Sunglasses for Every Budget and Personality
The first half of this year saw a large number of new sunglass models from a variety of brands. In my roundup of shades, you’re bound to find a pair to fit your face, personality, budget, and riding style. Several brands have incorporated sustainability into their materials, packaging, and manufacturing.
Shimano
Back in February at CABDA Midwest, Shimano introduced three new models to its line of sunglasses. The S-PHYRE SL, EQUINOX, and PULSAR eyewear deliver the style and functionality for optimal performance in any riding condition.
Shimano’s proprietary RIDESCAPE lens technology includes three lens options tuned for different riding conditions and terrain types. From sunny days on the road to riding through mixed shadows on a forest MTB trail or chasing the dimming light of an evening gravel ride, RIDESCAPE transmits the right amount of light to boost visibility. Details normally washed out, dull, or flat become more clearly defined, vibrant, and vivid.
Shimano Equinox RS Gravel
https://ride.shimano.com/collections/eyewear/products/ce-eqnx5
Price: $125
Weight: 25.2 grams
Colors: Matte Black, Matte White, Smokey Pink, Teal, Transparent Gray
Interchangeable lenses: Yes
Lenses included: Tinted and clear
Frame material: Rilsan® clear G850 Rnew® bio-based polyamide materials
Frame type: Half-rim
Vents: Yes, two along the bottom
Fit: Small to medium
What’s included in the box: Microfiber cleaning and storage pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: No
Availability: Online and retail
Shimano’s new EQUINOX sunglasses deliver a lightweight half-rim frame and unique temple structure for a secure fit in a variety of riding conditions. The unique cutout temple structure integrates seamlessly with a wide range of helmets for comfort. Equipped with a one-piece shield lens for a wide field of vision, EQUINOX offers enhanced wraparound protection, shielding eyes from wind and debris.
The pair I tested uses Ridescape GR, a gravel-tuned lens that boosts the contrast of a wide range of surfaces to highlight subtle transitions between gravel, dirt, and asphalt.
While Shimano doesn’t classify their sunglasses for small, medium, or large faces, I felt the temples were a bit tight on my narrow face.
Shimano Pulsar Photochromatic
https://ride.shimano.com/collections/eyewear/products/ce-plsr3?variant=51812942774635
Price: $100
Weight: 29.8 grams
Colors: Matte Black, Forest Gray, Lilac, Tealberry, Teal, Sage Green. Photochromic (Matte Black and Ivory)
Interchangeable lenses: Yes
Lenses included:
Frame material: Rilsan clear G850 Rnew bio-based polyamide materials
Frame type: Full frame with detachable lower rim
Vents: Yes, at the top
Fit: Small to Large
What’s included in the box: Microfiber cleaning and storage pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: No
Availability: Online and retail
The lightweight and durable Shimano’s PULSAR sunglasses offer a large, one-piece shield for enhanced eye protection and visibility when on the trails. It features a detachable lower rim, allowing you to switch between a full-frame look and a sleeker half-frame design.
The PULSAR has interchangeable RIDESCAPE lenses optimized for MTB and gravel riding. I tested the photochromic version, which is ideal for variable light conditions. Most recently, I used it on a ride that started overcast and grey. However, the clouds dissipated a couple of hours into the ride, and it became a sunny day. Not having to switch to a second lens mid-ride was ideal.
Shimano S-Phyre SLRS Road
https://ride.shimano.com/products/ce-spsl2
Price: $150
Weight: 23.7 grams
Colors: Black Saphire, Matte Crystal, Purple Sapphire, Black Sapphire, and Pink Sapphire
Interchangeable lenses: Yes
Lenses included: One single shield
Frame material: Rilsan clear G850 Rnew bio-based polyamide materials
Frame type: Frameless
Vents: One, top center
Fit: Small
What’s included in the box: Microfiber cleaning and storage pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: No
RX option: No
Availability: Online and retail
The new lightweight S-PHYRE SL features a single shield and rimless design for racers looking to drop every gram. The invisible frame and nosepiece create a sleek, aerodynamic look, while curved temples ensure a secure fit on any terrain.
The frameless construction delivers featherweight comfort and performance, optimized for riders with smaller faces or those seeking a sleeker fit.
I tested a S-PHYRE SL version with a Ridescape RD lens. It is an all-around road-tuned lens that enhances certain colors and suppresses others to boost asphalt contrast and visibility. As a result, reducing eye strain makes it easier to spot and react to hazards from afar, like potholes and rocks.
Smith Optics Defy Sunglasses
https://www.smithoptics.com/en_US/p/sunglass/defy-performance-sunglass/20780883899G0.html
Price: $175-$185
Weight: 29g
Colors: Matte Purple, Matte Black, Matte Vintage Tortoise, Lichen, Matte Chalk Rose, and Matte Summit Crystal
Interchangeable lenses: Yes
Lenses included: Two – ChromaPop lenses for bright sun and clear
Frame material: High-impact resistant TR90 nylon
Frame type: Frameless
Vents: No
Fit: Medium to large
What’s included in the box: Zipper hardshell carrying case, two sets of lenses, and a microfiber storage pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: No
Availability: Online and retail
Launched in March and debuted at Sea Otter, the new Defy sunglass from SMITH offers ample coverage and a crisp view of the road or trail. These sunglasses feature a lightweight, rimless design and ChromaPop optics for unobstructed, high-contrast vision.
