Eyewear for cycling can protect the eyes from various weather conditions. For example, during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, sunglasses can shield your eyes from dust, insects and the sun. In the winter, sunglasses can provide a barrier to snow, rain, wind and mud.
What to look for when buying cycling sunglasses
When buying a pair of shades for cycling, there are various things to look out for, including the lenses, frame, arms, and nose bridge.
Lens
If you’re cycling in a sunny environment, mirrored lenses are a stylish and practical choice. However, a mirror lens isn’t suitable for dark and wet conditions.
We would recommend polarised lenses when cycling on the road, as these provide the ultimate protection against glare and keep you safe when riding in various conditions. They help filter out reflections from bright, smooth surfaces allowing you to identify risks clearly.
Polarised lenses are not suitable if you are a mountain biker as there is usually very little glare out on the trail compared to road cycling. The effect of depth perception can make it harder for you to spot an obstacle or bump.
Frame
Big frames are great for providing coverage and protection; however, some riders may find that they interfere with their peripheral vision.
We are a big fan of wrap around sunglasses as they give superior coverage while also promising a secure and comfortable fit and an excellent field of view. Oakley and O’Neill are both popular brands for wrap around sunglasses.
We recommend choosing a scratch-resistant, large lens when looking for cycling sunglasses.
If you're looking for prescription sunglasses, you can choose Transitions (photochromic lens), which darken when exposed to direct sunlight, or you could opt for Sun Tints, which feature a full, permanent dark tint. Both feature 100% UVA and UVB protection and are available in 3 colours (grey, brown and green).
Arms
It’s important to carefully inspect the arms of sunglasses and glasses when choosing frames for cycling. Check that the arms and hinges are sturdy enough to keep your frames firmly in place, even over the roughest terrains.
You may want to consider frames with straight temples, as these are easier to take off when you have your helmet on.
Nose bridge
Sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and bridges are ideal for offering a more personalised fit. These features ensure that the sunglasses stay comfortable and in place whilst cycling.
How can I protect my eyes while cycling?
You can best protect your eyes while cycling by choosing sunglasses which reduce glare, filter out 99 to 100% of UV rays, are comfortable and provide a secure and stable fit.
Wraparound sunglasses are a great idea as they offer the most coverage, protecting your eyes from sun, wind, and debris and they stay in place on the face better than other models. By shielding your eyes from the wind, they can also reduce tear evaporation and prevent dry eyes.
What colour lens is best for cycling?
Amber and rose-tinted lenses increase visual acuity, providing the brightest field of vision and making them ideal for conditions with little sunlight. Their strength in colour contrast makes them a great choice for cycling on roads. These tints enable you to notice the smallest of details quickly and clearly.
When choosing coloured lenses for cycling, you should avoid choosing tints that are too dark as they will make it hard for you to see in shady areas, such as under trees, tunnels, and bridges.
The following lens colours are also great choices for cycling:
- Grey tinted lenses – reduce glare and provide true colour perception; they are great for cycling all year round
- Yellow tinted lenses – these filter our blue light, allowing you to see contrast better. This makes them a great choice for cyclists who find themselves in low light conditions and overcast days, but avoid it for bright sunny condition.
- Rose tinted lenses - offer best colour contrast and depth perception; they are great for mountain biking or wooded road, best especially for low light or cloudy conditions
Top sunglasses for cycling
Oakley Fives Squared OO9238-05 Grey Smoke
The Oakley Fives Squared OO9238-05 Grey Smoke sunglasses are a popular choice for cycling. They provide a snug fit, but they also block out any side glare and provide optimal functionality when engaging in vigorous activities.
