Fifty Plus (50+) - Cycling sunglasses recommendations

Hubby wanted a pair of Tifosi cycling glasses with interchangeable lens for Christmas. After looking at several different shops, I ended up buying him a pair of Rudy Project glasses with only 1 pair of photosensitive lens.

He had cataract surgery on both eyes last year, and has lens implants for distant vision. He needs corrective lens only for up-close reading and night driving.

The Rudy Project glasses were 50% off, but I forgot to ask if the lens are polarized (they're not).:o Also, in spite of the convincing in-store demo (using a flashlight held against the lens for about 15 seconds), they barely get darker even in bright sunlight.

The shop said they will exchange them for any other pair, even if they have to order them from a different manufacturer.

He wants:
- Polarized lens
- Cycling glasses with full-coverage lens (to protect his eyes)
- NOT "old man" glasses :innocent:
- Interchangeable lens would be nice, along with a case and cleaning cloth.

Wondering if anyone can suggest cycling glasses that meet most or all of the above criteria.

Tifosis (http://www.tifosioptics.com/) should do it ... or Oakleys (http://www.oakley.com/)if you can run to it.

Most manufacturers will only supply single sets of photochromatic or polarised lenses with sunglasses. You may have to buy a multi-lens sunglass and order specialised lenses as extras if they are available for that particular frame.

Check that polarised lenses don't obscure bike computer screens if that's important to the user.

Modern photochromatic lenses are activated by light in the UV spectrum which may or may not be emitted by a torch and is also filtered by the glass used in modern cars so are ineffectual when driving.

I love my Oakley Jawbones. I bought corrective lenses for them. I have interchangeable lenses (one set is vented). If I had to do it all over again, I would not get Polarized lenses, because they make it more difficult to see my Garmin Edge 800. I also have the same problem driving and trying to read my GPS. They are great for glare however. Although I am pushing 62, I would not consider them old man glasses.

http://www.oakley.com/products/6293/23034?sliver

The Tifosi Pave (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/review-eyewear/tifosi-pave-eyewear_407.html) are very nice... they are sold cheaper at online golf or tennis stores I believe. I have linked up a review of them.

I just use polarized clip-ons over my bifocals.

Does that qualify as "old man glasses?"

Having had cataract surgery on both eyes in 2004 I've found these fit overs to very best sunglasses for my eyes, They shield against flying road debris, wind, and sun better than any other resonably priced sun glasses on the market. Plus they are cheap enough to replace if dropped, lost or otherwise damaged.

http://www.eyesave.com/brands/b281-d1-pg1/Solar+Shield+Fits-Over-Sunglasses/index.aspx

as far as "- NOT "old man" glasses" it's a choice......protect your eyes well or go fashion and risk it all I kid you not!! (I took a direct hit in my left eye from a car passing me that ruined the fit overs but not my glasses under them. The lenses are polycarbonate i.e. bulletproof. )

I'm not sure if you can get the Oakleys with photochromic (Oakley uses Transitions) lens that are also polarized...

I have the Flak Jacket XLJs (the larger lens) because they work well for cycling, and aren't as "garish" when off the bike. I have several different frames and lens...my favorites are probably the Transitions for most of my riding, but if I know I'm going to be out in bright sunlight for the entire ride, I'll use the Black Iridium Polarized lens.

Yen, why not take him out to try on different brands? You could make a day out of it with lunch, drinks and a cheese plate later in the day. You know, kick it up a notch. Then every time he puts them on, he'll remember.

I'm not sure if you can get the Oakleys with photochromic (Oakley uses Transitions) lens that are also polarized...

I have the Flak Jacket XLJs (the larger lens) because they work well for cycling, and aren't as "garish" when off the bike. I have several different frames and lens...my favorites are probably the Transitions for most of my riding, but if I know I'm going to be out in bright sunlight for the entire ride, I'll use the Black Iridium Polarized lens.

looks like they do. http://www.oakley.com/innovation/optical-superiority/photochromic

looks like they do. http://www.oakley.com/innovation/optical-superiority/photochromic

The link does describe the Oakley Transitions lens, but as far as I can tell, doesn't say that they're available in a polarized version.

I use the polarized sun glasses in the Wal Mart sporting goods section. They are full coverage wraparound and come in bifocals in varying strengths. They are great and only 18 bucks.

The link does describe the Oakley Transitions lens, but as far as I can tell, doesn't say that they're available in a polarized version.

I sent Oakley an e-mail asking if you can, I will report back when I hear anything.

