Do I Need Special Sunglasses for Cycling?
As cyclists, our vision needs to be sharp. It directs us to where we need to go, and it helps maintain our awareness of everything on the road and around us. Standard sunnies just won’t do. We need eye cover that protects, enhances performance, maximises our field of vision, and looks awesome!
What Are The Best Sunglasses for Cycling?
Ideally, you want to select a pair that will deliver all or most of the following features:
Lightweight
Like everything to do with cycling, especially performance riding, it’s all about marginal gains! Cycling glasses need to be super weight light so that you can’t feel you’re wearing them. Moreover, that lightness, coupled with a snug fit, means they should sit sound over the bridge of the nose and not creep down when you’re in a forward-bending position (which is a lot of the time when you’re on the bike!).
Interchangeable Lenses
This is pretty much essential as far as we’re concerned. Why? Because one cycling session alone can experience so many changes in light, and we need to be protected from them all (and able to see in all of them as well!). Read more about BBB lens material below.
UV Protection
Another must is protection from ultraviolet rays, which, as we all know, are particularly damaging for us cyclists Down Under.
Resilient & Durable
You need lenses that can withstand potential accidents, knocks off the bike, and even rough handling as you change lenses from one type to another whilst on the fly. Read on about grilamid material (further down).
Prescription Lenses
If you wear prescription lenses, then be sure your cycling sunglasses are compatible with them.
Aesthetics
For many cyclists, the ‘look’ is taken as seriously as the performance. Simple, sporty or deadset-designer are distinct cycling sunglass looks that can be an important part of the overall kit ensemble.
What To Look For In Cycling Sunglasses?
You will want to consider several factors, including:
Frame Materials
The term ‘grilamid’ might not be part of everyday language, but it refers to the high-end material BBB uses to develop their frames. This stuff is like kryptonite! It’s designed to withstand high impact and super high temperatures, making it perfect for a sport that is sure to knock sunnies around and rough them up!
You have three choices of key frame styles:
1.0 Full-frame cycling glasses
The strongest of the three options.
2.0 Half-frames (otherwise known as frames with a top rim)
The ‘goldilocks’ version is neither as heavy as full-frame nor does it quite offer the full field of vision that frameless glasses provide.
3.0 Frameless glasses
Super light and offers maximum field of vision.
Lens Material
For most BBB cycling glasses, you can interchange your lenses depending on the time of day, conditions and also just how you feel at the time. All BBB lenses are made from polycarbonate. In addition, you might come across the term Multi-Layered Coating (or MLC) lenses. This refers to the exceptional clarity and high contrast you experience when looking at the world through BBB lenses.
Photochromic Sunglasses For Cycling
Photochromic refers to the lenses’ ability to adjust to sunlight and deliver maximum protection. For example, a rider who moves off the bike and into a cafe will experience a photochromic lens go from visibly darker to lighter (assuming the internal, artificial light is nowhere near as strong as outside).
Lens Colour
There are three lens colours for BBB cycling sunglasses:
1.0 Smoke lens
This is the colour you should select when the sun is at its most harsh. A smoke lens works to dilute the full intensity of real-world colours.
2.0 Yellow lens
A great option for low light, an example being a foggy winter’s day. The yellow lens works hard to bring in as much light as possible so that you can better focus on objects around you.
3.0 Clear lens
This is the option you would select as the day is drawing to a close and light is scarce. In these instances, the glasses are doing more to protect your eyes from insects, dust, etc., rather than light rays.
Triathlon Sunglasses
For the triathletes amongst us, you want a pair of sunnies that will transition as seamlessly as you do from T2 to T3. So, what are the best running and cycling sunglasses? We recommend you aim for a super lightweight pair of half-frame or frameless glasses that will sit snug on the bridge of your nose and not slide down as you’re in TT position. Also, you want them sitting light and not bouncing as you move from the gliding motion of time trialling into the ‘choppier’ movement of running.
How To Choose The Right Size Of Cycling Glasses?
You want the sunnies to sit snug on your face and not poke out, so that light (or debris) has no chance to enter. Indeed, you should not experience any gaps underneath, on-top or on either side of your eyes. Be sure that the frame is not obstructing your sight, and make sure you can close your eyes without eyelashes hitting the lens (it sounds absurd, but this can become incredibly frustrating over the course of a long session on the bike!).
Contact Us About Cycling Glasses Today!
If we have not answered all your questions here, or if you need specific sunny advice, get in contact! Our friendly team would love to hear from you, and they’re always happy to help. Contact us today!
