Clear Vision, Clear Path: Pick the Best Cycling Glasses
Alex McRae- 6 Min To Read
- 23 Jul, 2023
“Hole!” I heard the riders shout it loud and clear. It was too late for me to see it coming. That darned pothole was the one I landed on. Although it was painful and jarring, I managed to stay on my feet and make my way through. My cycling glasses were not correct and the roads became muddy as we rode through the woods. A few people came back to me after I yelled, but I discovered how important a pair of glasses is.
Tifosi Alpe2.0 polarized lenses were what I was wearing. They fit me well and are very comfortable. Problem is, the polarized lenses, which are great for bright, clear days with lots sun glare, can make a surface appear smoother, making it easy to miss potholes in shaded spots.
My story focuses on the fact that safety and style are equally important in cycling glasses.
If you are looking for the best pair of sunglasses for cycling, then you should check out the Tifosi Tyrant, Tifosi Jet and Suncloud Slant. These four glasses were the most popular among all of the glasses we tested over the years. These glasses are easy to locate, fit most faces well, and durable enough for rough riding on your gravel bicycle or being stored in your cycling jacket for several hours.
| Pros | Price Comparison |
|---|---|
| Tifosi Tyrant | Lightweight and comfortable fit, great for everyone |
| Tifosi Jet | All-round glasses at a fair price |
| Suncloud Slant | Variable Lens Curvature at a Reasonably Affordable Price |
| Oakley Radar | Highest lens quality, very durable |
Tifosi Tyrant
The Tifosi Tyrant glasses have been voted the best all-around sunglasses. The Tyrant collection is stylish and lightweight with half-frames in a variety of colors. Tifosi offers a variety of color options. You can also choose from one of their color schemes, or make your own. You can purchase additional lenses to get more colors. If you prefer polarized to avoid the sun’s glare Fototec is available. It changes the color according the sun’s brightness.
The Tyrant lenses focus your eyes on the important things and prevent fogging. This wrap style provides extra protection from the sun, wind and debris. These shades are great for when you’re on a long road bikeride, and don’t want the elements or wind angles to dry out your eyes.
Tifosi Tyrant frames can be adjusted to fit your face with strong, bendable nylon. You can also adjust the ear and nose pieces to create a custom, comfortable fit that is slip-resistant. Included is a protective bag and case.
The Tyrant line is a great choice because it offers many customizable features, protective glasses, great style, and a very affordable price. This line is designed for people with average- or medium-sized faces. If you have a more shaped head, you may need to consider different glasses.
Tifosi Jet
Let’s continue with the Tifosi collection and take a look to the Tifosi jet glasses. These glasses offer shatterproof protection for your eyes and great style at an affordable price. Jet lenses reduce distortion, so you can see clearly and provide both UVA/UVB protection.
The Jets are the less expensive Tifosi.
Jet frames are made from the same strong nylon so you can bend them slightly to fit your face. The nose and earpieces of the jet frames are made from a special rubber that is resistant to sweat.
The Jet line is my favorite because of its excellent eye protection and sporty style, all at a very affordable price. There aren’t nearly as many color options available to you in the Jet line like you have with the Tyrant, and your nose and ear pieces can’t be customized. You can still purchase clear reader lenses, multiple lenses, colored lenses and colored lenses. If you need replacement nose or earpieces, a protective bag and case are also included in your purchase.
These glasses are made for medium-sized faces.
Suncloud Slant
Suncloud Slant glasses are another sporty pair that is affordable. These glasses come standard with 100% UV protection as well as a zippered bag. The Suncloud lenses come standard with a polarized lens to reduce glare. However, the glasses also include an additional pair of lenses that can be used in low-light conditions. These glasses are a favorite choice for cyclists due to their low price and excellent fit and performance.
The unique thing about the Slant line of lenses is that you can choose from either a 6 or 8 Lens Curvature. What does this mean? The 6 lens curve is a flatter profile across your front. The 8 lens curvature is slightly more round and provides more protection for your peripheral vision.
You can choose whether you prefer a flat-shaped pair of sunnies, or a more round-edged wrap style with the Slants. Be aware that standard lenses can be polarized which could lead to problems in areas with dappled sun or lower light. Suncloud has an extra set of low-light lenses to help with this situation.
We love the rose-colored lenses.
Oakley Radar
Oakley Radars are a luxury pair that will make you look cool, stylish, and brand-conscious. These glasses are more expensive, but they offer many options.
Oakleys have been the subject of much debate in the cycling community. Some argue that they are not worth the money or are simply a name. Others argue that they are superior due to their more comfortable design and better lens quality. Oakley is a firm favorite of ours.
Oakleys allow you to choose the lens shape that will best suit your needs. You can choose from polarized, color-enhancing and prescription lenses. Oakleys have extra protection for your eyes to protect them from impact. These high-end glasses come with a protective case so that they don’t break when not in use. They don’t need to be uncomfortable when you put them in your shorts during a long ride.
The frames are light and comfortable, so they don’t slip off your face even at high speeds.
Oakley’s are the best high-class sports glasses I have ever seen. These glasses are cool if you want to be trendy. Oakley is much more than a pair of glasses. You can choose between two styles of lenses. If you don’t like the feeling that your lenses touch your cheeks, you can go longer. The EV is my favorite lens. It allows you to see higher than your eyes, so that you can look up even if your head is angled downward.
Oakleys are more suited for larger faces. You can choose the youth version if your face is smaller than mine. They are also smaller in design and cost less.
