Are you looking for a great pair of cycling sunglasses? If you are but have no clue where to start, keep reading.
Over the years, cycling sunglasses have significantly evolved. Not only do they have excellent performance, but they also come in cool styles and colors.
While riding, your cycling eyewear should offer you the best eye protection and blockage from the sun. One factor that you should consider when purchasing cycling sunglasses is the level of UV protection.
With so many brands on the market, how do you choose the best sunglasses for cycling?
I’ll answer that question below. Keep reading to find out the top 13 best cycling sunglasses.
Best Value for Money
1. Tifosi Alliant
Great for both light and shade, thanks to the variable lens. A major benefit is the ability to cycle with your head down, without the top of the frame intruding.
High in comfortability, and the design is excellent for people with wider faces. The frame is 3 inches wide.
Additional features include the vents throughout the sunglasses to provide amazing airflow.
The light transmission ranges from 28% 0 76%. Just enough to keep your eyes shaded. But these sunglasses work best in low light conditions.
2. Shimano Spark
The wide-view on the Shimano Spark sunglasses is great for turning curves and angles. Other features that you may enjoy is the lightweight and fast design of the sunglasses. They have a single lens with Jumbo-Visma.
No matter your face shape, you can adjust the fitting. Do you like nose support with sunglasses? There is an adjustable nose pad that features a different thickness on each side.
Cycling can be intense, but these frames come with an anti-scratch treatment. The lens is interchangeable, and it offers UV400 protection. Additionally, the frames have clear lenses with a silver smoke mirror appearance.
3. Kask Koo Open
The Kask Koo open sunglasses are designed for a perfect fit on your face. This brand of glasses offers you the clearest sight. There is a folding pivot that makes the sunglasses easier to fold and store without any damage.
A rubber nose-pad provides soft nose support for long-rides. With the standard package, a smaller nose bridge is included. This allows for a more secure fit. The interchangeable lenses are easy to remove. Optimum vision is provided year-round by changing the lenses.
The Airflow Active System provides you with the clearest lens, no matter the weather.
- Polycarbonate with each component
- Carl Zeiss lens (German)
- Ventilation through channels that maximizes airflow
4. Smith Optics Pivlock Arena
The larger lens on the Smith Optics Pivlock Arena sunglasses is great for enhanced coverage. Whether you are a new or experienced cyclist, this pair of sunglasses has the best fit for any type of performance.
Other features include the adjustable nose piece that can be changed to two different positions. Designed for high performance, the carbonic lenses are ideal for multiple lighting conditions.
The TR90 frame material enhances the look and feels of the sunglasses. Lastly, the slide-on temple tips offer an even more comfortable fit.
Best for Performance
1. 100% S2
You have to mention the 100% S2 sunglasses when speaking of high-performance eyewear. They are designed to enhance your visibility while riding. Not only do the sunglasses offer maximum eye protection, but they are also stylish!
The features you may love is the TR90 Grillamid frame. This frame is lightweight, sweat-resistant, durable, and shatterproof. All things that can make your ride smoother. The S2 provides excellent coverage due to the 5.5 base.
The lower half of the frames have laser-etches that mimic the benefits of frames that do not have a rim.
2. Oakley Flight Jacket
Are you looking for a lens that is 100% UV protected while also being high performing? The Oakley Flight Jacket is a great option. You get a lightweight, impacted protected Plutonite lens that offers superior comfort. Not only do you experience comfort, but you get enhanced clarity for longer rides.
Color, sharpness, and contrast are enhanced with the PRIZM Lens Technology. This technology allows you to see changes in road texture and other hazards quickly in lighter conditions. The light transmission is 10%.
What makes the Oakley Flight jacket even more high-performing is the High Definition Optics, great for superior clarity and sharp vision.
- Assembled in the USA.
- Oakley Plutonite Lenses offer 100% UV Protection filtering of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm. Oakley’s...
- PRIZM Lens Technology designed to enhance color, contrast and detail so athletes can make the most of any activity. Prizm Road...
3. POC DO Blade
Who says you can’t have high-performing eyewear and look great at the same time? The POC DO Blade offers fashion and function. There is a hydrophilic rubber on the frames that provides support in all weather conditions. When you move, the sunglasses will stick to your face for increased comfort while riding.
You can expect an optimal field of view. The sunglasses are excellent for sunny to partly cloudy weather. There is a visible light transmission on the glasses that go from 10%-28%.
Great fit for extreme activity!
- POC Do Blade Sunglasses - Basalt Blue Violet/Silver Mirror Lens
4. Adidas Zonyk Aero Pro
From a double-snap nose bridge to tri-fit temples, the Adidas Zonyk Aero Pro is one of the best lightweight performance sunglasses. Having the ability to adjust the glasses in three different areas allows for the best fit and comfort levels.
Traction grip on the glasses offers non-slip features that are beneficial for fast and head down riding. A feature that stands out is the prescription-ready lenses. If you wear prescription glasses, you can also get your prescription on these Adidas performance lenses.
Best Photochromic Sunglasses
1.Oakley Radar EV Photochromic
Oakley rarely disappoints with their products. This remains true with the Radar EV Photochromic sunglasses. With these glasses, your eyes are protected against 100% of UV exposure. Going beyond the UV protection, you also receive 400mm support against harmful blue light.
If you plan to ride in extremely light conditions, the photochromic lenses will adjust to your conditions. You can expect sharp vision even on angles, thanks to the High Definition Optics of the lenses.
The lightweight frames provide all-day comfort. The O Matter frame is stress-resistant, durable, thermoplastic, and flexible. They are built to last. You can optimize your performance with the interchangeable lens system.
- Official Oakley replacement lenses that fits all Radar EV Advancer sunglasses
- Plutonite lenses that offers UV Protection to filter out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mmm, while...
