2018 Cycling sunglasses

[Plai]

The idea of polarization is to reduce glare and see through the water, whether its a lake or rain.
Polarization is not ideal for skiing because snow is water and it has the potential to reduce depth perception when the snow is varied.

I get that for snow sports. I don't ask for my snow play stuff (goggles) to be polarized.

 

[cantunamunch]

Please educate me on "pilots will laugh". Would like to understand that viewpoint.
.

Pilots use panel displays almost continuously and cannot afford to have them blocked or distorted. Those who really want the view outside to be glint free therefore generally opt for polarized windows. Polarizing the window instead of the glasses also lets them avoid secondary and tertiary effects like multiple images or birefringence (green sun anyone?), especially in in very aero or sandwich glass.

 

[Doug Briggs]

I use Smith & Wesson safety glasses.

https://www.zoro.com/smith-wesson-safety-glasses-clear-19799/i/G0598394/

These list for $5.90. Mine are amber/yellow. I used them in all conditions. Mostly I'm riding in the trees so the color is right. I've had them for well over 5 years, maybe 10. The don't scratch, they are sufficiently distortion free that I haven't noticed, 99.99% UVA/UVB protection and being polycarbonate lenses they protect my eyes as well as anything costing 10 to 20 times more. They fit beautifully on my face and under my helmet. I also like that they are frameless and have significant wrap-around.

These are uncleaned from after a ride. Virtually no scratches despite 1000s of miles and hundreds of hours use.

 

[Plai]

@cantunamunch thanks for explaining why polarization doesn't make sense for low light situations (cloud/tree cover, and dawn/dusk).

Now talk me out of *my* need for polarization in highly lit situations (full daytime, uncovered). I've stated my argument for less eye strain/fatigue. Yes, I've heard your the electronic display argument. Anything else? [Read, "did I miss anything?" ;-]

Right now, seems like the optimum configuration would be:
clear and/or yellow lens(es) for low light, and
another darker polarized lens for bright day time

 

[cantunamunch]

Right now, seems like the optimum configuration would be:
clear and/or yellow lens(es) for low light, and
another darker polarized lens for bright day time

I see nothing wrong with that idea.

 

[tball]

Ooh fancy.

I'm more http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stanley-a702-amber-safety-eyewear-0550104p.html#srp

Cycling sunnies got super-boring when Cippo left. Keep money in pocket.

How about an order of magnitude cheaper than those safety glasses?

No joke, I've been using these for a couple years and love them:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/pyramex-ztek-safety-glasses-with-gray-lens/

They are legit and meet safety specs:
http://www.pyramexsafety.com/products/eye-protection/S2520S

There was a thread on the slowtwitch triathlon forum where a bunch of cheap sunglasses were suggested, including the Ztek's and a couple other models on safetyglassesusa.com. I ordered several on a whim and really like those Ztek glasses. Previously I swore by the cheap Performance/Nashbar glasses. I've got both lying around and usually grab the cheapo Ztek's.

I love that they are so cheap I can always carry an extra pair with me. Having a clean pair to swap to at the top of a sweaty climb is a luxury. So is having an amber or clear pair at dusk or if a thunderstorm hits.

It's always seemed crazy to ride with expensive glasses when they are going to get sweaty or muddy, then scratched up trying to clean them with my bottle and jersey.

 

[Doug Briggs]

How about an order of magnitude cheaper than those safety glasses?

No joke, I've been using these for a couple years and love them:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/pyramex-ztek-safety-glasses-with-gray-lens/

They are legit and meet safety specs:
http://www.pyramexsafety.com/products/eye-protection/S2520S

There was a thread on the slowtwitch triathlon forum where a bunch of cheap sunglasses were suggested, including the Ztek's and a couple other models on safetyglassesusa.com. I ordered several on a whim and really like those Ztek glasses. Previously I swore by the cheap Performance/Nashbar glasses. I've got both lying around and usually grab the cheapo Ztek's.

I love that they are so cheap I can always carry an extra pair with me. Having a clean pair to swap to at the top of a sweaty climb is a luxury. So is having an amber or clear pair at dusk or if a thunderstorm hits.

It's always seemed crazy to ride with expensive glasses when they are going to get sweaty or muddy, then scratched up trying to clean them with my bottle and jersey.

Thanks for the link to safetyglassesusa.com. I have been looking for full magnifiers (not bi-focals) to use at work for a while, but not yet online. I ordered a pair of +1.50s to see how they'll work. https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/el...firmation&_rmId=9E3Yw8WW8BTrWz7r7OrJtWe7EjoQJ

 

[Plai]

So ordered and received Smith Approach Max a week ago. Finally got to try them this morning (clear, sunny, bright). Used the rose lenses for my early morning tennis and was surprised how clear the polycarbonate lenses are. Even more clear than my costa del Mar brines. Almost as clear as Smith glass lenses. Optically what I'm looking for and expecting. Felt like I was seeing the ball really well.

Will use the rose lenses tomorrow for MTB in mostly covered terrain. Excitedly expecting good things.

 

[tball]

How about an order of magnitude cheaper than those safety glasses?

