best cheap full coverage sunglasses?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
best cheap full coverage sunglasses?
best cheap full coverage sunglasses?
what do you recommend? looking for maximum protection from the sun for the eyes and face.
what do you recommend? looking for maximum protection from the sun for the eyes and face.
Likes For cjenrick:
Likes For BobbyG:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,226
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Fondriest Squadra Corse; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 580 Post(s)
Liked 413 Times
in
237 Posts
I picked up these and really like them. Compared to the price of a lot of sunglasses out there, I thought it was reasonable.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod178854
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod178854
#5
Junior Member
Basic tinted driving/safety glasses such as these, scroll down to the "Frequently Bought Together" section for some different style options.
https://smile.amazon.com/Carhartt-CH...8&s=hi&sr=1-22
I actual use these bi-focal versions, I use reading glasses and these help to see the bike computer better. I like this particular brand because the bi-focal lens is not very visible.
https://smile.amazon.com/Bifocal-Saf..._bap_d_rp_85_t
https://smile.amazon.com/Carhartt-CH...8&s=hi&sr=1-22
I actual use these bi-focal versions, I use reading glasses and these help to see the bike computer better. I like this particular brand because the bi-focal lens is not very visible.
https://smile.amazon.com/Bifocal-Saf..._bap_d_rp_85_t
#6
Dirty Heathen
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Posts: 2,006
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 805 Post(s)
Liked 761 Times
in
449 Posts
Go to a commercial power equipment dealer, a lot of the big brands like STIHL make 'fashion' style safety glasses. They're about $15-$20, and have full Z87+ coverage.
They're inexpensive enough to have a couple different styles, colors or tints without breaking the bank.
Biggest caveat of inexpensive glasses, especially safety glasses, is that the plastic in the lenses is kind of soft (to absorb impact without breaking) so they can scratch more easily than high-dollar glasses
They're inexpensive enough to have a couple different styles, colors or tints without breaking the bank.
Biggest caveat of inexpensive glasses, especially safety glasses, is that the plastic in the lenses is kind of soft (to absorb impact without breaking) so they can scratch more easily than high-dollar glasses
#8
more daylight today!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 12,479
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5113 Post(s)
Liked 3,607 Times
in
2,504 Posts
full coverage sunglasses
I just use tinted safety glasses for cycling. They wrap around somewhat and fit nicely. Mine also have readers on them so a tad more expensive:
Pyramex V2 Reader Bifocal For normal daytime going from sun to shadows.
Radians Rad-Sequel RSx Bifocal with Coffee Lens For really sunny conditions. But a little dark if you are going from sun to shadows often. Unless your eyes are younger and react quicker to the change.
If you don't need the bifocal they are even cheaper.
https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/safety-sunglasses/
You can buy them by the gross and throw them away each ride. <grin> However using a cotton cloth to clean them, they'll last for a year or more. Use a paper towel and they be scratched up in less than two weeks.
Clear works well for twilight and night rides to keep the wind from drying your eyes.
Likes For Steve B.:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,849
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 905 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
118 Posts
The best cheap sunglasses are going to be safety sunglasses you can find at any builders supply, or home improvement store.
Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis glasses are lightweight with anti scratch and fogging, and are sold at Home Depot for around $7.
Lowes has a couple, one is called the Craftsman CMXPERA220, also the Wiley X John Deere, and the other is a Dewalt Radius, they might a couple of others, but those cost around $10 each.
All those I mentioned can easily pass as looking like cycling glasses and not some bulky safety glasses. I use a pair of clear safety glasses for night time rides. By the way, people into cycling can get snobby concerning glasses, if you don't pay more than $200 for a pair you'll get distortion etc., no, I've used safety glasses for years and distortion is not the problem it once was 20+ years ago with cheap safety glasses. If you don't like the glasses you select, you can take them back within 2 weeks. Not sure if anti fog is critical anyways, my cheap clear safety glasses are not anti fog and they don't fog up. The other thing too is these won't be polarized, which isn't really important unless you're on water or snow, plus polarized lenses can make it nearly impossible to see your computer read out. If you can't find what you want at the home improvement stores you can go online and order from a vast selection of safety glasses.
Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis glasses are lightweight with anti scratch and fogging, and are sold at Home Depot for around $7.
Lowes has a couple, one is called the Craftsman CMXPERA220, also the Wiley X John Deere, and the other is a Dewalt Radius, they might a couple of others, but those cost around $10 each.
All those I mentioned can easily pass as looking like cycling glasses and not some bulky safety glasses. I use a pair of clear safety glasses for night time rides. By the way, people into cycling can get snobby concerning glasses, if you don't pay more than $200 for a pair you'll get distortion etc., no, I've used safety glasses for years and distortion is not the problem it once was 20+ years ago with cheap safety glasses. If you don't like the glasses you select, you can take them back within 2 weeks. Not sure if anti fog is critical anyways, my cheap clear safety glasses are not anti fog and they don't fog up. The other thing too is these won't be polarized, which isn't really important unless you're on water or snow, plus polarized lenses can make it nearly impossible to see your computer read out. If you can't find what you want at the home improvement stores you can go online and order from a vast selection of safety glasses.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 1,780
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 698 Post(s)
Liked 1,598 Times
in
790 Posts
Safety bifocal glasses brown tint for sunny days and yellow tint for cloudy days work well for me. Lowes had a decent selection.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 2,993
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 330 Post(s)
Liked 271 Times
in
191 Posts
I've never found the construction/safety glasses to be too comfortable. Tifosi and Goodr make solid comfortable glasses for $25/pair; I'll only say don't get the ones with reflective lenses as the coatings scratch easily.
