Posted in Cycle

Splitting the wind on an adrenaline-rushing descent can be eye-watering without quality cycling glasses. Take a look at some of the best cycling eyewear with our in-depth buying guide.

Once you start spending a lot of time cycling at speed, you start to realise the importance of performance eyewear. For many, the rush of wind against the eye sets off the waterworks and you can be left in a teary mess at the roadside. 

Meanwhile, debris, rain, mud, and absent-minded insects can easily find their way into the eyeball, with the high-speeds of road and downhill trail riding giving your blink reaction little time to kick-in. 

Even clear days pose a threat, with exposure to strong or even moderate sunlight proving potentially damaging to the hard-working irises of cyclists everywhere. 

There is, however, a solution to each of problems - performance eyewear, a vital part of your road and mountain biking equipment. 


Why do I need performance eyewear?

Of course, a decent set of sunglasses is going to mitigate most risks but there are other advantages too.

Firstly, bike-specific glasses are designed to wrap around the head and fully cover the eyes, meaning you get full protection, even from projectiles coming from obtuse angles. Along with providing a wide field of view, this wrap-around design also does a better job of keeping the lenses in place than non-bike specific glasses, especially over bumps or if you take a quick look down at your cycling computer.

Secondly, the lenses are often equipped with special materials and features to handle the demands of two-wheeled action, while the frames themselves are super-light and aerodynamically designed. 

Finally, and not necessarily least importantly, they also look great, especially in the context of a complete cycling kit. 


Here's a look at some of the features offered by performance eyewear

Anti-fogging

A special anti-fogging coating is applied to the lens to prevent them from fogging up, especially in cold weather. Others come with specially designed vents that allow any fog build-up to clear quickly. 

UV Protection

UV protection is important for long days in the saddle, especially as it can be difficult to tell the damage the sun is doing to your eyes during exposure. 

Photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses automatically change their tint depending on the level of light exposure. While the technology comes at a price, it's very advantageous for those going out into changeable conditions. 

Extra lenses

Performance eyewear often comes with additional lenses so you can swap between the shades that best fit the needs of the ride, such as extra low-light lenses to improve visibility in the late evening. 

Hydroleophobic coating

A hydroleophobic exterior surface coating is a special chemical compound that repels dirt and stops grime build up on the lens. 

Tear-offs

Another way to tackle a filthy lens is to use tear-offs. Especially useful when racing or riding at the back of a group in the rain or on the muddy trail, tear offs allow you to pull away a sheet of transparent plastic, giving you a perfectly clear view within a split second. Although they're more suited to goggles, there are some tear-offs available for road cycling eyewear. 

Grippers and nose piece

To ensure you have the perfect fit, many professional-standard glasses come with an adjustable nose piece, while silicone grippers along the legs ensure the glasses stay in place during even the most raucous rides. 


Which performance eyewear should I choose?

Cycling eyewear comes in all manner of shapes and styles, allowing you to truly express yourself should you feel the need. Whether you want something utilitarian or flamboyant, there's a variety of styles to suit your needs. 


Road eyewear

Whilst most styles of sunglasses can be used for either road or off-road riding, you should still consider the type of riding you'll be doing. Time trialists and triathletes might prefer to go for rim-less frames so that, from the aggressive aero position, there's nothing in your line of vision. Winter commuters and those who enjoy night riding might prefer a clear lens or a style that comes with interchangeable lenses to cover all conditions.


MTB glasses and googles

Good coverage is essential to protect your eyes from trail dirt and mud. Also, you might want to consider helmet compatibility, particularly for downhill or enduro. 

Shop MTB eyewear at Wiggle

 

Über den Autor

Bild des Benutzers Damien Whinnery
Damien Whinnery
Veröffentlicht am : 05 Jul 2021

Fascinated by fitness, serious about sport, and joyous about the gym