Cyclists need good eye protection, no matter how occasional and casual their cycling might be. For the neighborhood biker who travels at a slow to moderate speed, just about any sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection that fit well enough to stay on securely will work just fine. The best cyclists will need the best cycling sunglasses. For competitive cycling, especially in the long distance races that can involve changing weather and road conditions, eye protection is essential. It’s important for safety, but also speed and endurance.
The best cycling sunglasses have been designed and built to meet the needs, demands, and preferences of the best cyclists. But you don’t have to be a competitive cyclist to appreciate and want the very best cycling sunglasses. Every sport has its elite gear and clothing worn at the highest levels of that sport by the champions. Many people who participate in the sport at a less competitive level want the same experience of style and quality that the winners have.
Contents
- 1 Comparison Table
- 2 Cycling Sunglasses FAQs
- 3 How We Reviewed Cycling Sunglasses
- 4 What We Reviewed
- 4.1 Kask Koo Open Cycling Sunglasses
- 4.2 Features
- 4.3 Pros
- 4.4 Cons
- 4.5 Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Sunglasses
- 4.6 Features
- 4.7 Pros
- 4.8 Cons
- 4.9 Bolle 6TH Sense Shiny Black Modulator
- 4.10 Features
- 4.11 Pros
- 4.12 Cons
- 4.13 Rudy Project Tralyx Sunglasses
- 4.14 Features
- 4.15 Pros
- 4.16 Cons
- 4.17 Smith Pivlock Arena Max ChromaPop Sunglasses
- 4.18 Features
- 4.19 Pros
- 4.20 Cons
- 4.21 POC – DO Blade AVIP Sunglasses
- 4.22 Features
- 4.23 Pros
- 4.24 Cons
- 4.25 Tifosi Optics Alliant Z87.1 Tactical Safety Interchangeable Lens
- 4.26 Features
- 4.27 Pros
- 4.28 Cons
- 4.29 Oakley Men’s Flight Jacket Sunglasses
- 4.30 Features
- 4.31 Pros
- 4.32 Cons
- 4.33 Bolle B-Rock Sunglasses
- 4.34 Features
- 4.35 Pros
- 4.36 Cons
- 4.37 Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
- 4.38 Features
- 4.39 Pros
- 4.40 Cons
- 5 The Verdict
Comparison Table
Cycling Sunglasses FAQs
1. What Are Cycling Sunglasses?
Many of the sunglasses that fit the requirements of cycling also work well for many other sports. Particular qualities of sunglasses recommended for cycling include anti-fog protection, scratch-resistance, adjustable nose pieces, and nose pads, Those designed for racers in long, overground races, may include changeable lenses to respond to changes in light conditions. Some of these sunglasses come with additional lenses and some offer additional lenses as an option. Most of the best cycling sunglasses have a wrap-around design that protects from debris as well as light.
2. What Determines the Best Cycling Sunglasses?
Best is a concept that can mean different things to different people. The best cycling sunglasses will be the ones the biker can afford, feels confident in wearing, and that has an appealing style. For some people, this will be the top-of-the-line models that coordinate with expensive helmets and other gear for a unified visual impression. For other people, comfort will be the ultimate test and fit will be the most important element.
3. How Important Is the Price?
The most expensive of the best cycling sunglasses have design qualities that set them apart. They may coordinate with other equipment and clothing for a complete upscale look. But there are moderately priced sunglasses that will meet the requirements of most cyclists.
How We Reviewed Cycling Sunglasses
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We explored the range of sunglasses specifically identified for cycling and evaluated them based on the qualities they had that specifically address bikers’ special needs. We chose a selection with a wide price range and included top names in the world of cycling products.
What We Reviewed
Kask Koo Open Cycling Sunglasses
- Carl Zeiss lens
- Frames have a unique flip-in arm design
- Adjustable nose bridge
Features
Kask Koo Open Cycling Sunglasses are a product of the well-established cycling helmet brand Kask and have high-quality Carl Zeiss lenses. They fit perfectly with all Kask helmets. This model comes in a range of 12 color selections. The open style is designed to provide good contact with the rider’s face, providing clear sight.
