Cycling sunglasses aren’t there only for looks, but also for protection.
And you might have noticed that there are sunglasses made for cycling. But how to choose one out of so many?
That’s why in this post I will tell you how to choose the perfect sunglasses for cycling, so you can find the right sunglasses for yourself.
Why Can’t We Use Any Sunglasses?
Sunglasses for cyclists are made especially for cycling and fashion sunglasses just won’t cut it.
You might be wondering why and I will tell you why.
Cycling sunglasses are an essential part of the kit and their main job is to protect your eyes.
They will protect your eyes from bugs, wind, rain, dust or even stones thrown up by your tires.
Cycling sunglasses have been made with special features which will make your ride safer and more comfortable, so that’s why using fashion sunglasses won’t be a great idea.
Special features such as lightweight frames, shatterproof lenses and special coatings.
For example, if you happen to crash on your bike, it would be better to use cycling sunglasses which are made out of polycarbonate plastic and shatterproof lenses, instead of the metal frame which could break and damage your face or even eyes.
It’s not safe at all to use metal frames and non-shatterproof lenses for cycling.
How To Know Which Sunglasses To Get?
When you are shopping for cycling sunglasses, there are probably so many options to choose from. However, don’t let that overwhelm you.
The most important things to consider when buying cycling sunglasses would be the frame, lenses, prescription (if needed), and fit.
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You will need to determinate your style of riding and what kind of rides do you mostly do, to make sure you get the perfect sunglasses for your rides.
Frame
Whenever you watch professional cyclists, you will notice great looking sports sunglasses with a little thin frame which is most likely very light and awesome colored lenses.
As I have mentioned earlier, the metal frame isn’t made for sports and that’s why cycling sunglasses are made out of polycarbonate plastic. It’s more durable, and on impact, it won’t shatter.
It’s not only safer, but it’s also better looking and lighter frame.
There are also rimmed and rimless sunglasses.
Rimmed sunglasses have a rim around them while rimless don’t, which is the main difference.
Rimmed sunglasses are great for road cycling or mountain biking, however, if you are a passionate trial rider or triathlete, getting yourself rimless sunglasses will help you ride in aggressive positions more easily since there is no rim at the bottom of the sunglasses which will improve your visibility.
I find rimless sunglasses very good looking, but they are also great if you have problems with lens fogging while riding. Rimless will give you free space at the bottom for ventilation.
Lenses
There is a wide option of lenses which you could get for cycling sunglasses.
Large, curved lenses which come with wraparound frame will give you better and bigger field of vision. Which means you won’t even notice you are wearing sunglasses when cycling.
Also, most of the lenses come with the protection from UV light.
If you are out there cycling for a longer period of time, you will want to protect the skin around your eyes but eyes as well.
I would advise you, that if the sunglasses don’t have UV light protection, don’t buy them.
Lenses which are shatterproof are something which is worth looking into. If you crash or simply get a stone into your sunglasses, you won’t only have your eyes protected but the lenses won’t shatter.
It’s very safe and protective for your eyes. If you find sunglasses with this feature, I would highly suggest yo go for it.
There are some other features which are worth to check out such as the anti-fog coating which will protect your lenses from sweat and fog.
Also, you might have noticed that there are colored lenses. They are colored to fit every weather perfectly, to give you see better at any time, even when there are clouds and no sun at all.
Many sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses, which is a must have feature, in my opinion.
Prescription
If you need to wear glasses or contacts, there is a solution for your problem as well.
You can still enjoy your bike rides with a great sunglasses.
If you are wearing contacts, buying wide lenses and wraparound frame. It will help to grit your contacts away from sunglasses but still enjoy wearing them.
But if you usually wear glasses, there is also a way. Many opticians can make up inserts which sit inside your sunglasses. So riding with perfect sunglasses won’t be a problem for you anymore.
However, make sure you get anti-fog feature because it would be a problem if your brand new perfect sunglasses get foggy during cycling.
Also, there are many companies which can make a sunglasses lens with a prescription, such as Oakley and Bolle. It might be a little pricey, but overall I think it’s a better idea.
Fit
When it comes to fit, there isn’t much to talk about.
You want sunglasses which will sit close to your face, rest on your nose, cheeks, and forehead.
The arms of the sunglasses should grip your head, but not too tightly.
If you try on your new sunglasses before purchase, make sure they are secure and comfortable.
Bumpy trail riders, make sure when you move your head around and even shake it with sunglasses on, to see if it fits perfectly.
There are also many different sunglasses out there, with different colors to go along with your bike kit.
Also, there is a various price range, so don’t settle down for sunglasses which don’t have all the features you would want them to have.
Make sure you find the glasses which will fit your comfortably, but you will also like them when you see yourself in the mirror.
That’s how you know that you have found your perfect cycling sunglasses.
Conclusion
There isn’t much to think about when purchasing new sunglasses for cycling.
However, there are so many sunglasses out there that it might overwhelm some of the buyers.
Just take it slowly, pay attention to these four main tips and you will be fine.
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Take your time, don’t rush into a purchase and just take it slowly. There are a perfect sunglasses for everyone out there, it’s just matter of the time when will you find them.
I hope you have learned main things to consider when shopping for a cycling sunglasses now, so have a fun and easy shopping experience!
Which sunglasses are you using currently?
Let me know in the comments, but also feel free to like and share this post if you have found it useful.