Road Cycling - Riding glasses

I'm looking for a pair of sunglasses to use while riding? Any recommendations? Are there specifics I should look for, i.e. polarized? Any great deals out there?

I just got a pair of Smith Mainline for $50 from Colorado Cyclist. They're usually $100, but CC has the red and gold glasses on sale for $50. I went with the red pair. I wore them today on a long ride over varied terrain in bright sunlight and really liked them. I did a lot of climbing and despite the fact that I sweat a lot, they did not fog up on me. Also, they come with three sets of lenses for different lighting conditions. I can't vouch for their long-term quality, but I really liked them on the first try and it's hard to beat the price.

I wear prescription sunglasses. I spent the extra and bought polarized lenses for nylon Bolle frames. Since I also fish I feel polarized lenses to be essential and there are real benefits for cycling as well. I mean there's glare on the road too. Frankly, I've often wondered how makers can get 100$+ for non-prescription shades that aren't even polarized.

Test before you ride by putting on the glasses and holding your head in your typical riding position. A lot of glasses do not come up high enough and you end up looking over the top of them in a riding position.

I use clip-ons. I'm as near-sighted as Laurent Fignon.

I used to get mine from the local hardware store, ( tinted safety glasses), they come in aero shapes, uv coatings etc., and you doen't cry if the' stolen, lost or get scratched up, 'cause you're only out 10 bucks or less. Now that I'm an old fart I use presrciption polarized bifocals- so I can see the road and my computer too.
Ride sighted
Pat

This summer I bought a pair of Smith Bazooka Sliders. They're perfect. They come up a little higher on my eyes so I can see in and aero position. They also have the added advantage of the three lenses. It's really nice wearing the yellow lenses in the rain. Personally, I think it enhances your vision.

Walter, I'm with you. I have never had any use for sunglasses that were not polarized. Nothing else actually cuts glare they only darken it. Having said that, I wear Smith and Wesson Magnum safety glasses from MSC for cycling. There is no frame across the top so nothing to get in your way and the temples are adjustable. They have a nice soft, tacky nose piece that is very comfortable and stays in place. The lenses are not interchangable, but they come in about 4 colors, including clear for $6-11 depending on color. I like the mirrored ones because they make me look bad to the bone, and you know what a bad boy I am. :D
I just haven't seen any polarized glasses that seemed right for cycling. How do you like the Bolles? Exactly which model do you have?
Regards,
Raymond

I have had expensive glasses and some very cool looking safety glasses that were reasonably priced.The glasses I have now are the BEST I've ever had.I got them at Beall's outlet in the $5 bin and have had them for 3 years and they are still without a scratch.They are pretty cool looking too.All my other glasses within 6 months have been scratched,broken,lost or stolen.

When I'm riding to work I've usually got a rucksack on. Space in the pockets then for glasses. I wear contact lenses & I like having dark glasses on when I'm on the bike because:
a: It keeps bugs and crap from going in my eyes
b: I think I look cool

When its rainy & dim & horrible I have a pair of those yellow lens glasses that increases b&w contrast so things seem brighter and still keep crap out of my eyes.

Both pairs are BLOC and wrap quite tight across my face. cost about 30 quid each, the most expensive shades I've ever had, but also the most used and longest lasting

Stew

I use a pair of Smith Slider Buzzsaws and am very happy with the choice of three lenses and great visibilty.

The yellow lenses in early morning or at dusk have opened a whole new appreciation to my rides.

Rainman,

I'm looking at my shades right now and the only marking I see on them besides "Bolle" is "746 CE" on the inside of the right leg. They are of "conventional" style, i.e not blade or wrap-around. Very light since they're nylon and stay in place well. I ride 95% of the time on the bar tops or hoods so I don't honestly know about tucked in or aero positions. However while fishing I cock my head at all different kinds of angles whilst looking (all too often in vain) for signs of dinner and have never noticed a lack of coverage.

Cost about $120 give or take 2 years ago for the frames and the prescrip polarized lenses.

:beer:

I have a pair of Smith sunglasses that has 3 lenses - dark, clear, and orange.
I also have a pair from Nashbar with dark and clear lenses.
Having a selection of lenses is great for different types of riding and light (or lack of light) conditions.
Wrap around lenses keeps the wind, dust, bugs, etc. out of your eyes.
Also look for UVA and UVB filtration.

My favorite pair of sunglasses are the Oakley's Minute sunglasses in black. They wrap around my head nicely, and the lenses are impact resistant. Totally, true, I've seen the tests done at their lab.

Anyway, they're not polarized, but that's okay. My hubby had a polarized pair of sunglasses, and he liked those as well. It cut down on the glare quite a bit.

It's always good to have protective eyewear. Good quality eyewear really prevents those gravel bits from getting into your eyes. It's darn irritating without them!

Originally posted by technogirl
It's always good to have protective eyewear. Good quality eyewear really prevents those gravel bits from getting into your eyes. It's darn irritating without them!

You speak the truth there.Right now it's knat season in Florida.I'm not talking about a couple here and there,no,they fly in clouds and when you hit a cloud of them it's like riding in a sand storm.Without glasses I would be blind.

Hi, Paige! Yeah, that's totally true, forgot about those darn bugs, too! Reminds me of that funny scene, in "Me, Myself, & Irene" where Jim Carey has to wipe the bugs off his teeth while he's on his motorcycle. :D

Oakleys are the most optically correct.

Originally posted by knifun
Oakleys are the most optically correct. all that and financially damaging, too! :cool:

i've only ever used one make and model of sunnies. oakley mumbos and now pro m frames. they look the dogs cojones and are a superb fit, with good all round vision. if money is no object go for those!

cabledonut.

Thanks, guys. I'm still in the search in my free time. I've been looking at Oakleys and Smiths thus far. I'd like to get something that fits my face, looks good and offers polarized lenses. I've been impressed by the fact that Oakleys also offer prescription lenses.