The Kask Koo sunglasses have a unique folding pivot, allowing for easy folding and storage. The rubber nose pad can adjust to two positions and a smaller nose bridge comes in the package. This model has interchangeable lenses that are easy to switch when responding to changing conditions. The lenses can be tilted at three different angles so the rider can maintain clear vision in all weather. These glasses come with an additional clear lens and a hard case.
Pros
Cons
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Sunglasses
- Case included
- Lenses are prescription ready (rx-able)
- JAWBREAKER is the ultimate sport design frame. This frame is comfortable, ensures fit and hassle free lenses.
Features
The Oakley Jawbreaker brings Oakley technology and attention to these highly rated sunglasses. Besides a great look and range of color combination selections, the Jawbreaker has Oakley’s Switchlock technology that lets the rider change lenses quickly. They have Oakley’s High Definition Optics, and the lenses offer both optical precision and impact resistance. They have a non-polarized Iridium coating and have 100% UV protection. The temple length is adjustable to three sizes to accommodate different head sizes and helmet styles.
Pros
Cons
Bolle 6TH Sense Shiny Black Modulator
- Lens: Modulator V3 golf oleo af
- Lens category: 2 to 3
- Technologies: anti-fog; Anti-Scratch; oleophobic; hydrophobic; Anti-Reflective
Features
The Bolle 6th Sense line is Bolle’s top line designed to meet the requirements of professional cyclists. The lenses are anti-fog, anti-scratch, and anti-reflective. The outer oleo/hydrophobic coating prevents anything—dust, water, grease, etc.—from sticking to the lenses. The anti-fog protection will withstand years of wear and repeated washings. Lenses are interchangeable, the nose piece is fully adjustable, and the nose piece and temple grips are made of Bolle’s Thermogrip material to provide good grip in wet conditions. The frame has been designed especially for racing.
Pros
Cons
Rudy Project Tralyx Sunglasses
- Interchangeable lenses with RP D Centered Optics reduce glare and ensure visual clarity without distortion.
- Adjustable anti-slip nosepads for proper face fit.
- Fully adjustable anti-slip temple tips for comfort and fit.
Features
Rudy Project Tralyx Sunglasses are an Italian line of sunglasses designed for high performance and are popular with professional racers. They are designed to provide maximum ventilation and are made of the highest quality materials to be lightweight, comfortable, durable, and safe even in the event of falls. The frames are grilamid, and the rods are made from an alloy of magnesium, titanium, and silicon. The rods and nasal bridge are adjustable, and the lenses are easily interchangeable. They come in three sizes to accommodate most head sizes and offer 16 color options.
Pros
Cons
Smith Pivlock Arena Max ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Shield frame shape with medium fit/coverage
- Hydroleophobic lens coatings
- TR90 frame material, Two-Position adjustable nose pads, Slide-On Temple tips, and Hydrophilic Megol Temple and nose pads
Features
Smith Pivlock Arena Max ChromaPop Sunglasses have an oversized, frameless design that offers a wide field of vision and unrestricted view for the cyclist. These sunglasses are especially good for cyclists with larger heads and faces. The nose pieces have two adjustable positions. There are slide-on temple tips as a comfort option.
Pros
Cons
POC – DO Blade AVIP Sunglasses
- FASHION AND FUNCTION: The Do Blade is a dedicated sports frame and features a hydrophilic rubber that stays grippy even...
- OPTIMAL FIELD OF YOU: Features the superior optical performance of Carl Zeiss lenses, treated with Ripel, for clear...
- CLEAR AS DAY: Perfect for sunny to partly cloudy weather and has a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) range of 10%-28%
Features
POC – DO Blade Sunglasses are manufactured in Sweden by a company that specializes in sporting wear for skiers and cyclists. This model is the top of its line of cycling sunglasses. The grimalid frame makes this model lightweight, durable, and flexible. The hydrophilic rubber will hold its grip in the face of rain or perspiration, so the glasses stay in place. Lenses are easily interchangeable. The nose piece is adjustable.