They have been crafted from Oakley’s patented O Matter material which is incredibly durable and increases impact resistance. The lenses are plutonite and improve optical performance, ensuring that peripheral vision remains clear while providing 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Advantages:
- Hydraulically shaped temples to match the contours of your face for comfort and a secure fit
- Lightweight material
- Advanced Optics: features Oakley’s HDO (High Definition Optics) to eliminate distortion resulting in clearer, sharper and more accurate vision
- Great for bright sunny conditions as light transmission (LTF) is 17%
- Impact-resistant lenses
Ray-Ban RB4068 Tortoise 642/57 Polarised
If you’re after a more feminine pair of sunglasses for cycling, the Ray-Ban RB4068 Tortoise 642/57 Polarised sunglasses should do the trick. Not only are they a glamorous choice with their tortoiseshell print, but they also feature a full rectangle frame for optimal coverage and polarised lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Advantages:
- Polarised lenses to eliminate glare and enhance contrast
- Good coverage
- Great for cycling and everyday use
- Lightweight propionate plastic material
O'Neill ONS-Zepol 2.0 108P Matte Black Polarised
The O'Neill ONS-Zepol 2.0 108P Matte Black Polarised sunglasses will certainly get you noticed when you’re on the road. These sunglasses are an excellent choice for bike riding as they feature grey mirror lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. These lenses reduce glare and provide true colour perception.
The large frame provides great coverage and is crafted from a durable plastic material in a the always in style, pitch black colour.
Advantages:
- Polarised lenses: great if you bike near the sea and/or live in a very sunny area
- Sporty style
- Lightweight and durable frame material
Oakley Pitchman R OO9439-0450 Clear Prizm Sapphire
Another bold and vibrant frame, the Oakley Pitchman R OO9439-0450 Clear Prizm Sapphire sunglasses are a super stylish choice for eyewear for cycling. Round mirrored lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection feature Oakley’s Prizm technology, giving more colours and details for clearer vision. The temple tips of these frames are slightly curved to fit the face securely and comfortably, making them extremely practical for cycling.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and stylish design; rounded silhouette; suited to everyday leisure use
- Excellent lens quality: features Prizm technology to enhance colour and contrast
- Impact-resistant lenses
- Unisex design
- Strong and durable frame material with stainless steel temples
FGC Jack C01 Smoke Polarised
These frames feature another wrap style with superior coverage and 100% UVA and UVB protection. The FGC Jack C01 Smoke Polarised sunglasses are an excellent eyewear choice for engaging in a range of sports, including cycling. The grey -tinted lenses will give you excellent colour perception and clarity of vision.
Advantages:
- Polarised lenses: offer protection against glare and help filter out reflections from bright, smooth surfaces
- Stylish and practical
- Wrap around style
- Great value
- Dark grey lenses: great for sunny and bright conditions
Oakley Sylas OO9448-01 Prizm Grey
The Oakley Sylas OO9448-01 prizm grey sunglasses are a superb choice for all cyclists. They feature high-tech lenses with exclusive Prizm technology to enhance colour contrast making it easier to spot the smallest of details when out and about. The rectangle frames are crafted from lightweight plastic for comfort and durability when riding, while the sleek style lends these sunglasses a fashionable edge.
Advantages:
- Excellent lens quality: Prizm technology enhances colour and contrast
- Grey lenses reduce glare and provide true colour perception
- Lightweight frame material
O'Neill Barrel 108P Matte Grey Polarised
The perfect pair of sporty shades, especially for cycling, the O'Neill Barrel 108P Matte Grey Polarised sunglasses feature grey-tinted lenses for reduced glare and true colour perception. These lenses feature 100% UVA and UVB protection. Sleek design meets protective functions to create a stylish pair of cycling sunglasses with this wrap-around frame. The fixed pad bridge allows for the perfect fit.
Advantages:
- Great for sports and everyday use
- Polarised lenses: great if you bike near the sea and/or live in a very sunny area
- Good coverage, eye size is 62 mm
Oakley Square Wire OO4075-13 Polished Black Prizm
A more delicate frame than the wrap-around, the Oakley Square Wire OO4075-13 Polished Black Prizm sunglasses are a sleek and modern style, great for bike riding. Prizm Grey lenses contain High-Definition Optics Technology to reduce distorted vision and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection against the sun. These lenses also feature Prizm technology to sharpen visual acuity and add structure to your surroundings and objects.
Advantages:
- Versatile lifestyle frame; suitable for driving, fishing and cycling
- Ultra-lightweight C-5™ alloy frame
- Excellent lens quality: features Prizm technology to enhance colour and contrast
- Advanced Optics: features Oakley’s HDO (High Definition Optics) to eliminate distortion resulting in clearer, sharper and more accurate vision
Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, but they also stop things like insects, dust, wind and snow/rain from getting into your eyes which could potentially save your life when you’re out cycling.
