Winter Cycling - Eye glass wearer

Hi,

I was out in -12deg Celcius weather today. and my biggest challenge was my eye glasses fogging up from my breath.

I'm new to the winter cycling thing, can we review some hints, tricks, and suggestions?

I'd like to cycle in weather as cold as -25 or colder, so I'm prepared to invest whatever amount of money it takes to have a good system.

thanks

Tyler

There had been a lot of discussion on this forum about fogging/steaming eyewear; rightfully so, because it is a valid safety concern. Most people experience the problem when they put on a balaclava or some other face covering protection. The balaclava defuses your warm moist exhale up and on to the cold surfaces of your eye ware and condensation (fogging) results.

“Jim from Boston” has also addressed fogging eye glasses. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=450447 (post # 47). I came up with another “fix” and I think I may have solved the problem. My solution is based on sealing, or preventing, the warm air from coming into contact with my eye wear.

Note the attached photo of the clear inexpensive ($8) safety goggles that I bought from http://www.coopersafety.com/item/100311/Uvex-Futura-Goggles-with-Clear-lenses.aspx. They form fit nicely around my face and that seal prevents my warm breath from entering. An additional bonus is they are large enough to fit them over sun glasses, or prescription glasses. Ski goggles will also work, but they have too many down sides, i.e., they cost much more, their lenses are dark tinted, they are much heavier and I don’t think they can accommodate eye glasses.

I always ride with a small rear view mirror mounted on the side rail of my sunglasses and these goggles won’t accommodate that attachment method. I changed to the helmet mounted mirror (see attached photo) and mounted the mirror bracket on my helmet visor.

One more thing: If you are winter biking, you should be way past the point of being concerned about how unstylish or unfashionable the goggles will appear to others. I other words: I look like geek in them. As a winter runner for over 30 years and now a winter cyclist, I gave up worrying about how I looked to others a long time ago. We are IceBikers, we even revel that we are viewed as non-conformists and sometimes as eccentrics.

IceBiking Geeks Rule!
Alfie

Make sure your neck gaiter or balaclava does not come up over your nose, and only barely covers your mouth.

I find a little dab of vaseline or something similar on my nose and cheeks is all I need to protect them from the cold.

You can benefit from my experience. I had found nothing that worked until I tried Jim from Boston's suggestion regarding wearing safety glasses to deflect the wind from my Adidas glasses with optical inserts. Follow the link above for a description. No sealing is required. I just went into the basement and got a large pair of safety glasses that are open on the sides. We have had them forever. The icebike website also recommends the same technique using these: http://www.amazon.com/Visorgogs-Visor-Screen-Ventilation-Polycarbonate/dp/B0018AGDXO/ref=pd_sbs_indust_4

The ones that I have are like these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VXKKBA/ref=s9subs_c1_328_at1-rfc_p-frt_p-3237_g1_si2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1WPJYX4AZPSJK9ECFQG6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383351&pf_rd_i=507846

Note the attached photo of the clear inexpensive ($8) safety goggles that I bought from http://www.coopersafety.com/item/100311/Uvex-Futura-Goggles-with-Clear-lenses.aspx. They form fit nicely around my face and that seal prevents my warm breath from entering. An additional bonus is they are large enough to fit them over sun glasses, or prescription glasses. Ski goggles will also work, but they have too many down sides, i.e., they cost much more, their lenses are dark tinted, they are much heavier and I don’t think they can accommodate eye glasses.

Alfie
My local Payless Optical had a pair of prescription google for about $60. I think these were intended for swimming, with a rubbery strap, but you might find something suitable for cold weather too.

For myself, I don't have goggles or safety glasses, but follow Machka's advice... keep your nose clear so that your breath is not directed upward into your glasses. If I'm totally fogged up, I usually stop and let it clear. Actually, most of the fogging is taken care of by directing your head so that the wind gets at the inside of the glass. Not the warmest, but usually de-fogs quickly.

Here's some prescription goggles for $60

http://www.heavyglare.com/uploads/models/ALPINA/340/BANG.JPG?r=75937

http://www.heavyglare.com/293/0/2237/Alpina_Goggles/Bang_Optic.html

I usually blow hard through the fabric to avoid fogging. When I'm moving, I breathe softly to keep the warm air inside the balaclava.

Hi, I've created another topic very closely related to this thread, I want it to focus on providing solutions with nice pictures. I guess i could have added it to this thread. Sorry.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=492342

I wear eyeglasses, and have two suggestions:

1. You can find goggles that fit over glasses, I have a pair of normal goggles, and they fit fine over my glasses with a bit of adjusting. You might need to try a few pairs. Get a set with clear lenses!

2. I also have a neck scraf thing:

http://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-2705-0-Neofleece-Combo/dp/B0018BJSQW

It works well, because it directs the warm air from your nose downwards, as long as it isn't too loose. I havn't had my glasses fog up while wearing it. It's also mighty warm, and doesn't interfear with breathing.