raybo

I've wanted some photochromic sunglasses for a long time to replace the old, clunky glasses I've ridden with for many years. For some reason, I couldn't find them.

In the most recent Adventure Cycling Association products catalog, I saw a pair from Tifosi and wanted to check them out. I asked and they sent me a pair (disclosure: for free) that I've been using for the past couple of months. I really like them and have posted a review of the Veloce Sunglasses Tifosi sent me.

In short:

The glasses are lightweight and adjustable.

The lenses work as advertised and maintain a light level regardless of how much ambient light there is.

The lenses I tried are a non-colored grey that don't distort how things look.

The lenses aren't polarized and some hot spots come through. This was a bother when walking around but not noticeable when riding.

I really like them and have retired my old glasses.

enigmaT120

Why did they send them to you for free?

I use a pair of Nashbar branded ones, they work fine. I need them because I ride at night and in the sun and wish to use the same pair of glasses, and not have lenses that I would lose.

raybo

My website, which is totally dedicated to bike touring, gets thousands of hits a month. I am an experienced bicycle tourist who has a well-earned idea of the kinds of things touring bicyclists might find useful. The vendors are looking for customers who might want their product. This is a guess, but I'd also say that the vendor believes in their product so are willing to have independent people use it and write honest reviews.

One way to guarantee that I use their product is to give it me for free. Otherwise, I might buy from a different vendor or not buy it at all. They have no control over what I write or even if I write something. But, by giving it to me, they are likely to get what they want, which is an honest assessment of their product by someone whose opinion has some value.

I don't sell advertising on my site and have no idea what I would charge if I did. But, my guess is that sending me a $60 pair of sunglasses is a cheap way to get their product mentioned to people in their target market.

It is worth noting that I started my website in 2007 and have been adding to it and writing articles since, probably spending several hours a week in the effort. The review of the sunglasses took me about 3 hours to write, edit, and post so, it isn't exactly free for me, either.

Not all companies send me things for free. Camelbak ignored my emails, as did Cateye.