Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Right Cycling Glasses

As with any type of activity, safety is of utmost importance for cyclists. As cyclists, we usually wear protective gears like gloves to shield our palms, a helmet to protect our head in case of accidents, and padded shorts to protect our derrieres. However, not everyone would consider buying cycling glasses.

Wearing sunglasses is the norm throughout the summer.  But as the weather gets gloomy, most cyclists often neglect wearing the correct eyewear.  Cycling glasses aren’t only worn for when it’s sunny. In fact, it is as important in the winter as it is in summer. Besides being a fashion accessory, sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from dust, dirt, insects, grit, rain and wind that could impair your vision. It also shields your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

All cyclists should wear protective eyewear when going out on their bikes. Do you wear sunglasses when you go out for a ride? If not, now is the best time to buy one. Let’s take a look at the various features to look for when buying cycling glasses.

Cycling glasses

Image Source:https://www.cyclist.co.uk

Frame

Sunglasses are available in a wide range of colors, styles and price points. Aviator sunglasses are one of the most popular styles. They look trendy and stylish. But have you ever seen a bike rider wearing one? Probably not. This is because metal frames aren’t ideal for biking. Plastic is a much safer material for a pair of cycling glasses.

Most of these sunglasses are built out of polycarbonate plastic. In order to protect your eyes, the glasses have to fit your face perfectly. As such, the curvature of the sunglasses is of great important. As compared to metal, polycarbonate is relatively easier to mold for wrap-around sport coverage. Wrap-around style frames tend to stay in place better and provide more coverage. This is especially beneficial when riding in severe conditions. Ultimately, they are also shatter-proof; hence, making it a much better option for sports-related activities such as biking.

No matter what style you choose, go for a lightweight frame. It will feel more comfortable to wear, so you won’t be bothered by your glasses during long rides. The best sunglasses for cycling will feel like they’re not even there.

Secure fit

When buying sunglasses, you want to make sure that it fits you perfectly. This is especially important if you usually ride bumpy trails. Imagine wearing sunglasses that slide down your nose or move around your head while riding. Not only will it impair your vision, there’s a good chance that it may fly off your face  halfway through your ride. This can be potentially dangerous.

Try on the sunglasses to determine whether or not it fits you right. How do they feel on your ears and nose? Do they feet snugly? The arms should grip the sides of your head firmly, but not too tight. The glasses should sit closely against your face. Also, make sure your peripheral vision is not obscured by the frame.

Comfortable, enhanced vision

Often, people choose lens colors purely for aesthetic reasons. What they fail to realize, however, is that the tint of the lenses actually serve some specific purposes. Certain colored lenses block or filter out other spectrums of light, making it easier to see clearly throughout the ride. The right pair of sunglasses can enhance and adjust the way we see the world.

Different lens color for your riding

Clear – Clear lenses are ideal for late night rides. They allow you to spot uneven road surfaces ahead and provide enhanced contrast. Wearing dark lenses at night time may cause you to miss some potholes, debris and other obstacles on the road.

Pink and red – These lenses allow for great visibility no matter what the weather is. They provide a reduction in eyestrain and are comforting to the eyes.

Brown and amber – These warm lenses are the best choice for partly cloudy or sunny days. They can help enhance depth perception and improve contrast.

Yellow – Yellow-tinted lenses are bright enough to reduce glare even in foggy or hazy conditions. They allow you to see clearly even in shady conditions, making them ideal for use at dawn and twilight.

Blue and purple – These are the most popular lens colors as people usually find them appealing. Aside from making a great fashion statement, blue and purple tints are effective in blocking the glare from any white light. It can help riders navigate during difficult weather conditions like snow, fog, and mist. They help improve color and contour perception and reduce glare significantly.

No matter what type of lens you choose, make sure it’s shatterproof. With the danger of fall and the glasses near your eye, the last thing you want is for tiny pieces of glass to get in your eye.

UVA/UVB lens protection

The sun’s rays can cause damage to the eyes. In fact, extended exposure to the sun has been liked with eye damage like pterygia, macular degeneration, cataract, and even temporary vision loss. As such, protection should be one of the most important factors to consider when choosing sunglasses.

The best cycling sunglasses should provide adequate protection to the bike rider. It should be able to prevent glare and block out the sun’s rays. Look for UVA/UVB lens protection when buying cycling glasses. Keep in mind, though, that darker lenses do not necessarily translate to better sun protection.

Cycling glasses for those with prescription lenses

Don’t let diminished vision stop you from riding a bike. There are lots of companies that offer prescription sunglasses. Bolle, Oakley, and Rudy Project are just some of them. The lenses can be tailored to individual correction needs and fitted directly into the glasses. Some styles are available with a prescription insert that can be fit behind the lens of the glass.

If you wear contact lens, then we highly recommend that you get a wrap-around style. This offers uninterrupted field of view and offers ultimate protection. Not only does it prevent the sun’s rays from entering your eyes form the sides, it also provides debris protection.

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