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Our Guide to Sunglasses for Cycling and Our Top Picks

by Swinnerton Cycles LTD 24 Jul 2024 0 comments

If you’re wondering why cyclists wear those sporty glasses for cycling, it’s not just because they look cool. Cycling sunglasses are designed with features to enhance your cycle, whether protecting your eyes from those pesky insects, preventing sun glare or maintaining clear peripheral vision. You also might want glasses that won’t fall off your face when on a bumpy mountain bike trail and sweat is running down your nose.

In this complete guide to sunglasses for cycling, we answer your top FAQs, including why they are so big and what makes them different to regular sunglasses. Lastly, explore all the benefits of specific cycling sunglasses and our top picks you need for your next cycle.

What kind of glasses do cyclists wear?

Cyclists wear specialised cycling glasses to enhance performance, comfort and safety. Here are the most common cycling glasses types to look out for.

  • A wraparound design provides a secure fit, maximising peripheral vision and protecting from wind, dust, debris and insects.
  • Glasses with UV protection blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.
  • Cycling glasses with interchangeable lenses allow cyclists to swap lenses depending on the light conditions.
  • Cycling glasses with lightweight and durable materials like polycarbonate are more impact-resistant and comfortable.
  • Ones with adjustable features like nose pads and temple tips help provide a comfortable fit.
  • Features like polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
  • Glasses with photochromic lenses automatically adjust the tint based on light conditions, improving visibility no matter the weather or time of day.
  • You can also get prescription cycling glasses that are custom-made to fit prescription lenses, allowing cyclists to see without needing their regular glasses.
  • Aero glasses are designed to provide the best aerodynamics. The sleek design reduces air resistance and is often used for racing.
  • In extreme weather conditions or off-road cycling, goggles or MTB glasses provide extra protection from mud.

Why do cyclists wear big sunglasses?

Cycling sunglasses are larger than regular glasses for good reasons, like added protection, better visibility and performance. Here is why you should wear big cycling sunglasses rather than regular glasses while on your bike.

  • Protection from the elements: Larger glasses and lenses provide better coverage, shielding your eyes from wind, rain, dust and debris.
  • UV protection: More coverage ensures your eyes a better protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Wider field of view: Bigger sunglasses offer a broader field of vision, so you can maintain your awareness of traffic and road conditions.
  • Unobstructed view: Larger lenses prevent site obstruction from the frame, allowing you a clearer and more expansive view.
  • Secure fit: The bigger wraparound design ensures they stay in place, even under vigorous cycling terrain.
  • Reduced glare and strain: Bigger lenses mean better polarisation and anti-reflective coatings, reducing glare and eye strain.

Do I need special sunglasses for cycling?

Yes! Cycling sunglasses are designed for cycling and offer several advantages over regular sunglasses. Here are the main benefits of choosing cycling sunglasses over regular ones if you’re heading out on the bike.

Enhanced fit and stability

Cycling glasses have a wraparound design to provide a secure fit that keeps them in place and prevents them from slipping off your face while cycling. They also have grippy features like rubberised nose pads and temple tips to keep them firmly in place even when sweating.

Improved coverage and protection

Cycling glasses have larger lenses that offer better coverage, protecting your eyes from wind, dust, insects and debris. They also block harmful UVA and UVB rays better, which is essential for long-term eye health. They also offer better protection from flying debris or potential impact in the event of a fall.

Optimised lens technology

Many cycling sunglasses feature vented lenses to reduce fogging and improve airflow. You can also benefit from interchangeable lenses, allowing you to change your lenses based on the varying light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility. Cycling sunglasses also have polarised and anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like wet roads and car hoods, enhancing visual clarity and comfort.

Specific tint options

Cycling sunglasses often have a choice of different lens tints for different light levels, like bright conditions, overcast days and low-light situations, enhancing contrast and visibility whatever the light conditions.

Lightweight and durable

Cycling glasses are made from lightweight materials, making them comfortable for extended wear. They’re also built to endure the rigours of cycling, including exposure to sweat, extreme temperatures and weather and rough handling.

Aerodynamics

Cycling sunglasses also feature a streamlined design, reducing air resistance, which helps you maintain your cycling speed and efficiency.

Peripheral vision

The curved lenses also provide a wider field of view, allowing for better peripheral vision, which is crucial for awareness of your surroundings and safety on the road.

What colour lenses are best for cycling?

When choosing your cycling glasses lenses, there are a few you can choose from that are better for specific conditions. Different lens colours can enhance contrast, reduce glare and improve visual clarity in various light conditions.

Many glasses come with interchangeable lenses, so you can change the colour when the light levels change or purchase cycling glasses that adapt to the light level themselves so you can focus on your ride. Here are the most common lens options and when to use them.

Clear

Clear cycling lenses are best for night riding or in low-light conditions. They offer protection from the wind, dust and debris without altering colours or reducing visibility.

Yellow/ amber

Amber or yellow lenses are best for overcast or low-light conditions as they enhance contrast and depth perception, making it easier to see details in dim or flat light.

Grey

Grey or tinted lenses are best for bright or sunny days as they reduce overall brightness and glare without distorting colours and providing a natural view.

Brown/ copper

Brown or copper cycling lenses are best for varied light conditions. They enhance contrast and depth perception while reducing glare, suitable for sunny and partly cloudy days.

Red/ Rose

Red or rose cycling glasses are best for variable light conditions. They increase contrast and enhance the visibility of road details, making them good for partly cloudy or low-light situations.

Blue/ purple

Blue or purple cycling lenses are best for high-glare environments like snow or water, as they reduce glare and enhance contrast and optical clarity.

Green

Green cycling lenses are best for varying light conditions as they reduce glare while offering good contrast and minimal colour distortions.

Photochromic/ transition lenses

Photochromic or transition lenses are fantastic for all-around use because they have a single lens that automatically adjusts to changing light conditions, darkening in bright sunlight and clearing in low light, providing a versatile performance.

Top cycling sunglasses

Ready to upgrade your cycling eyewear? Here are our top cycling sunglasses for road and mountain bike cycling.

Best sunglasses for road cycling:

100% Glasses Speedcraft Air One

One of the best cycling glasses you can get on the market for road cycling is the 100% Speedcraft. Their aggressive style and large, high-impact, scratch-resistant 5-base cylindrical shield lens offer a perfectly unobstructed peripheral vision, providing optimal situation awareness vital for pack racing.

The ultra-grip rubber nose pads and tips are essential for a secure fit and help them stay in racing situations.

Race-tested by multi-UCI Road WORLD Champion Peter Sagan, these are the ultimate eyewear for road racers and cyclists.

Experience HD vision lenses even in low-light conditions.

Best sunglasses for mountain bike cycling:

Tifosi Sledge

Tifosi Sledge sunglasses are polycarbonate, shatterproof, scratch resistant and optically decentred materials, perfect for whipping around on mountain bike trails.

With 100% protection from UVA/ UVB rays, you know that your eyes will be protected even on the sunniest day.

With the adjustable hydrophilic self-flexing nose, earpieces, and an aerodynamic design, you get a lock-on fit and comfort for undulating terrain.

Building on the success of the Aethon and Davos models, the Sledge offers an affordable, sturdy option with versatile interchangeable lenses and a huge wraparound frame.

Cycling glasses at Swinnerton Cycles

Cycling glasses are a critical piece of gear for any cyclist, providing protection, comfort and enhanced visibility. Your choice depends on your specific needs, typical riding conditions and personal preference. Improve your riding experience today with cycling sunglasses at Swinnerton Cycles!

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