Tired of getting dry and irritated eyes from riding your bike at high speeds without any protection whatsoever? Or are your favorite fashionable sunglasses just not working well enough for you? It’s time to shift to a better solution- cycling glasses.
The beauty of cycling glasses is that they are designed specifically to address all the issues that cyclists such as you and me constantly deal with, like the harsh glares of the sun, high winds, dusty roads, the occasional rain and mud, and even riding during the night.
Here are the top 12 best cycling glasses, as well as a comprehensive buying guide to help you pick out the right glasses for you.
Top 12 best cycling glasses ranked:
Take a look at these 12 best cycling glasses that are guaranteed not only to keep you looking sporty and stylish, but give you an excellent view of the road ahead, and protect your eyes from the sun, rain, fog, and dust.
My top pick for cycling glasses is the Smith Optics attack max chroma pop sunglasses, which are one truly one of the best when it comes to fit, comfort, and visibility. These glasses boast of an improved fit and maximized visibility with its enlarged lenses, and that’s just the beginning.
These also feature two interchangeable chroma pop lenses that you can simply swap depending on the light conditions, and are even excellent to use during rainy days, as you don’t have to tediously wipe away droplets, steam, and fog.
The ingenious design of these glasses, in the form of raised brows, a two position nosepiece, and megol temples, ensure that you have increased coverage and a perfect fit with glasses that stay on no matter what you are doing.
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2. Oakley Men's OO9290 jawbreaker shield sunglasses
Taking the second spot is a pair of sunglasses from a familiar household brand, Oakley. The Oakley Men’s jawbreaker shield sunglasses is one of the most popular and well loved cycling glasses in the entire Oakley collection, better than the Oakley Radar.
It offers excellent coverage, and a wide range of design and size options for you to choose from. These glasses make use of plutonite lenses that are superiorly clear, lightweight, comfortable, and offer protection against impact and UV radiation.
Plus, aside from the high definition optics of the lenses, the highly durable and stress resistant frame is made of molded thermoplastic for maximum strength, flexibility, and resistance against damage, deformity, and general wear and tear.
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3. X Tiger polarized sports sunglasses
In third place is the X Tiger polarized sports sunglasses, which is a pair of sport sunglasses hailed as Amazon’s Choice. This is a budget friendly pair of glasses that are seemingly popular and highly rated by thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
The high quality lenses of these glasses are made of polycarbonate, which aids it with UV protection, reduces the wearer’s eye strain, and lets you see the world in a crystal clear light. And, they even come in three interchangeable lenses for various light conditions.
But the real selling point of these glasses has to do with its superbly lightweight yet durable frame that offers a great and secure fit, as well as the capacity to mount special lenses that address certain eye issues such as myopia.
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4. Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 polarized wrap sunglasses
Next up is an Italian brand, so you know you’re in for a great time. The Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 polarized wrap sunglasses are not only fashionable and perfectly fitting, these are durable and on the affordable price range as well, much like the Tifosi Alliant.
The custom fit feature of this pair of glasses hail from a completely adjustable frame that makes it suitable for every face shape and size. To complement that, it’s also reinforced with rubber pads on the nose piece and ears to maximize grip and make the glasses as secure as possible.
In terms of the lenses, well, they are also noteworthy. Aside from being made with high quality materials that give you a perfectly accurate view of what’s around you with no distortion or whatnot, they are also vented for improved ventilation and to get rid of fogging.
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5. Bolle Vortex photochromic lens sunglasses
One of your best bets when it comes to photochromic lens sunglasses is the Bolle Vortex sunglasses. This pair of cycling glasses looks very modern and sporty yet elegant, all while coming at an affordable price tag.
Of course, its main feature is its photochromic fire AF lenses that are not only crystal clear and adjust to the light conditions, but also oleophobic, hydrophobic, anti mist, and anti fog. They are also coated and highly resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Moreover, these lenses are also interchangeable, so you can really make the most out of a single pair of glasses to use for pretty much everything. And when it comes to the frame, they are lightweight, durable, and flexible.
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6. POC do blade versatile sunglasses
Another pair of photochromic sunglasses is the POC do blade versatile sunglasses, which is a high quality Swedish brand that comes with only the best features. These are one of the few pairs of sunglasses out there that are actually optimized for bicycle rides.