- Offical Oakley Microbag included to clean and store your Oakley replacement lenses
2. Smith Optics Attack ChromaPop
I am amazed at the design of these sunglasses. They offer a great medium fit with adjustable nose width. You can expect medium coverage and toric lens curvature.
What is highly notable and loved by many, is the Chroma Pop Carbonic lenses. They give you impact protection, water and oil resistance, and visual comfort. Specific light wavelengths are filtered through the lenses. This causes the lenses to have greater definition and clarity.
No matter what lighting conditions you are in, the lenses are 100% UV protected. Speaking of lighting conditions, the sunglasses are versatile and highly adaptable to light conditions.
3. Julbo Rush Reactiv Photochromic
It’s all in the name! The Julbo Rush sunglasses are designed for speed. The vented lens is superb for both lateral and vertical vision. As for fit, the glasses can be adjusted in three areas for a more comfortable and secure fit. Maximum ventilation prevents the fogging of the lens.
When cycling fast, you need intense hold. Thee 3D fit nose can be adjusted to fit your nose shape perfectly. A high contrast lens works best from dawn to dust. The red tent on the sunglasses helps to relax your eyes.
As the lighting conditions change, the lenses will adapt. The photochromic technology helps to promote accurate vision when the light changes.
Fingerprints or any moisture won’t last on the lenses due to the hydrophobic coating.
4. Bolle Vortex
Bolle Vortex sunglasses have amazing style. A top feature includes the lightweight lenses with a hydrophobic coating. This coating is called Carboglas Coating. It provides protection from scratches.
The main material the glasses are made from is plastic. Nylon is used to make the B88 frames. The frames are extremely flexible. You can mold them to fit your face.
The nose pad is adjustable to fit your comfort level. With the optics control system on these sunglasses, the interchangeable lens provides clarity in different lighting conditions.
5. Shimano S-Phyre R
Last on the list for the best photochromic cycling sunglasses is the Shimano S-Phyre R. A distinguishing factor about these glasses is the rimless frame. Due to the rimless design, the glasses are lightweight, making them ideal for long riding sessions.
The sunglasses offer full coverage. There is a non-slip pattern on the frames that provide extra support and comfort. The one-piece lens design is great for wide views.
What makes this brand great is the photochromic lens changes greatly in light conditions. It transforms from 13%- 62%. The mirror cloud lenses provide an added touch to the overall look of the frames.
The Benefits of wearing cycling sunglasses
There are a few benefits to wearing cycling sunglasses. When cycling fast, you can come into contact with bugs, dirt, and debris. There are a ton of flying bugs on the road. Unfortunately, you never know when they will come. Having protective eyewear prevents you from being hit by flying insects.
You want your eyes to be protected at all times. Not only can bugs harm your eyes, but they can also cause you to have an accident. Next, like any other pair of sunglasses, cycling sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun.
On bright sunny days, cycling can be tricky. There is sometimes a bright glare that can distort vision. Cycling sunglasses reduce the glare from the sun and provides you with better visibility. Also, you are protected against UV rays.
The weather is another factor of wearing cycling sunglasses. Strong winds may blow while riding. Too much wind in your eyes can potentially affect your riding. It can even cause watery eyes. Wear sunglasses helps to keep the wind out of your eyes and maintain your visibility.
Rain is another element that you want your eyes protected from while cycling. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from raindrops. When cycling, rain can come from a variety of angles. To limit the amount of rain exposure, your glasses offer a barrier of protection.
A lot of cycling sunglasses also feature lenses that change in various lighting conditions. This is beneficial because it allows your vision to readjust to fit your current lighting condition. Overall, wearing cycling sunglasses is important to protect your eyes while riding.
5 Things to Look Out For When Buying Cycling Sunglasses
Buying cycling sunglasses can be fun and exciting. There are a few things you should consider before making your next purchase.
1. Overall Coverage
Remember, one of the benefits of wearing cycling sunglasses is to provide protection to your eyes. Make sure the glasses offer full protection to your eyes. Full protection sunglasses are able to keep debris and wind out of your eyes.
A wide frame gives you more protection.
2. Lenses with Contrast-Enhancing Features
The type of lens on your sunglasses is important. A contrast-enhancing lens allows you to have a sharper and clearer vision. While reading, you can easily spot debris or damage on the road.
Different tints on your glasses can boost contrast. Typically, copper and rose color tints are better for contrast. If you have light-sensitive eyes, gray tints may work best for you.
3. The Perfect Fit
Perfect fit doesn’t exist, but you want to get as close as possible. You want to choose a pair of glasses that are comfortable to wear for long periods. Non-slip grip is an excellent feature to pay close attention to.
When you have a non-slip grip on your glasses, it will keep them from falling off your face. Cycling at fast speeds may shift your glasses. With a non-slip grip on your nose and temple areas, this is less likely to happen.
Along with grip, you also want to make sure your sunglasses fit well with your helmet. Test the glasses under your helmet to ensure that your vision is not obstructed. Sunglasses with straight and slim temples work best with helmets.
4. Polarized Lenses vs. Non-Polarized Lenses
Another feature to consider before buying is the type of lens you prefer. A polarized lens will block glare, but the downside is your depth perception may be impacted. Also, polarized lenses may make it hard to spot things on the road that are reflective
The majority of cycling sunglasses are not polarized. I only suggest wearing a polarized lens if you have an extreme sensitivity to glare. Otherwise, go with non-polarized.
5. Interchangeable Lenses
Many of the options above featured interchangeable lenses. What does this mean? You should know that a lot of cycling sunglasses work great without interchangeable lenses. But with interchangeable lenses, you can buy one pair of cycling sunglasses and a variety of lenses.
The purpose is to change the lenses with various lighting and weather conditions.