CYCLING SUNGLASSES ARE AS MUCH ABOUT STYLE as they are function. The best ones look good and protect your eyes from debris and UV rays while essentially disappearing on your face. At the start of the twentieth century, cyclists primarily relied on goggles for eye protection. In the 1960s, many cyclists turned toward style-driven eyewear choices, in many cases aviators, due to the larger-than-average lenses that offered better coverage. It wasn't until the mid-1980s that what we now recognize as modern performance eyewear hit the market. This was when Greg LeMond debuted the now iconic Oakley Eyeshades, and modern cycling sunglasses were born.
From that point, the development of cycling eyewear progressed rather quickly, thanks to the interchangeable introduction of new lens tints, lenses, and lightweight frame materials. Brands like Briko launched eyewear that resembled the eyes of insects, while Oakley again innovated when it developed the curved prescription lens.
Finding the right pair of shades largely comes down to each rider's personal style and preference. The eight pairs of sunglasses on the following pages were all extensively tested by Bicycling's test team. We used them on road, trail, and gravel rides and in a variety of lighting conditions. We also took into consideration lens technology, comfort, and price. But first, here are a few features you should look for to help you narrow down your options.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING CYCLING SUNGLASSES
1 TYPE OF LENS
Every eyewear brand offers various lenses for different riding conditions and lighting levels. Reflective lenses are designed for full sun. Medium lenses have some tint but let in more light than the fully reflective lenses. (These are sometimes called trail lenses because they are great for the variable lighting conditions often experienced when riding in the woods.) And finally, there are clear lenses for riding at night.
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Denne historien er fra Summer 2024-utgaven av Bicycling US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR -FOR ALLTYPES OF RIDERS
These stylish and comfortable shades improve visibility on gravel rides, diminish road shadows, and will stay put on your face even when mountain biking. Bonus: We also tested a few prescription options.
PRO ROAD RACERS AREN'T COOL ANYMORE
AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE AN OLD MAN yelling at a cloud, I don't think pro road racers are cool anymore.
BIKE RACING HAS NEVER BEEN THIS GOOD
I KNOW PRECIOUS LITTLE ABOUT COLLEGE basketball.
GIVE YOUR BIKE THE LOVE IT DESERVES
IT WASN'T THE FIRST OR THE LAST TIME A BIKE left me stranded. At this point in my life, it's not about having \"the legs\" or endurance to sustain a ride, event, or race-but rather a transparent awareness of accepting what I have and who I am.
WHAT IS THE NEXT GROUNDBREAKING BIKE?
TIM RUTLEDGE, THE CREATOR OF THE REDLINE Conquest and a legend of American cyclocross racing, died of cancer earlier this year.
WHY YOU SHOULD GET A CRAPPIER COMMUTER
A FEW WEEKS AGO, I WAS WALKING AROUND South Philadelphia with a friend when I saw a bike easily worth a few thousand dollars locked up outside a bar on a dark street.
EVERY GRAM MATTERS
SRAM'S UPDATES TO ITS RED GROUP PROVIDE BIG RIDER BENEFITS
I DON'T REMEMBER THE HIT-AND-RUN THAT NEARLY KILLED ME.BUT I'LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I SAW MY SHATTERED BIKE.
BACK WHEN I WAS AN EDITOR AT BICYCLING MAGAZINE, IN the 2010s, I covered the walls of my office with bike jerseys: one each from the many teams I'd raced for, a bunch from different events, and a few collectible ones from bygone races that I'd been gifted or I had thrifted.
NYC'S BIKE POWERED DELIVERY WORKERS \vs BIG TECH
HOW THE NATION'S LARGEST TWO-WHEELED WORKFORCE IS FIGHTING FOR BETTER PAY AND SAFER CONDITIONS. ITS VICTORY COULD CHART A COURSE FOR FOOD-TOTING CYCLISTS EVERYWHERE.
2024 BICYCLING BIKE OF THE YEAR ENVE FRAY
WHEN YOU ARE BUYING A NEW BIKE, IT CAN BE HARD TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE. CHOOSING THE BEST OVERALL BIKE IS TOUGH FOR OUR TEST TEAM, TOO.