Venting is another important feature to look out for. Glasses can fog up quickly when you’re hot and sweaty, and especially when you’re cranking slowly and painfully up a steep hill. Vented lenses can help prevent condensation from breath or perspiration from fogging up the lenses, so you can bike uninterrupted.
Oleophobic/hydrophobic coatings on lenses are crucial for all-weather cyclists. These coatings repel any water, oil, grease or other liquids that have been flicked up from the road, keeping your vision clear. Without an effective coating of some kind, glasses can become smeared with rain or road spray, and in the worst conditions, this can mean you’re forced to remove your glasses and shove them in a back pocket.
Anti-scratch/shatterproof lenses: Lenses can be quite delicate; all it takes is a rogue rock being flung up by a passing car or just an absent-minded wipe with some gritty, mud-covered gloves to damage them. That’s why we recommend looking out for anti-scratch or shatterproof lenses, as this will reduce the risk of damage.
If you’re going for a long bike ride with glasses on, you want them to fit comfortably, otherwise they’ll be a thorn in your side for the duration of the ride. This is why things like adjustable temple tips and interchangeable rubber nose pads can be godsends, as they help you to get the perfect fit.
Does the colour of the lens matter?
A lens colour isn’t merely a shallow cosmetic factor. Each colour actually has different properties and benefits for different scenarios.
- Clear lenses: Provide protection against the elements, bugs and debris, and can potentially also provide UV protection depending on the quality of the lenses, but they won’t stop you squinting on brighter days. Great for night riding or duller days, and a good choice when riding in dense woodland.
- Grey lenses: Reduce glare without warping true colour perception and can be used in low and bright light. A good option for everyday use.
- Brown lenses: Enhance depth perception and increase contrast. Can be used in a variety of conditions.
- Blue/purple lenses: Increase colour perception and reduce glare. To be used in low light conditions.
- Yellow lenses: Enhance your vision by improving clarity when light levels are low. To be used during low light rides.
- Pink/red lenses: Offer the greatest contrast and they also boost visual depth. Can be used in a variety of conditions.
What types of lenses are there?
Photochromic lenses: These adapt to the lighting conditions, darkening in bright light and becoming progressively clearer as light levels drop. This makes them great for changeable weather, and they’re a top choice for off-road rides where you find yourself rolling through dark, wooded areas and then back out onto brighter open trails.
A big benefit of photochromic lenses is they get rid of the faff of switching lenses. Do bear in mind, though, that they don’t achieve quite the same range of tint variations that you’d be able to get when buying separate lenses: they don’t go completely clear, and they don’t go as dark as lenses suited to the brightest days. Also, bear in mind that they respond to UV light rather than just sunlight full stop, so they don’t change tint behind UV-shielded glass such as that used in car windscreens.
Polarised lenses are coated with a film that reduces glare and reflections. This film filters out horizontal light (the light that causes glare) while allowing vertical light waves (the light we use to see clearly) to pass through. This helps you to see with improved clarity and is especially useful in spring when the sun frequently reflects off standing water and wet roads.
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What do lens categories mean?
While browsing for sunglasses, you may have seen them categorised by a number, such as “category 3”. This number refers to the lenses’ VLT (Visible Light Transmission). Higher VLT figures indicate lighter lenses that let through more light. Lenses of higher VLTs are put into lower categories, while lower VLTs are put into higher categories.
Category 0: Clear or very light lens, little to no protection against sunlight. Predominantly used for protection against debris or impact.
Category 1: Usually a light yellow or generally pale colour. Not good in sunny conditions, but good in overcast conditions or low sunlight.
Category 2: Typically found in many colours. Provides decent protection against partial sunlight.
Category 3: The most common category of sunglass lens. Good against strong sunlight and glare.
Category 4: Typically a very dark brown or grey lens. Ideal for mountains, deserts or anywhere where sunlight and glare are intense and continuous. Not to be used by drivers or road users as the darkness of the tint can impair your vision.
The best cycling glasses to buy in 2022
1. dhb Fractal: Best budget cycling glasses
Price: £70 | Buy now from Wiggle
Since 2004, Wiggle’s own brand dhb has been designing an ever-wider range of cycling accessories and clothing. Its Fractal glasses are another job well done: these slickly designed shades partner bold, in-your-face looks with big, UV-blocking lenses.
The category 3 lens has a VLT of 8-18% which is perfect for the brightest days, and the wide, wrap-around design offers plenty of protection from the sun, weather and anything that might flick up from the road or trails.
One thing to bear in mind is that they’re very streamlined, which is great for smaller to medium-sized faces, but those with larger heads may not find them as comfortable for longer periods.
Key specs – Frame type: Full-rim frame; Lens category: 3; Weight: 34g; Oleophobic/hydrophobic lens? No; Additional features: N/A
