglasses that perform well without draining your wallet, the Rail brings a lot to the table. This should be the person at the front of the pack. They can reduce the amount of UV exposure to your eyes. Heavily vented frames ensure consistent airflow and we didnt experience any fogging during testing. Where do you put your sunglasses when cycling? The Propulse wins our Editors Choice award because the glasses have excelled on trail, road, and track in direct sun and low light. CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Another high-coverage lens, the Wildcat is among Smiths best due to its flexible fit, visual clarity, comfort, and style. If you suffer from any of these types, you should buy sunglasses for your type of color blindness. In terms of performance, the Pro Team full frame glasses have a pretty tenacious grip on even the smallest heads. As with all tech, there is a dizzying array of jargon, some of it useful and a lot of it not so much. When choosing the best products, I evaluate users' experiences, reviews, discussions, etc. Your glasses will be easily accessible in these places, so you can put them on when needed. If you ride alone, it may not be such a big deal. Many of them perform well but are outranked by competitors that are so similar in their intent that it makes no sense to include both in this list. There are three basic types of UV radiation: UV-A and UV-B penetrate the atmosphere even in the shade or in cloudy conditions. If you have a narrow face, aim for narrower frame widths (around 140 mm). These UV rays effects on our eyes are also confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). All the sunglasses below met our high standard for quality, durability, and value. SunGod Velans FF. Oakley produces a tonne of new models all the time. The 100% S2 cycling glasses blend 1980s style and more modern, angular design. The best cycling sunglasses, in order of preference Rapha Pro Team Full Frame Glasses. The Oakley Sutro is ideal for riders who prioritize coverage (and the big, bold, maximalist style). In the summer, reach for category 2 or 3 lenses. Every pair of shades on this list has been thoroughly tested by me or the Bicycling gear team on a variety of ride types. You can bend the temple arms with enough force, but they just bend back into place. The following picture illustrates the most important ones. The best and most highly rated cycling sunglasses to buy as rated by the experts in 2022 include: 100%: S2, S3, Speedcraft. These sunglasses are available in multiple attractive colors. The temple pads and nosepiece are a hydrophilic elastomer that maintains grip even after youre all sweaty, although the distance between the arms may be uncomfortably narrow for people with wide faces. Large frames, for example, can often hover in your peripheral vision, which some riders might find annoying, whereas frameless models offer a much more unrestricted view. A very close-fitting layer against the skin will also allow body temperature to be regulated more effectively, whether wicking moisture away from the skin to keep the body cooler in hot weather or . In the end, you want to look cool, dont you? 100% also developed lenses that increase color contrast and clarity. The skeletal arms are removable when it comes to swapping to the included clear lens, though the main Clarity lens is excellent for most conditions. They also sit very close to the face, so if you need absolute wind protection then these may well be a good choice, especially for smaller heads. What glasses does Tadej Pogaar wear? Second, they are comfortable, thanks to rubber nose pads and arm pieces. Third, replacing lenses is also effortless, thanks to Switchlock technology. The best cycling glasses can basically nullify the effect of even the strongest gusts to keep your eyes tear-free and able to focus on the road ahead. Simon writes reviews and features on power meters, smart trainers, aerodynamic bikes and kit, and nerdy topics like chain lubricants, tyres and pro bike tech. Enduras FS260 Pro is more of a package than a single pair of cycling sunglasses. The silver-violet Carl Zeiss lens on our apophyllite green test pair was ideal for bright days with a lot of glare but a bit too dark for overcast skies (theres also a trail option with more visible light transmission for shadier riding conditions). The Endura Dorado II cycling glasses are svelte, well fitting and come with an array of lenses. They fit best small to medium-sized faces. The quality of construction felt like that of much more premium models too, so if you're looking for a bargain then these are one to definitely consider. Try 6 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 9.99 | SAVE 74% today. For wider-faced runners, the brands BFG sunglasses offer a similar look plus a wider frame, larger lenses, longer arms, and silicone inserts at the nose and temples. Verve HDII come with a protective case to protect them against damage during transport. The coverage of the 53mm tall, 131mm wide lens is excellent, with the chunky frame only visible at extreme angles. And although the Prizm lens didnt collect fog, it did pool sweat where the lens met the frame, said the other. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. And, if you manage to scratch the lens, you can replace it easily. Our only gripe is that you only get one set of lenses a clearer option would be better for darker days. However, taking place in the best cycling glass also has a lot to offer. Its why even a lot of frameless designs still have a thin rim on the bottom of the lensit keeps the lens from cutting your face in an impact. Fourth, you may also notice the holes on the top of the lenses. The Prizm Black we've got here is a good all-around option, especially if you're an all black everything kind of rider, but the low-light performance isn't as good. Some hate them. Though their name might suggest theyre just for shielding your eyes from the sun, the best cycling glasses and sunglasses will do much more than that. ROCKBROS Sunglasses for Men Women Cycling Sunglasses. So, here are the 3 main reasons to wear cycling sunglasses: Did you know UV rays can cause eye cancer (ocular melanoma)? The field of view compared to the Sutros is not as good, but the retention is far superior, especially on smaller heads, and you can swap lenses too, making them even better value. The quality lens on the 100% Eastcraft glasses is very clear. There are three different lenses in the box, including a photochromic option, making these ideal for days when the weather is changeable. 100% sunglasses are typical for their large size, sharp edges, and high-quality materials. 1. Blenders Eyewear Phantom Boss 9. The Speedcraft glasses are available in more than ten attractive colors and in Peter Sagans limited editions. