Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Sunglasses Tint for Brevets

I'm getting perscription sunglasses for brevets, and while I found a bunch of threads pertaining to this on the road forum, I was hoping to get some Rando input. I probably won't be able to change lenses, since my insurance only pays for one set of Rx lenses. I am thinking transitions, but will the slightly reduced vision at night be acceptable? It seems like the only solution for UV protection during the day, and visibility at night. Thanks!

You might consider a pair of glasses with the secondary lens holder behind the actual tinted lens, that way you can change the tinted lenses to clear for night.

I have a pair of Rudy Project glasses with the Lazer Clear Lens that I love. I wear them in the brightess light and at night. I like them because although they seem clear, they somehow block the light from above while being clear below, thus do not hinder reading my POLAR HRM, bicycle computer, or any other LCD screen. Rudy Project, like Oakley is set up to provide lenses, frames, replaceable lens etc. Good luck.

I use Bolle Parole (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=60000276&sku=18199&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Brand%3A%20Bolle) glasses w/ insert. I bought them w/ 3 lenses: smoke, yellow and clear.

Though I use progressives, I had the lenses for the insert made up as bifocals, at the recommendation of my optometrist. She said they would work better in the small frame of the insert.

To determine the proper distance for the "reading" area of the lenses, I measured from the bridge of my nose to the handlebar, where my computers and, just beyond, my route sheet holder sits. The main lens area is my usual distance prescription.

I am limited to Adidas Evil Eye and WileyX based on my local providers. The Evil Eye has the Rx insert, but I've been told that it doesn't provide for a lot of peripheral vision. With WileyX, I would only have whichever lens I chose from them.

I don't know what's available - I've never considered the expense, I just carry two pair.

But if I was going to get prescription glasses - for riding - I would put most of the emphasis on a frame/lenses design that keeps bug and crap out of my eyes. Although, I agree, with the "UV" filter need.......

Yeah, this is why I lean towards the WileyX. It looks pretty indestructable. But I need to choose the right tint. Thi sis why I am leaning towards transitions.

Let me rephrase the question. When riding at night should I be concerned aboutlthe 5% reduced viibility that comes with transition lenses even in their most clear state? It seems like an insignificant amount, and I can't think of another lens choice that would (a) give me more visibility at night while still (b) not exposing my eyes to direct sunlight for an entire day.

Mostly I am concerned that there is some tint that is great at night and in the sun. Probably not, but I wanted to hear from others because you never know!

I am limited to Adidas Evil Eye and WileyX based on my local providers. The Evil Eye has the Rx insert, but I've been told that it doesn't provide for a lot of peripheral vision. With WileyX, I would only have whichever lens I chose from them.


The Adias just didn't fit my face.
I bought my own Bolle Parole and inserts (check eBay) and had my local dude send 'em out for prescription. I am pretty happy with them. I have several lenses I use, and switching is easy enough I have done it mid ride. (OK, I did stop the bike...)

Let me rephrase the question. When riding at night should I be concerned aboutlthe 5% reduced viibility that comes with transition lenses even in their most clear state?

Any reduction in visibility would be a handicap for me. I know my night time vision isn't what it was in my youth (it really is wasted on the young isn't it?) so I wouldn't want any more reduction. But I've never used "transition" lenses, so I can't really answer your question.

I like being able to choose exactly the lens I want and don't mind stoping to change them. It becomes a kind of ritual. As night falls, I stop to check my lights, put on my helmet lamp and change lenses. Incidentally, I really like the light yellow lenses for night riding, over clear. They cut down glare from traffic, without visibly reducing night vision. In fact, they seem to brighten everything up.

Yes I have heard thi sabout the yellow lenses, but I have also heard that they do not protect from UV. Hmmm, right now I am very much torn between the Evil Eye and WileyX. I will have to go back and try on the Evil Eye with Rx inserts and see if I can steand the difference in peripheral vision. Thanks for the input everybody!

Yes I have heard thi sabout the yellow lenses, but I have also heard that they do not protect from UV. Hmmm, right now I am very much torn between the Evil Eye and WileyX. I will have to go back and try on the Evil Eye with Rx inserts and see if I can steand the difference in peripheral vision. Thanks for the input everybody!

If the lenses are polycarbonate, they naturally offer UV protection even if clear. I have a pair of polycarbonate photochromatic lenses (transitions) that go from clear to an orange brown that I wear at night or in cloudy and low light situations. I cannot detect any degradation of clarity at night. For bright daylight, I switch to dark lenses.

...Let me rephrase the question. When riding at night should I be concerned aboutlthe 5% reduced viibility that comes with transition lenses even in their most clear state? It seems like an insignificant amount, and I can't think of another lens choice that would (a) give me more visibility at night while still (b) not exposing my eyes to direct sunlight for an entire day.


I've worn transition lenses on sunglasses and I thought they were an acceptable compromise. Fortunately, I only need to wear reading glasses, so I had "stick on bifocal" lenses stuck onto the transition sunglasses.

However, all of the glasses I have ever worn tend to get fogged up when it gets cold and damp out at night, and then I have to take them off. Because the transition lenses were just slightly opaque at night, I did find myself taking them off sooner. (I can see the cue sheet just well enough to confirm that the GPS "turn signal" is correct). I'm really glad I don't need to wear glasses to be able to see the road!

Has anyone found glasses that resist fogging at night in damp, chilly weather? Maybe my problem is just the cheapo transition glasses and the cheapo bifocal safety glasses that replaced them when the stick on lenses starting coming unstuck.

Nick

I have inordinantly sensitive eyeballs. It's almost a general pathology with me.

I agree with a previous poster about not wanting to sacrifice any night vision. Any loss of night vision for me would be practically crippling, particularly in a remote area with intermittent bright lights and/or traffic.

I ride a great deal at night, though not rando per se. I've found that cheap ($20 - $40 USD) over-glasses, like Cocoons or Solar-Shields are perfect for me because they don't interfere with my night vision at all (during the day, at least), and they help to alleviate problems with wind in the eyes, which also is a personal problem. Over-glasses are not for the stylish rider, but as far as I can see (no pun intended), that's the least of my concerns. I put them on over my regular glasses, and take them off when it's dark. Easy, peasy! Also, they are 100% UV resistant (and Polarized, which is something else I'd personally suggest)

Nevertheless, If I were in your position, I'd look for shades that both protect your eyes mechanically (like from twigs, dust, bugs and other things) and full, wrap-around sun protection. Again, If I were in your position, I'd go for a 2 pair of glasses approach -- regulars that you wear most of the time and the sun-shades. You can get 2 pairs of prescriptions or a regular prescription and some over-shades...

You only have one set of eyes, and your vision will never get any better :)