Are you looking for the best sunglasses for cycling? Have you just started exercising with a bicycle to stay fit? Or are you an avid rider? Either way, there are a few accessories that you need, in order to be safe while riding your bike. And one very important accessory is a pair of good quality sunglasses.
Sunglasses for cycling are very trendy nowadays, and the demand for these accessories is high. After all, many people have started cycling during the corona-virus pandemic to remain fit.
Generally, people got aware of their physical health, which is why cycling has become hugely popular. Obviously, sunglasses are an important accessory for people that ride bicycles.
However, not many people are aware of the features that are available for cycling sunglasses. Therefore, there are few things to keep in mind before you select your sunglasses for cycling.
Essential functions that cycling sunglasses must have
Cycling sunglasses have few purposes. Firstly, they can reduce the glare from the sun and also from reflections and from incoming lights. Secondly, they provide physical protection to your eyes from debris, dust, wind, and grit.
Thirdly, they serve to protect the health of your eyes by blocking harmful UV rays. Fourthly, cycling sunglasses can also help to improve your vision if you need to wear prescription lenses.
Lastly, just as significant in today’s fashion world, they also help to make you look stylish. Undeniably, people care about their looks when they practice some sports. Thus, sunglasses need to have trendy designs as well.
The best sunglasses for cycling sunglasses have many great features
There are some essential features that a pair of sunglasses must have to make your rides pleasant, comfortable, and safe.
By reducing glare, sunglasses make your vision clearer, and your rides safer. If you are cycling in bright sunlight, you should use darker shades. Yet too dark lenses are unsafe when the light is dim. Accordingly, you should consider having different sets for different occasion. Alternatively, look for sunglasses that have interchangeable lenses.
Yet, keep in mind that glare does not comes only from the direct light of the sun. In fact, much glare comes also from other sources such as incoming vehicles, and from reflected lights. To reduce this kind of glare, your best option is to use polarized lenses. Not all sunglasses are polarized. This is usually an extra feature, and you should check whether your lenses are polarized or not.
UV protection is important
Another kind of protection that your sunglasses give you is that from the harmful UVA and UVB rays coming out from the sun. By wearing sunglasses that give you proper UV protection, you are preventing UV rays from the long-term damage to the health of your eyes.
In the same way that you protect your skin, you should protect your eyes. UV rays cause damage to the crystal lens inside your eyes and to the retina. Being outdoor for extended hours, it is important to get this kind of long-term protection.
What about prescription sunglasses?
And if you wear spectacles, what are your options? When you cycle and you want to use sunglasses, one option is to use contact lenses. However, not everybody likes to wear contact lenses, and surely you have other options. Some sunglasses can be fitted with prescription sunglass lenses. That is, it is possible to replace the original sunglass lenses with other lenses that are tinted like sunglasses and that also have your prescription. Another option that is very popular nowadays is to use sunglasses that have a special clip with prescription lenses inserted in the frame. In this way, you will have more options in terms of designs and shapes.
Equally important are the looks. Nowadays we have got lots of options to choose from in terms of frames, shapes, and designs.
Things to consider while choosing a frame
You can choose frames based on the type of riding and according to your comfort when you wear them. If your requirement is a peripheral view, then you should choose a design that is wider and more open on the sides. For example, you may consider half-frame sunglasses. On the other hand, if you want more lens protection, then you may go for full-frame sunglasses.
In addition to type of frame, having good quality lenses is also important. Cycling sunglasses have large, curved lenses that provide a wide field of vision. Check for lenses with UV filter.
Also, some sunglasses allow you to change the lenses in your frame. These sunglasses come with a set of lenses of different color and different darkness. They enable you to have one pair of lenses to use under bright sunlight, and another pair to use in the evening, after sunset, or early mornings before sunrise. Hence, you will get different lens options depending on the light conditions, and you can change the lenses as needed.
Another option to consider is those cycling sunglasses that allow to insert prescription lenses. Some sunglasses come with a clip that you insert in the frame, and in this clip you can have lenses with your own prescription. Since the clip is quite small, even high prescriptions are easy to add to these sunglasses. And it is not uncommon to have cyclists using the clip with progressive lenses.
What material is the best for the lenses?
Performance eyewear is innovative, and lenses are not an exception. It is worth looking for impact-resistant lenses as they stay intact after a hit and provide the best physical protection for your eyes.
The materials that you should look out for are polycarbonate and NXT. Fortunately, most sports sunglasses come with impact-resistant lenses. One thing to consider: one main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it is easy to scratch. Therefore, if it should happen that they accidentally drop, there may be scratches on the lenses.
Lens color: How dark?
Choosing a lens color and amount of darkness is also crucial for the conditions you ride, as it can help you see better and eventually ride better. Selecting the proper darkness for your sunglasses is vital as this will determine your visibility. When looking at lenses online, it is virtually impossible to recognize the true color and darkness of the lenses.
At a shop, you will have the chance to actually look through the lenses and decide what is best for you. Even better, it is an advantage for you if you can look outside during daylight. So, consider doing your shopping at a physical optical shop during the day.
On account of darkness, you can consider sunglasses that have photochromic lenses. These lenses change from clear to dark in different light conditions. They get darker when the sun is brighter and lighten up when the available light decreases. If you love to ride at any time of the day, photochromic lenses are a great option for you.
Sunglasses with prescription lenses
There are many people out there who wear spectacles. Markedly for these people, wearing sunglasses while cycling is more challenging. But there are few options.
If you wear spectacles, an obvious first option for you is to wear your own spectacles. In this case, it is best if you have photochromic lenses, or Transitions lenses, that become dark under sun light. This is a practical and economical solution.
However, there are a few disadvantages as well. Firstly, even if you have photochromic lenses, they will not be as dark as sunglass lenses can be. Furthermore, you will not benefit from having polarized lenses. What’s more, as you will be perspiring, you will end up wearing out your spectacles much faster. Lastly, your spectacles will not have the looks and appeals that people want from sports eyewear.
On the other hand, using sunglasses with prescription lenses is a better way to go about vision correction for your rides. The sunglasses will fit lenses with your prescription, and they will provide clear visibility along with a stylish look.
How to ensure good fitting of your sunglasses?
A secure fit of your sunglasses is most important for comfort. Always try on your sunglasses in the shop before you buy them. Also, ensure that they are fit for your face.
Too small size will be uncomfortable or even painful. Too large and the sunglasses will come off too easily. You won’t want yourself having to adjust your sunglasses all the time while riding your bicycle.
The side arms of the frame must grasp your head firmly. And make sure that your eyelashes do not touch the lenses.
Verdict: Get the best sunglasses for cycling today!
Selecting the best sunglasses for cycling is not as easy as it might seem. It is important to consider a few points while choosing the optimal sunglasses for your rides.
In case you are looking for prescription sunglasses anywhere in Singapore, visit Visio Optical. Experienced optometrists and opticians who will help you find the most suitable frames and lenses for your needs.
Don’t compromise on your vision. Get in touch with Visio Optical for your next pair of sunglasses for cycling. And don’t forget to BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT with us today.