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Cycling glasses are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. They offer excellent protection against flying insects, harmful UV light, and dust, especially when you are on the move.
These glasses are specifically designed to protect your eyesight and improve visibility in challenging environments. The most significant advantage of photochromic glasses is that they darken automatically when exposed to sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor activities. It’s important to note that they are activated by direct contact with ultraviolet light and will not work in closed environments with artificial light.
If you’re looking to enhance your cycling experience, integrating photochromic glasses into your racing team is an excellent option. As a triathlete, I personally use this top-quality equipment and am thrilled with the results: maximum safety and optimal visibility, regardless of the lighting conditions.
As a happy user of cycling glasses, I’ve taken it upon myself to create this guide. It includes helpful information, advice, recommendations, as well as the pros and cons of different options. This will help you choose the best cycling glasses for your needs, including high-quality materials, suitable dimensions for your face, and more. Let’s get started!
| PRODUCT | INFORMATION | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
 OAKLEY MEN’S JAWBREAKER SHIELD | Frame: Plastic Lens: Non-Polarized Users: Men Size: Regular |  |
 UVEX SPORTSTYLE 802 VARIO | Frame: Rubber Lens: Photochromatic Users: Unisex Size: One size | |
 BERTONI QUASAR | Frame: PC Lens: Polycarbonate Shatterproof Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
 TIFOSI DOLOMITE 2.0 WRAP | Frame: Composite Lens: Non-Polarized Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
 ROCKBROS | Frame: PC Lens: PC lenses Users: Unisex Size: One size | |
 BOLLE SHIFTER | Frame: Plastic Lens: Plastic Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
 BOLLE 6TH SENSE | Frame: Plastic Lens: Polycarbonate Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
 RUDY PROJECT DEFENDER | Frame: Flexible material Lens: Polycarbonate Users: Men Size: Regular | |
 BBB UNISEX BSG-38 | Frame: Plastic Lens: Polycarbonate Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
 RUDY PROJECT FOTONYK IMPACT X 2 | Frame: Plastic Lens: Non polarized Users: Unisex Size: Regular | |
The Oakley Jawbreaker glasses were created in collaboration with Mark Cavendish, a renowned sprinter and cyclist, to offer high-quality lenses that ensure clear vision during competitive events and races! These photochromic glasses are designed to improve upward vision, which is why the frame is thicker than other models.
This glass model includes a system for regulating airflow through the Unobtainium component system, as well as Switchlock technology that optimizes vision for any environment.
Oakley’s lenses feature Prizm technology, which enhances vision for sports and high-demand environments. With photochromic lenses, you can cycle with confidence, without worrying about the sun suddenly shining in your eyes.
The Unobtanium nose bars and nose pads keep the glasses securely in place, even when sweating, and athletes who use these glasses for competition have reported that the upper part of the frame doesn’t interfere with their visual field. These glasses have a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
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The Uvex Sportstyle 802 is a model of photochromic half-frame glasses that adjust between levels 1 and 3, making them ideal for low light conditions at night and intense sun.
These glasses have anti-scratch protection on the outside and don’t fog up on the inside, making them particularly useful for MTB cycling since they quickly adjust between light and dark. Additionally, the lenses provide clear vision over their entire surface and offer 100% protection against UV rays.
One potential drawback of these glasses is that since they are not fully closed like the Oakley Sonnenbrille Jawbreaker, air can enter from underneath and cause irritation to the eyes.
The bridge of the glasses is adjustable and flexible, allowing for a better fit on your face to prevent slipping or discomfort. The temples are also flexible, but not adjustable in length, yet still very comfortable. These glasses weigh around 22 g. You can find them on Amazon.
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The Bertoni Quasar is a sports glasses model with a design similar to the Oakley Sonnenbrille Jawbreaker. These glasses are not only photochromic but also polarized, providing excellent visibility and sharpness.
Their curvature and size provide excellent peripheral vision and protect your face from wind, dust, insects, and other potential irritants. Although the material is not anti-fog, these glasses have a ventilation system that promotes airflow, making it more difficult for them to fog up.
However, they are somewhat dark in low-light conditions, so they may not be suitable for use at night or indoors. Instead, they are best suited for use in intense sunlight or on cloudy days. Additionally, they offer 100% protection from UV rays.