The Carl Zeiss lens has tints specifically chosen for cycling to optimize the vision of the road surface and road conditions. The lenses have anti-fog treatment and will repel fog, dirt, grime, and water.
Pros
Cons
Tifosi Optics Alliant Z87.1 Tactical Safety Interchangeable Lens
Features
The Tifosi Alliant Sunglasses come from the company started by American cyclists Joe and Elizabeth Earley. The name is Italian for super fan. The Alliant is the top of their eyewear line. These sunglasses have fully adjustable ear and nose pads made of hydrophilic rubber. This material tightens its grip when wet, making it an extra safety and security feature for cyclists riding in wet conditions.
Three lenses are included; two tinted lenses and one clear one provide protection in all kinds of light. The Tifosi Alliant Sunglasses work well for people with large or even extra-large heads. They come with a zipper case and have a selection of five color options.
Pros
Cons
Oakley Men’s Flight Jacket Sunglasses
- Oakley Plutonite Lenses offer 100% UV Protection filtering of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm....
- PRIZM Lens Technology designed to enhance color, contrast and detail so athletes can make the most of any activity....
- Patented High Definition Optics (HDO) provides superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle.
Features
The Oakley Men’s Flight Jacket Sunglasses are similar in design to the Oakley Jawbreaker but without a top frame. This is a style feature to maximize the cyclist’s upper field of view and is especially handy when the rider is looking down. The nose bridge can be opened or closed to prevent fogging and control airflow. Oakley cycling sunglasses now come with only the Prizm Road lens, available in a choice of several colors. This lens has been developed to help increase contrast. For cyclists who ride at night, there are photochromic or Prizm Low Light options.
Pros
Cons
Bolle B-Rock Sunglasses
- Lens: Modulator Brown emerald oleo af
- Lens category: 2 to 3
- Technologies: anti-fog; Anti-Scratch; oleophobic; hydrophobic; Anti-Reflective
Features
Bolle B-Rock Sunglasses are designed for all kinds of sporting and outdoor situations, and their wrap-around design makes them especially suitable for cycling. This is a line of sports products that has a long tradition of high quality and innovation. These sunglasses have an excellent anti-fog, scratch-resistant coating that resists not only fog but also chemical contamination and scratching, and will hold up through long usage and washings. The entire polarized lens has an anti-reflective coating, even on the inside, to protect the wearer from glare from all directions. Nose pad and terminals are adjustable.
Pros
Cons
Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
- Made of Grilamid TR-90, a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low...
- Hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces for a no-slip fit
- All Tifosi sport and lifestyle lenses provide 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays
Features
Tifosi Swank Polarized Sunglasses are bright colored, retro-styled, all-purpose sunglasses at a very affordable price. They have the quality construction of much higher-priced sunglasses, including shatter-proof, scratch-resistant polarized lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. The frames are durable, and the rubber nose pad gives them a secure fit. These sunglasses come with a microfiber bag that doubles as a cleaning cloth and will fit a range of faces, from small to large. They have a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
Our top ten list of the best cycling sunglasses offers something for everyone who rides a bike. Competitive cyclists invest in the best equipment they can afford, hoping for every advantage. The selection we have reviewed includes top names in the design and production of eyewear. The materials they use and the technology they employ to create lenses that enhance the biker’s performance all mean that every biker can wear the same kind of gear. Budget is always an important consideration, but our list includes a selection of moderate and mid-ranged options as well as the more expensive ones.
The top brand names like Oakley or the European brands that have the continental flair of the Grand Prix are especially attractive choices. Most of the best cycling sunglasses have a similar wrap-around design concept, with each company adding its unique touches and enhancements. The mid-range sunglasses offer much of the same technology as the most expensive models and have similar design characteristics. Finding a good fit for your face, for your cycling style, for your budget, and your taste are as close as our list of the best cycling sunglasses.
Featured Image via Pixabay
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