How To Choose Sunglasses For Cycling

Matt runs through sunglasses options for road cycling.

Eyewear is an essential aspect of kit for road cyclists. They protect your eyes from the sun, at the same time as shielding them from wind, dirt, grit and other road debris.

There are various options at various price points on the market. Matt Stephens runs through the pros and cons.

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[TR-wmsg]

Please do a video for those of us who don't have 20/20 vision: prescription sunglasses. What brands work well without costing a mint.

[davidnicholson]

There are lots of $20, cycling specific, polarized, polycarbonate glasses available online. Most are sold with 4 or 5 sets of lenses. They work just as well as Oakleys at one tenth the price. Drop a pair? Who cares, they were $20. Drop a pair of Oakleys and the ride is ruined. That's the ultimate feature.

[greidgreid]

Make a video about prescriptions sunglasses for cycling, contact lensens aren't very comfortable at high speeds.

[cup_and_cone]

Don't forget higher-end models offer UV protection too.

Only cons to glasses in my book: 1-Sweat dripping onto the lenses in middle of a ride makes visibility low (unless you clean them in middle of ride). 2-The extra solar glare reflected off the front of lenses will sunburn your nose & cheeks faster, so sunscreen up. 3-Doesn't keep your face quite as cool on really hot days by blocking airflow.

Pros still outweigh the cons, tho.

[PatrickGSR]

Never use any eyewear without 100% UV blocking. Otherwise they cause your pupils to open up and MORE UV light gets in your eyes than if you were squinting.

Also look for lenses with no frames along the bottom. That way if you do get a drop of sweat it can drip off the bottom instead of sitting at the bottom on the frame.

Lastly full coverage wraparound is best for debris protection. Off the bike I wear Oakley wire frames but those are too small and let too much debris past to be able to use them on the bike.

[patrickmurray]

One day i was out cycling, going quite fast, when a bee flew right into my face and whacked me just below my eye. I was fine, but I hadn't any sunglasses on, so had it hit me a little higher who knows....I always go out with sunglasses now for that reason.

[RichardFoggin]

I know glasses are important, that's why I'm here...I'd love it if you could tell me how to choose the right pair for me though...

[amien]

Its also important to make sure your sunglasses fit well with the helmet you'll be using. I have an MTB helmet that covers a good bit of the forehead not leaving much room for larger sunglasses that provide full coverage.
Really enjoying the videos!

[seamod]

Can you talk about where to put your glasses when not using them on the bike, for example, in your helmet vents, in your jersey pocket, hanging from your front zip.

[abtcup]

Oakley with the Transitions lens...works in all light conditions... I wear them for night riding too.

[ChrisCapoccia]

most of the higher-end models are also available with prescription lenses. you can order from your optometrist or online. for online ordering, there's an additional dimension for distance between your eyes that you'll need from your optometrist in addition to the normal numbers on a prescription.

[willagnew]

Yellow or clear lenses for night riding? The big debate?

[petervick]

And not a single mention about those of use who wear prescription glasses!
Coming back to cycling after 40+ years off two wheels I now wear glasses and I am finding it difficult.
Although my glasses are self adjusting for the sun they were not designed with cycling in mind. On top of that I have to contend with rain and misting up, as well as the wind and watering eyes!
I can't be the only cyclist having these issues surely?

[Inushima]

What about prescription glasses, it's been really hard for me to find some nice and cheap Rx sunglasses. :(

[johnrathmill]

You didn't mention the most important thing about a pair of sunglasses... the UV rating?

[Cortes]

Radarlock and Flak Jacket is what I use.

[Viertelhausen]

The fly at 1:47 tells it all. Nothing stops a sprint like a beetle noodling into the path of your lookies. Great vid GCN!

[jackp]

Make a video on the best glasses on the market and what each pair offers a rider

[upward_onward]

I wear specs to correct my vision Myopic -3 on both eyes. What spec do you suggest for my condition ? Of late I experience dust and insects hits my eyes. Was thinking of putting a Ski google over my power spectacles. Don't want to dirty my hand with contact lenses.

[indobleh]

Polarized sunglasses (prescription if required) will certainly help reduce glare and rest your eyes. May make your Garmin Edge 1000 look a little odd! More importantly it give good UV protection! Won't get polarized glasses for 99p though...