Likes For gringomojado:
#16
Full Member
Kroops are about 11 bucks if you find a good evilbay snag.
i got 3 pair, two tinted and one clear for twilight rides, very comfortable , vented,
then i got some Rainex anti-fog for cleaning them before each ride.
make sure you et the jockey goggles, not the bicycle goggles
i got 3 pair, two tinted and one clear for twilight rides, very comfortable , vented,
then i got some Rainex anti-fog for cleaning them before each ride.
make sure you et the jockey goggles, not the bicycle goggles
#17
Airplanes, bikes, beer.
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Off the front
Posts: 763
Bikes: Road bikes, mountain bikes, a cx bike, a gravel bike…
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 398 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
339 Posts
It’s always best to save as much/spend as little as possible on eye protection, helmets, seatbelts and birth control. I read it on the internet.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,719
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 869 Post(s)
Liked 1,012 Times
in
579 Posts
BTW, want to add that I bought some of these photochromic glasses from Rockbrothers on ebay. $22, that I use for night riding. These things aren't real good at tinting dark during the sunlight but they are crystal clear on night rides. I have tried safety glasses that workfine but these things are crystal clear and excellent for night rides. Come with a cool little case and cleaning rag. Heck, that makes up for most of the price imo. 
I have not tried the sunglasses but if they are as cool as the night glasses, can't be all that bad for $20 'ish.
I'm not about to spend another $130 for clear Oakleys but if I did, I don't think the lens would be any better than these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17350603419...UAAOSwYRJdO72g
https://www.ebay.com/str/rockbrosusa22

I have not tried the sunglasses but if they are as cool as the night glasses, can't be all that bad for $20 'ish.
I'm not about to spend another $130 for clear Oakleys but if I did, I don't think the lens would be any better than these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17350603419...UAAOSwYRJdO72g
https://www.ebay.com/str/rockbrosusa22
Likes For phughes:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,562
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2971 Post(s)
Liked 5,175 Times
in
2,099 Posts
#20
Full Member
Maybe it's me but I am willing to spend a bit more money than saving a few bucks when I buy helmets, eyewear, tires and anything else that contributes to my safety and comfort.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,445
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1815 Post(s)
Liked 1,960 Times
in
1,202 Posts
I'm using Nike sunglasses from BIg 5. They are usually $80, but on sale they are around $25-$30 with an additional 10% off. You want UVA/B.
The one thing that I look for in sunglasses for cycling is a rubber nose piece so they don't slide down when riding in the heat.
John
The one thing that I look for in sunglasses for cycling is a rubber nose piece so they don't slide down when riding in the heat.
John
#22
Full Member
I can buy Continental tires at the local shop for $75. Or I can buy the same model tires online for $40. Does that mean the $75 tires are going to be more comfortable and safe? Nothing wrong with wanting to save a little cash. Heck, I have found some good sales from threads like this where I would have otherwise had no idea on the money I could save from tips of the others.
Likes For oldwinger14:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,247
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1635 Post(s)
Liked 1,123 Times
in
657 Posts
Not sure what "cheap" means but Tifosi is a good bang for the buck.
Likes For bruce19:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 638
Bikes: Optima Baron LR, '14 Nishiki Maricopa,'87 Trek 330 Elance, '89 Miyata 1400, '85 Peugeot PGN10, '04 Fuji Ace, '06 Giant Rincon, '95 Giant Allegre, '83 Trek 620, '86 Schwinn High Sierra
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 218 Post(s)
Liked 150 Times
in
98 Posts
I just go to my local walmart and buy whatever $10-15 UV glasses I can find that look good and cover my eyes well. They usually last a few months, break, and I get another pair. I should probably look into darkened safety glasses, but I need them to be UV protection. We cyclists need that.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of Enchantment
Posts: 468
Bikes: Domane SLR7 Project One
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
105 Posts
They used to give out the colorless version of these at work for safety glasses when going out in the shop. They were one of the few glasses that fit my melon head without causing a lot of pain. I was delighted when I found they also make a sunglass version. Perfect for me. Inexpensive, full coverage, comfortable, neutral gray lens, adjustable temples and no visible distortion. I also use the colorless version for dark, cloudy days. And if they get scratched I just toss them and grab a new pair. Sure, they don't have the cool factor of $200 glasses but I'm at the point in life I really don't care and have other things I rather throw money at.
S&W Safety Glasses (19823), Magnum, Smoke Lenses with Black Frame
S&W Safety Glasses (19823), Magnum, Smoke Lenses with Black Frame