These glasses are safety conscious and technical, what with the lightweight and flexible yet heavy duty frame that’s been treated with grilamid, the waterproof and anti fog polycarbonate lenses that are also photochromic, and even the adjustable nosepiece.
The nosepiece and ears are even fitted with a hydrophilic rubber material for a better fit and security, and the lenses themselves can be swapped for tinted ones, all of which are designed in such a way that you’ll always have an unobstructed field of view.
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7. Tifosi Optics marzen swivelink sunglasses
Another excellent pair of cycling glasses by the Italian brand Tifosi is the Tifosi Optics marzen swivelink sunglasses, which are decidedly stylish and sporty, and of course, versatile and highly functional on the road.
These glasses feature a grilamid nylon frame that’s not only extremely lightweight and durable, but also highly flexible and bendable as well as resistant to UV radiation and chemical damage. The arms can also be changed easily, so you can shift from sport to lifestyle at any time.
Meanwhile, the lenses are your standard swivel ink that are prescription ready, making these glasses perfect for those who don’t have 20-20 vision or who suffer from other eye conditions. All in all, these are pretty excellent and versatile glasses.
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8. Kask Koo open sunglasses
Next on this list is a premium sports sunglasses by Kask Koo, which are intelligently crafted glasses that are made with high quality materials and boast some high end features that make it more than worth the hefty price tag.
For one thing, this pair of sunglasses make use of German zeiss lenses that are truly exceptional and unparalleled in ensuring a crystal clear vision all throughout. This is further improved by a single lens construction that is fog resistant and makes for great ventilation.
Plus, the frame arms are fully customizable in that they feature three pivot positions so you can get the best fit you desire, and the nose pad is adjustable as well to allow you to rest the glasses comfortably on your nose bridge.
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Another noteworthy cycling glasses by Smith Optics are the Smith Pivlock arena max chroma pop sunglasses, which, as the name suggests, make use of chroma pop lenses that are guaranteed to give you clear vision regardless of the light condition.
The lenses alone make for a superior coverage and an unhindered field of view, and they’re even treated to make them hydroleophobic, so you don’t have to worry about water and dust obstructing your view during rainy and windy days.
To add to that, these lenses are also easily interchangeable, so they’re really versatile. Aside from the Smith max, this model is also available in regular, which features a smaller (shorter and narrower) lens, perfect for those with petite faces.
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Here, I’ve got yet another pair of photochromic lens sunglasses that are perfect for cycling day or night, rain or shine. The Bertoni Sports polarized anti fog sunglasses are another Italian brand cycling glasses that not only look great, but perform well too.
The photochromic lenses are guaranteed to provide 100% UV protection, photosensitivity, and anti fog capabilities, not to mention of course a clear field of vision. The lenses have the capability to change from fully transparent to well tinted.
In terms of the frame, Bertoni’s frames are shatterproof, flexible, durable, and highly resistant to impact and damage, making them perfect for even the most heavy duty use. If you want a pair of sunglasses for tough sports, this is a promising choice.
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Moving on to the third Italian brand on this list, the Rudy Project defender impact X sunglasses is a pair of cycling sunglasses that feature high quality photochromic lenses to allow for a perfect vision regardless of the lighting condition.
The way these lenses are designed and built also ensures that you are getting the widest and most unobstructed field of view as possible, all while maintaining anti mist and fog capabilities, perfect for outdoor activities under the rain and snow.
Sure, these may not be the most affordable sunglasses on this list, but they surely do perform well and last long, not to mention look pretty amazing and fits various face shapes, so they’re not a bad deal all things considered.
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Last but certainly not the least is another pair of sunglasses by Rudy Project. The Rudy Project fotonyk sunglasses is a pair of glasses that is highly suitable for running, cycling, and lots of other outdoor activities, especially due to its custom perfect fit.
These glasses come with conveniently interchangeable lenses, one of which is photochromic, and another one can be prescription lenses, making these sunglasses truly versatile and adaptable to a variety of situations.
On the other hand, the grilamid frame is durable, shock resistant, hypoallergenic, and lightweight. It’s also equipped with a vent controller to prevent fog and allow ventilation, and comes with removable rubber bumpers to increase grip and safety.