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Thanks to the big lens, they provide enough protection to your eyes yet are still comfortable to wear. Oakley Radar EV Path (Best Cycling Sunglasses Overall) Oakley Radar EV Path Main features Available in multiple colors Interchangeable lens Adjustable nose pads and arm pieces Available with polarized lens Technical specs Weight: 29 g Lens width: 138 mm Lens height: 50 mm Bridge width: 13 mm Temple Lenght: 128 mm UV400 filter Jumbo-Visma riders use glasses from Shimano's S-Phyre range. According to the EU standard (EN 1836:2005), there are five basic light transmission categories of lenses. These dont come with the robust hard case that Rudy usually includes. 1. ROCKBROS Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women are, as appears from the name, unisex cycling sunglasses. The rounded edges of the robust lenses shouldnt chip. Why photochromic lenses are great for cycling. The S-Phyre X (left, 139) is a rigid half-rim design with a one-piece lens and a lower rim that you can either fit or detach. As well as looking wonderful (though I'll concede that beauty is in the eye of the beholder), particularly when used with a POC helmet, the Aspire offers excellent lens clarity thanks to Carl Zeiss optics, and bendable arms to get the perfect fit. They arent the lightest cycling sunglasses around, weighing in at 39.5g. The price is good, but the package only includes one lens tint, which somewhat limits their all-conditions versatility. If you had to choose one lens only, the Prizm Road is the cream of the crop, but most brands have a proprietary lens technology now and they are all significantly better than a plain black lens. Their design is timeless (take a look at riders in the pro peloton, and I am sure you find a rider wearing them) and fits most face shapes. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, They also transition from fully clear to a dark smoked lens in just 8.25 seconds. The nose piece is adjustable, allowing you to tweak the fit to a degree. "Both lightweight and made for the long haul." Best for Skiing: Oakley Holbrook Square Sunglasses at Oakley. The shape is excellent for aggressive positions too. This means that, like the Prism Road lens, it is good in high sun and low light too, although as with all 100% glasses, the S3 ships with a clear lens too for riding at night. Here at Cyclingnews, we spend a lot of time using, testing and reviewing all cycling glasses to get a feel for which are the best, and by association, which we want to include in this guide. The impact-resistant, photochromic, OLEO/Hydro coated lenses are water- and chemical-resistant, and are guaranteed against cracking. Then don something hyper-performance. Cycling glasses have evolved greatly in the last couple of decades to the point now where there are competing proprietary lens technologies, baffling shapes, and a mix of frame styles too. Yes, cycling sunglasses are worth it. Sunglasses Not PRO: Casual-wear sunglasses or anything with a wire frame is highly unacceptable. But, feature-wise, it differs a few. Using prescription lenses when riding a bike is important if you have poor eyesight. Switching between lenses is also a doddle, thanks to an innovative, spring-loaded design. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links (learn more). Otherwise, the glasses will look too big on your face and may even slip. Oakley Jawbreaker Sunglasses. Style meets substance. In worse conditions, such as wind and rain, the 100% Eastcraft frames stay in place while the outside of the lens dispels water and grime. They provide an interrupted view field thanks to the frameless construction. To achieve this, brands like POC and Smith use hydrophilic rubberwhich maintains its grip as you sweaton nose and temple pads. Big, eighties-style sunglasses are back in fashion at the moment and these do have several advantages, such as massive amounts of protection and coverage, but their bold looks arent for everyone. Unfortunately, during my research, I didnt find any specialized cycling sunglasses for colorblind people. 100% Speedcraft Sunglasses 8. One of their significant advantages (except for the unique look) is that you can customize the colors of the frame and lenses to match them with your helmet, bike, or cycling kit. And if the lens gets foggy, it will be clear again within seconds. The temple arms are also thick but similarly comfortable, although the straight-back shape and lack of grip meant they allowed the sunglasses to slide off our testers face when he looked down. The large lens offers protection and visibility without proving bulky. Lenses are the most important part of sunglasses. It's not as breezy as the Kato, which was airy to a fault, but for hot riding, it allows a lot of air in behind to keep your face cool and also avoid fogging better than any I've tested. They're no longer the best performing pair of Oakleys, but I think they may well be the best value. We've listed them as a full frame as, despite appearing that the lenses are attached only at the edges, there is a frame behind adding structural rigidity. The adjustable nosepiece has two positions on each side, snapping into place with a satisfying click and staying there. Our clear-to-red lenses proved ideal for a night of velodrome racing, blocking glare as the sun set and letting in plenty of light after dark. Also available at competitivecyclist.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.co.uk. In a word: Protection. The Roka CP-1x offers full-frame protection in a lightweight package: Our test model weighed 28 grams, and the frames feature titanium core wires that help the glasses hold their shape. Just a very few cycling sunglasses have such a clean design. Oakley do make the Sutro S for smaller faces now, so if you are like me I'd opt for that model. For longer rides, they may well dig in a little on big heads so be warned, but if you struggle to find cycling glasses that stay on your head these may be a good option. Polarization. Trust me. The Prizm 24k lenses here are exceptional, probably unparalleled, for the brightest days, but they lack the low light clarity of the Prizm Road as seen in the Oakley Encoder. The inclusion of three sets of quality lenses makes this an appealing package. Ekoi: Perso Evo 9. Read more about them in the UV protection section. What's more, they're extremely comfortable and have excellent retention, mostly thanks to having a fold in the upper portion of the lens adding rigidity. How to choose the best cycling glasses for you. Raphas Explore line was designed to blend the brands understated performance gear with a more casual look. But the shades offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection and cut down on glare well. All cycling sunglasses listed above have the UV400 filter. You find here budget, mid-range, and high-end cycling sunglasses, so you can choose those that fit your budget. (And unlike the brands Flywheel sunglasses, these lenses are easy to interchange.)