While the temples are not adjustable, these glasses come with an elastic band that can be used to achieve a better fit, particularly for MTB or sports with a lot of movement. The nose pad is flexible and adjustable, and they also allow you to incorporate your corrective glasses if needed. These glasses weigh 33 g. You can find them online.
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This product has a sleek and flexible design that allows for comfortable breathing. The lenses have been personally tested and are easy to fit, with a durable frame that can be adjusted perfectly to your face.
They provide excellent visibility, although on extremely sunny days, you may experience some discomfort from the sunlight. The frame is made of Grilamid Tr-90, which is a high-strength material that is resistant to chemicals and flammable substances.
These photochromic glasses have a non-slip fit, thanks to their hydrophilic rubber parts on the ears and nose. The model also allows for excellent air circulation, due to its ventilation system located at the beginning of the lens arms.
You can replace the lenses easily on Amazon, which is a more budget-friendly option than buying a whole new pair of glasses. These cycling glasses have a buyer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and they weigh only 30 grams.
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The Rockbros photochromic glasses provide impressive performance at an affordable price. These glasses have a bluish hue in low light or no light conditions, making them perfect for such situations. When exposed to UV rays, they darken but not as much as other glasses on the market. They are ideal for cloudy days, sunsets, and nights, but do not offer enough protection when the sun is intense.
Despite their affordability, the materials used for these glasses are very sturdy, and they change from light to dark quickly, comparable to high-end glasses. The Rockbros glasses come with a sporty design, and their temples are customizable with various elements.
It is important to note that the blue-gray model is not anti-fog, and may fog up. However, the nosepiece and the sideburns are adjustable and fit well with any face size. These glasses weigh around 30 g, and you will hardly feel their presence.
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Bolle, a brand that has been in the eyewear industry since the 1950s, offers affordable cycling glasses like the Shifter that provide excellent visibility and a professional appearance with their curved frame. The lenses are equipped with vents to prevent fogging and a hydrophobic coating to repel foreign substances.
These photochromic glasses are highly resistant to scratches and chemical substances, making them durable for years of use. The nose pads and temple tips are made of Thermo grip material to keep the glasses from slipping due to sweat.
Rated 3.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, these glasses are still a popular choice due to the reputation of the Bolle brand.
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This model is inspired by 90s visors but updated with current technology. The frame is almost invisible, which many users appreciate as it doesn’t interrupt the field of vision from any angle.
The glasses have photochromic and interchangeable lenses, with anti-fog, oleophobic, and hydrophobic treatments. The nose piece is soft and completely adjustable to fit any nose shape and facial structure.
With a buyer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, these glasses are an excellent choice for any cyclist.
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The Rudy Project Defender model of cycling glasses originated in Italy in 1985 and has since become a popular choice for cycling professionals and other athletes, including golfers.
This model boasts a sleek and sporty design with a “Power Flow” ventilation system that minimizes fogging. The glasses also offer superior safety features, including hinges integrated with soft thermoplastic elastomer systems that protect against injuries.
The Rudy Project cycling glasses feature an innovative wind deflector system and RPD optical lenses that reduce glare and sunburst, providing excellent visibility. The non-slip tips of the glasses are fully adjustable for maximum comfort and protection during an accident.
Buyers have given these glasses a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, making them an excellent choice for any cyclist or athlete.
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The Grilamid plastic used in these cycling glasses is lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for various head sizes. The high-end shackle mount offers protection against sun, wind, dust, and other environmental elements.
The hinges have a smooth action and provide comfort to the rider’s ear. The rubber nose bridge is adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit for any face shape and size of the nasal septum. The glasses weigh 170 grams.
These cycling glasses feature a silicone nose bridge for added comfort and come with a “quick-snap” system for easy lens exchange. The lenses come in yellow or transparent colors.
A transport bag is included for protection against scratches and bumps. The soft-touch temples ensure a firm fit, and the high-quality Grilamid frame makes them super comfortable. This product has an excellent 5-star rating on Amazon.
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These glasses are designed to provide eye protection during falls or accidents. They have bumpers that can absorb some shock, eliminating the need for extra protection.
The design of the glasses is versatile, aerodynamic, and lightweight, made with high-quality thermoplastic material. The glasses feature ventilation openings to prevent fogging, and the material is both anti-allergic and impact-resistant. Additionally, the adjustable nasal supports ensure a comfortable fit for any face shape.