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Best cycling glasses buying guide
Cycling glasses are not just a fashion piece, they are essential biking accessories that protect your eyes from the elements so you can always be at the top of your game, and make the most of your riding experience.
These glasses help protect your eyes from UV radiation, sun glare, wind and dust particles, mud, rain, fog, and so on. They’re also highly beneficial for those with vision issues. And with the right pair, you can look trendy and fashionable.
If you want to make the best choice on cycling glasses, here is a comprehensive guide detailing the most important factors that you need to consider.
Type of lens
Cycling glasses, as with any other type of sunglasses and even prescription eyeglasses, come in many different forms and types to address various needs, lighting conditions, and whatnot. The main differentiating factor here is the light transmission capacity of the lens.
Standard lens
The most common type of lens is the standard lens, which comes in various index levels that determine the lens’ light absorption, tint or shade, and recommended use depending on the weather condition.
There are four levels ranging from 0 to 4, with zero being clear and transparent lenses for sports, safety, and prescription, while level four being heavily tinted lenses to protect you from solar radiation. Lenses can also be tinted in different colors to make them fashionable.
Polarized lens
Another common type of lens is the polarized lens, which works by significantly reducing or completely eliminating harsh glares from the sun and other highly reflective surfaces, making it easier to see clearly without causing strain to the eyes.
These lenses allow vertical light waves to pass through, so you can still see everything in front of you. They are extremely beneficial to drivers, cyclists, and just about everyone who are often out in the daytime.
Photochromic lens
What’s becoming insanely popular nowadays, and for good reason, is the photochromic or photochromatic lens, which is a special type of lens that has the capability to adjust how much light is filtered out depending on how brightly lit the area is.
Since these lenses can adjust how much you can see, they are perfect transition lenses that you can wear from morning until evening, and won’t require you to change lenses or glasses as the light conditions around you change.
Other types of lenses
Apart from these three lens types, there are also clear lenses, orange lenses, and brown lenses, which are all designed to be worn under low light conditions, since they allow for the maximum amount of light to pass through.
In the case of orange and brown lenses, their unique tint also helps in making your surroundings appear brighter, allowing you to see better, which is extremely important especially if you’re riding your bike or driving on the road at night.
Prescription lens
If you don’t have 20-20 vision, or are experiencing some eye related issues, you should definitely factor in whether the glasses are prescription ready, so you don’t have to sacrifice your vision nor your comfort while riding your bicycle.
What’s important to keep in mind is that these glasses will often feature interchangeable lenses, so you also have to account for how easy and convenient that process will be, as well as the quality of the lenses you will get.
Fit and security
How well the sunglasses fit you and how well they stay on all throughout the day is also important. You don’t want ill fitting sunglasses that constantly slide down your nose, especially if you’re riding your bike, since your hands are occupied in working the handlebar.
You also don’t want glasses that are too snug and tight, causing pressure on your head and nose bridge. So, it’s important to make sure that the glasses you’re thinking of getting are the right size for you, and works well with the shape of your face.
Frame width and size
The size and width of the frame affects not only its fit, but also how well your eyes are covered and protected, not to mention how free your field of view will be. For cycling glasses, it’s important to have full coverage, so your eyes are safe against wind, dust, and other issues.
Actually, when it comes to the frame, what it’s made of factors in how well it performs and how long it will last. What’s nice to have is a customizable frame that can easily be fitted with special types of lenses.
Nose and temple grip
Furthermore, in terms of fit and how securely the glasses stay on your head, the grip of the nosepiece and the frame arm is also important. For one thing, these should both be adjustable to perfectly accommodate the contours of your face.
They should also feature rubber pads that keep the glasses in place, even and especially when you’re all sweaty from riding under the sun.
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Final Verdict: The best cycling glasses are…
Cycling glasses are one of the most fundamental biking accessories that you must have, regardless of whether you’re a serious cyclist, or just ride your bike every now and then for recreation. A good pair of cycling glasses protects your eyes, rain or shine.
My top recommendation for the best cycling glasses is the Smith Optics attack max chroma pop sunglasses, which is an Amazon’s Choice product that features interchangeable chroma pop lenses and a design that allows for maximum coverage, visibility, and protection.
These glasses are comfortable to wear and stay on no matter what. They are also really stylish and come in a wide variety of color selections, not to mention they’re pretty affordable, especially considering their quality.