I am more than likely going to buy a pair of Jawbones or Radar Paths in prescription once I figure out what lens I want and color too. Too many decisions.

I have Oakley M-frame polarized glasses. I love these, nice and light frame with a great lens. I wish they had a transition lens in them but it probably doesn't matter much to me as I don't do much reading when I wear them.

Polarizers by their nature cut out one polarization of light so will be somewhat grey, even if they aren't tinted. If you want transition lenses that become clear indoors, they can't include polarization.

Yen, I've been considering a dedicated set of prescription eyewear for cycling for some time. I've pretty much settled on a set of Switch Avalanche glasses with a set of both clear and gray tinted progressive bifocals.

They're not cheap at about $700 (through my optometrist). My eyesight is worth it.

http://www.sporteyes.com/switch.htm

I'm using Oakley prescription's, with the bells and whistles. I like em.

These work great are cheap and were recommended by some one else in the bike forum, I bought them and use them and they also have bifocals available. http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/posagl.html

Thanks everyone -- I appreciate your suggestions... including the one to make it an outing. :) Nice that there are so many choices.

One way to solve the problem of polarization blanking out your computer screen is to not get full coverage. I use prescription sunglasses that have gap at the bottom. I look underneath the glasses to see my computer, or the screen of my phone as I'm texting in the car. :rolleyes:

from chasmm.. The link does describe the Oakley Transitions lens, but as far as I can tell, doesn't say that they're available in a polarized version.



I sent Oakley an e-mail asking if you can, I will report back when I hear anything.
.



I got a reply from Oakley this morning and this is their reply,

Hello,

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, we do not product a lens that is both photochromic and polarized.

If you have any other questions, feel free to respond.

Sincerely,

Brennan Jerrils
Customer Service
Oakley, Inc.
800-403-7449
CustomerCare@oakley.com


So that is that but I think this was known anyway, I didn't.

I used to insist on Polarized lenses years ago. But it really restricted what I otherwise wanted. Years ago after talking to the proprietor of a firm that made gasses to order in Vancouver, I decided that my priorities were thus:

(A) UV protection. We older folks will really dig this one because we are more aware of how cataracts develop
(B) Color: The color that may have the least effect on depth perception is brown — about the color of a beer bottle. Unfortunately this is a rare color in sporting glasses — or indeed any glasses. Ray Ban was close with their amber Serengeti series. The old green lens is way behind in this field, yet 70 years ago this became the official color for US military aircrew. Germany’s Luftwaffe crews used brown lenses. For years I had lenses made for me out of tempered safety glass in this color. Now I am in Japan, and after 18 years here, I’ve only just recently found someone who will make color to order plastic lenses with filter coatings.

Here in Sendai, I have been around the local department stores — sports clothing shops. And have found what I need. They are polycarbonate wrap-arounds looking just like the fancy cycling shades at the LBS ... come certified as UV 400 filtration ... costing between $6-$22 depending on whether they are being used a leader ... coming in various colors.

I have five pairs that I use for various conditions. I use them both on my bicycles, and under my full coverage helmet when I ride my motorcycle.

Light rose — for winter overcast, rainy weather and dusk
Darker rose — for general use in the winter daylight on clear days or summer overcast
Grey-green — less light transmission
Darker grey-green with blue mirror — even less transmission
Darker grey-green with gold mirror — low transmission

If I am riding in very low light, and I expect to be using my lights before I get home, I use a pair of shooter’s glasses with a pale yellow lens. Call them “old man” glasses if you like, but a year ago or so, I spotted a pic of a serious pro road racer climbing with something the same.

Polaroid question: I used to spend a LOT of money on custom, color, polaroid lenses — especially when I was flying and had to have them in a prescription. My long distance vision has improved with age, and so like your husband, I don’t need corrective lenses in daylight. (At night ... oh yeah!) During daylight hours I never miss them, although if I were on water — fishing, yachting blah blah — I may want them. Instead I have an array of uncorrected, inexpensive yet 400 UV certified glasses for different conditions. And if I expect to be out all day in varying light, I just slip a second pair into my bum pack.

Suggestion: mountaineering and hiking outfitters usually supply some high quality eyewear. The demands of altitude climbing call for good protection from UV, and impact. In addition, there should be a selection of polaroid type lenses for climbing in snow pack and glaciers. In case you don't know, you can test for polarization by taking two pairs of the same glasses. Put one lens over the other and turn it 90 degrees either left or right. You should see a very obvious darkening in the lenses. This shows that the molecular structures have been aligned — or polarized.