The Safety Projekt glasses are designed to protect against injuries, falls, and serious impacts while on the move. They adapt to light conditions, ensuring sharp visibility. The lenses gradually darken based on the level of clarity, sun, humidity, rain, or other weather conditions. I have tested this model in winter, and it’s excellent for use during sunrise, daytime, or sunset. The “Vent Controller” openings prevent fogging. These glasses have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on buyer feedback.
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The buying guide on the best photochromic glasses
If you are unfamiliar with photochromic glasses, I’ll give you a complete overview of what they are, how to wear them, and tips for selecting the best pair for your needs.
Photochromic glasses are a type of eyewear that adjusts the level of darkness based on the surrounding light. They differ from regular sunglasses, which only filter or block light, as they react to UV light. These glasses contain special molecules that darken or lighten when exposed to UV light. This process happens quickly, and the glasses adapt to changing light conditions. Note that this only works outside, as UV light is only present in sunlight and not artificial light. Additionally, photochromic glasses will not work inside a car as the glass filters out UV rays.
There are five different levels of protection available for photochromic lenses, each with varying degrees of darkness.
The quality of the cycling or mtb goggles will affect the range of protection offered, as well as the speed at which the lens transitions between levels. Typically, higher-priced lenses offer a broader range of protection and faster transitions between levels.
Glasses can be classified into different groups based on the levels of opacity they offer. The most common classifications are:
When it comes to cycling glasses, the curvature plays an important role in the level of protection provided. The greater the curvature, the more protection they provide as they prevent sun and air from entering through the sides of your face. Here are the different classifications:
The field of vision is the range you can see without the glasses frame blocking your sight. A wider field of vision provides more comfort because you won’t feel like you’re wearing glasses. However, wider glasses may be bigger and heavier.
When purchasing cycling glasses, it is important to consider their weight and how they fit on your head.
Generally, cycling glasses are lightweight, typically weighing between 20 to 40 grams. The lighter they are, the more comfortable they will be, particularly during long rides.
It is important for them to be flexible, so that they do not break or have pieces fly into your eyes in the event of an impact. The areas that come into contact with your ears and nose must also be flexible and comfortable. Keep in mind that a secure fit will prevent the glasses from shifting out of place while tackling challenging routes.
If you’re wondering which type of glasses is better, it’s important to understand that each has specific functions. Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of each type of lens.
When exposed to direct sunlight, photochromic glasses darken to protect your eyes from the incidence of UV rays. This color-changing system helps control the glare produced by sunlight on objects. As the weather changes, the lenses become lighter, allowing you to see more normally.
Polarized glasses are designed to eliminate reflections from the sun that affect the surface of objects. This helps protect your vision from the glare produced by the sun’s rays and improves visibility, which is why they are also called anti-glare glasses.
What Is The Cost Of Photochromic Cycling Glasses?
Photochromic cycling glasses range in price from around $40 for the cheapest to $230 for the highest quality ones. On average, the best photochromic cycling glasses cost around $100.
When Should You Use Photochromic Glasses Vs. Polarized Glasses?
Photochromic glasses are best suited for use in natural environments where you are directly exposed to the sun’s rays, making them ideal for sports like cycling. Polarized glasses, on the other hand, are perfect for avoiding glare from the sun’s rays reflecting off surfaces, making them ideal for sports such as skiing, sailing, and especially for drivers.
Why Use Photochromic Glasses For Cycling?
Photochromic glasses are an essential accessory for cycling as they protect your eyes from sunlight, UV rays, wind, rain, dust, sand, and other unwanted objects that can get into your eyes. They do not detract from a cyclist’s vision since they gradually adapt to the conditions of the sunlight you are exposed to. If the sunlight diminishes, the lenses become lighter, and in some cases, they become transparent. If the sunlight intensifies, they darken.
Why Is There Such A Price Difference Between Photochromic Cycling Glasses?
The high-end glasses have high-quality optics that provide exceptional clarity and often have a wide range of shades to choose from. The lens is the biggest difference between expensive and cheaper models. Investing in extras such as replacement lenses, hard storage cases, or soft cloth bags to avoid scratches adds to the budget. The brand of the lens is also important for many, and the quality of photochromic cycling glasses represents a trend. This guide helps you choose among the best photochromic cycling glasses on the market. Regardless of the model you choose, it will be a return on investment and a passion for cycling.