No joke, I've been using these for a couple years and love them:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/pyramex-ztek-safety-glasses-with-gray-lens/

They are legit and meet safety specs:
http://www.pyramexsafety.com/products/eye-protection/S2520S

There was a thread on the slowtwitch triathlon forum where a bunch of cheap sunglasses were suggested, including the Ztek's and a couple other models on safetyglassesusa.com. I ordered several on a whim and really like those Ztek glasses. Previously I swore by the cheap Performance/Nashbar glasses. I've got both lying around and usually grab the cheapo Ztek's.

I love that they are so cheap I can always carry an extra pair with me. Having a clean pair to swap to at the top of a sweaty climb is a luxury. So is having an amber or clear pair at dusk or if a thunderstorm hits.

It's always seemed crazy to ride with expensive glasses when they are going to get sweaty or muddy, then scratched up trying to clean them with my bottle and jersey.

It's getting dark sooo early! I wanted to bump this with a reminder about my favorite crazy cheap glasses.

It's nice to carry an extra pair of glasses in your jersey. It's necessary when you start out into the bright sun but end with your lights like I did yesterday.

Riding Into the sun I wore my gray Ztek's I mentioned above. Once the sun set I switched to clear Ztek's I was carrying in my jersey, never worrying if they got scratched or broken because they cost less than two dollars! I also have them amber and they come in a bunch of other lens colors:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=Pyramex+Ztek

Also, if you have kids that need sunglasses, but lose and destroy them like mine, you can't go wrong with Mini Ztek:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=mini+ztek
It's pretty amazing that a $20 order from safteyglassesusa.com can keep us in cycling sunglasses for a year or so.


Edit: I also splurged ($6) on some of these and also really like them (without the removable strap):
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=Jackson+Nemesis

 

[Ron]

I picked the Smith Attack Max Cinelli up for Road riding. My eyes are very sensitive to glare. I was surprised how versatile the Red Mirror lens is. The chromapop is nice although its not as dramatic of a difference of a Costa brown lens with green mirror (but those are polarized 580G lens) . The brown lens have a gradient tint to them with the darkest band at the top. Optics are very good, sharp, clear vision and the MAX design works extremely well for road riding where your head is down and looking up to see the road. The extra tab at the top of the lens provides extra coverage and the wrap around design allows a huge field of vision. The nose piece is adjustable allowing a snug fit that doesn't shift around on your face and the arms are bendable as well. I cant stand sunnies that move around and slide down on your face when you are riding. I have not experienced any fogging and sweat seems to roll off very well leaving the lens clean enough to keep riding. These have become my choice now for all riding. Even in low light conditions, they work just fine.

https://www.cinelli-usa.com/smith-sunglasses-attack-max-cinelli-edition/

 

[LouD-Truckee]

trust me on this one.....

 

[coskigirl]

Those Smith sunglasses are on Steep and Cheap right now. They also have a version with a lowered brow design.

https://www.steepandcheap.com/smith...hdDpTdW5nbGFzc2VzOjE6MzE6c2FjQ2F0MTMxMDAwMDcy

https://www.steepandcheap.com/smith...hdDpTdW5nbGFzc2VzOjE6MTpzYWNDYXQxMzEwMDAwNzI=

 

[cantunamunch]

trust me on this one.....

In Vautron I trust - photochromically

 

[Monique]

I am in love with the Rudy Project "racing red" lens color. It's just enough for bright sun (*just* - reasonable people might disagree), while not compromising my ability to see the trail in the shade. IIRC about $250 for whatever model I have.

Unfortunately, they went missing in the weeks after Eric died. I haven't wanted to spend the money. I've been using various other pairs of sunglasses, but they just aren't as good. Eric's Oakleys are too big for my face. The Nerves are okay, but they hurt the bridge of my nose and aren't adjustable. My casual sunglasses are too dark. I'll be spending the money on a new pair of Rudy Projects next spring.

They make a transition version of racing red, but it's a pretty big price jump.

 

[Tom K.]

Another vote for the Jackson Nemesis glasses. I've got them in smoke and clear with and without +1.5 bifocals, and brown without.

I wish I could find the brown lens in bifocals..........I am hoping a fellow pugskier comes to the rescue!

Because six freaking dollars!!!

 

[tball]

It's getting dark sooo early! I wanted to bump this with a reminder about my favorite crazy cheap glasses.

It's nice to carry an extra pair of glasses in your jersey. It's necessary when you start out into the bright sun but end with your lights like I did yesterday.

Riding Into the sun I wore my gray Ztek's I mentioned above. Once the sun set I switched to clear Ztek's I was carrying in my jersey, never worrying if they got scratched or broken because they cost less than two dollars! I also have them amber and they come in a bunch of other lens colors:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=Pyramex+Ztek

Also, if you have kids that need sunglasses, but lose and destroy them like mine, you can't go wrong with Mini Ztek:
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=mini+ztek
It's pretty amazing that a $20 order from safteyglassesusa.com can keep us in cycling sunglasses for a year or so.


Edit: I also splurged ($6) on some of these and also really like them (without the removable strap):
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/search-results?search_query_adv=Jackson+Nemesis

Time to replenish our stock of cheap sunglasses. 15% off at safetyglassesusa.com with code Memorial15 through Monday. Another $20 keeps the family in sunglasses for the summer.