My reading of the subject has revealed that polycarbonate plastic has its own intrinsic UV filtration properties. If coated, you are further protected. AFAIK, all the ones I own are coated. As for impact protection — that is a question that I cannot answer in a general way. I guess it depends on the quality of the materials as one would expect. Each to his/her own here. Some of us will go with the $250 pair and rest assured that they are the safest that can be bought.

I hope this helps, even if it is not a definitive solution in your case.

One more option for the economy-minded. These Berkeley Fishing Glasses (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Polycarbonate-Polarized-Fishing-Glasses/14047696?sourceid=1500000000000003260430&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14047696) from Walmart work very well.

One more option for the economy-minded. These Berkeley Fishing Glasses (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Polycarbonate-Polarized-Fishing-Glasses/14047696?sourceid=1500000000000003260430&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14047696) from Walmart work very well.
I second that - I bought a pair based on another recommendation here (Phil85207's above) and just rode with them for the first time yesterday. They are polarized, give full coverage, look pretty good, fit my big head, are comfy, and I can read my bike computer perfectly. The bifocal section is small and unobtrusive except when you need it.

I finely overspent and got Oakley Jawbones and am happy at last.

These work great are cheap and were recommended by some one else in the bike forum, I bought them and use them and they also have bifocals available. http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/posagl.html

+1.

http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/safreadglas.html

They are so cheap I got about 10 pair. Got dark, amber, and clear. Keep some in each car and some of each for riding. With my old eyes I need the bifocals.

I finely overspent and got Oakley Jawbones and am happy at last.

I am going Monday to get eyes checked and pick out a pair of Oakleys, either Jawbone or Radars.

A question about the Jawbones, how is the Jaw. What I mean is do you notice the Jaw. Seems it it pretty wide and would be in the line of sight sort of.

I am leaning on Radar Paths to be honest but the Jawbones really intrigue me.

I just had to go and get new glasses this week, my eyes have gotten a lot worse than they were last time. I found a pair of frames that I really liked, turns out my Rx won't work with those frames.
$550 and I can't even get the frames I want.

If you're looking at usd550 then I'd see if Oakley (http://www.oakley.com/store/products/men/prescription-eyewear?Nao=0)can help you out ...

I went with the Brown Tint (over the polarized green tint)
I had real issues with the polarized (3D effect on hot pavement)
The brown tint (for me anyway) seems to give a more realistic color.
That said: I had to get a backup (for cycling and snowshoeing)pair of true sunglasses as the transitionals just don't cut it.

The Rudy Project glasses were 50% off, but I forgot to ask if the lens are polarized (they're not).:o Also, in spite of the convincing in-store demo (using a flashlight held against the lens for about 15 seconds), they barely get darker even in bright sunlight.

The shop said they will exchange them for any other pair, even if they have to order them from a different manufacturer.

He wants:
- Polarized lens
- Cycling glasses with full-coverage lens (to protect his eyes)
- NOT "old man" glasses :innocent:
- Interchangeable lens would be nice, along with a case and cleaning cloth.

Wondering if anyone can suggest cycling glasses that meet most or all of the above criteria.

Did you get the clear photochromic lenses? I haven't seen those. Perhaps the shop can just swap lenses. Here's the available ones: Rudy lenses (http://www.e-rudy.com/index_inner_detail.php?group_id=1&cat_id=30&item_id=SN798414)

I've had Rudy Rydons for a few years now. I got the Impactx polarized photochromic gray lenses, and a second set of clear. The polarized ones are rated 12-30% light transmission, and the clear are 92% transmission. The polarized ones are fine in the brightest sunlight, as good as any other sunglasses I've used. The polarization is fairly subtle. It cuts glare off the road, but doesn't interfere with my bike computer. They don't get much lighter in shade, but it helps a little. I like them. I use the clear at night.

I love my Oakley Jawbones. I bought corrective lenses for them. I have interchangeable lenses (one set is vented). If I had to do it all over again, I would not get Polarized lenses, because they make it more difficult to see my Garmin Edge 800. I also have the same problem driving and trying to read my GPS. They are great for glare however. Although I am pushing 62, I would not consider them old man glasses.

http://www.oakley.com/products/6293/23034?sliver

I have heard that although pricey, the Oakleys are money well spent. With proper care, they should last a long time. I may look into a pair of Oakleys.

Rudy Project with ImpactX Polarized Photochromic Lenses are the only glasses you will ever need. Available with prescription lenses also. Not cheap but worth the price to me.

Rudy claims you can shoot the lens with a 22 and the bullet will not go through! Developed for the Italian military. Not going to be the first to try it however.