Comprised of a lightweight, flexible, and high-impact resistant TR90 nylon frame in a slight wraparound fit, the Defy offers superior protection with a rimless lens for unrestricted peripheral vision. The 5-base cylindrical shield lens is offered exclusively with ChromaPop lens technology, delivering enhanced color, clarity, and definition of objects. Each durable frame has two interchangeable lens tints – one for bright sun and a clear option for low-light or night adventures – to accommodate variable light conditions.
The addition of smudge and moisture-resistant coatings provides easy cleaning and clear optics. Auto-lock hinges hold the frames open for easy, one-hand removal of the glasses, and the inclusion of megol temple and nose pads react to perspiration to provide a non-slip grip that won’t bounce while on the move. The megol on the nose pads is also adjustable for a more customized fit, regulating airflow as needed.
The Defy comes standard with two sets of lenses, a hard case, and a microfiber cleaning and storage pouch.
Vinco Performance Sola
https://www.vincoperformance.com/
Price: $249
Weight: 27g (small), 29g (large)
Colors: Slate Black, Salt Grey, Rhodonite Pink, Amazonite Green
Interchangeable lenses: No
Lenses included: Comes with one lens
Frame material: Lignatura bio-resin
Frame type: Half frame
Vents: Yes, at bottom
Fit: Select from a small or large size frame
What’s included in the box: Hardshell case and microfiber pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: No
Availability: Online
I was first introduced to Vinco Performance sunglasses last month at Sea Otter, where I picked up a pair of Amazonite green ones. Two features piqued my interest enough to stop by the company’s booth – sizing and sustainability. Vinco sunglasses are unique as they come in small and large sizes to better fit a person’s face. Cycling sunglasses can often overwhelm my narrow face. Working with Vinco’s founder, Ian Hamilton, who spent nearly two decades designing bikes and gear at Specialized, Cannondale, and Canyon, he confirmed I needed a size small.
The temple tips are infinitely adjustable for various use cases, helmet retention compatibility, and anatomic diversity to tailor the Sola sunglasses’ fit. By adding a vented brow bridge, Vinco’s design enables riders to experience sweat-free lens protection. The panoramic-view cylindrical lens provides excellent protection from wind and debris. On one test ride in winds in excess of 20mph, my contacts never bothered me once.
With many companies moving towards sustainability, Vinco sunglasses are an excellent example. These are the world’s first performance eyewear made from Lignatura, a proprietary carbon-neutral bio-resin synthesized from the most common renewable resource: trees. Lignatura consists of 98% Bio-based content from Fir and Beech wood fiber. Raw materials are PEFC-certified from forests in Finland using controlled reforestation practices. Flax, Jute, and Sisal fibers finally combine to achieve our specific performance characteristics.
Vinco is based in San Jose, California, but their sunglasses are handmade in Italy.
Bollé SPEEDCHASER with Phantom Clear Lava Photochromic Lens
https://www.bolle.com/us/sunglasses/sport-sunglasses/new-arrivals/speedchaser-214816.html
Price: $220 – $260
Weight: 37g
Colors: Black Matte, Dark Grey Crystal,
Interchangeable lenses: No
Frame material: Ralsin G850, 45% bio-based frame (made with renewable castor oil)
Frame type: Half frame
Vents: Yes, two at the top
Fit: Medium
What’s included in the box: Hardshell case with a microfiber cloth and pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: No
Availability: Online
Bollé’s new SPEEDCHASER sunglasses are available in two photochromic lens versions. I tested the Phantom Clear Lava Photochromic lens, which offers 82-12% Visible Light Transition and accommodates a variety of lighting conditions.
The half-rim vented shield allows excellent sweat evacuation, and the ergo pad temples combined with an adjustable Thermogrip nose piece offer a customizable fit.
Bollé’s commitment to sustainability holds true with the SPEEDCHASER, made from 50% recycled PC, a 45% bio-based frame (made with renewable castor oil), an adjustable nose piece in 38% recycled Thermogrip, and 45% bio-based Thermogrip (made with renewable castor oil) on temples.
Roka Matador AIR
Price: $240
Weight: 25g
Colors: Matte Black, Gloss White, Gloss Fluoro, Dark Canopy
Interchangeable lenses: Yes
Lenses included: One
Frame material: TR 90 nylon
Frame type: Semi-Rimless
Vents: Three; one top center and one on each side
Fit: Medium to Large
What’s included in the box: Hardshell case, multiple nose pad sizes, and microfiber pouch
Can attach rearview mirror to temple: Yes
RX option: Yes
Availability: Online
The shape is the first thing you’ll notice about Roka’s Matador AIR sunglasses. The proprietary arm is designed for better helmet integration, and the frame shape boosts airflow to keep you cooler.
No-slip GEKO pads on the temples and nose pads enhance fit and retention, relieve pressure points, and get stickier the more you sweat. Each pair of Matador AIRs comes standard with multiple nose pad sizes and a bendable titanium core in the temple to further customize the fit.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I’d love to see more options for prescription sunglasses for cycling. I have a small face and fairly thick lenses. I always have issues with my eyelashes hitting the lenses. I’d like to know what others have found that work for them. So far the only glasses I’ve found that work at all are from Rudy Project.
With my prescription eyeglasses I use inexpensive fit-over type sunglasses and found at local chain pharmacies. They can also be ordered online in a variety of lens colors. I’ve tried the “old person” Cocoons (BTW, I am an old person) but dislike that the wrap-around lens is actually divided.
For my heavy prescription, I use SVED Optical which can insert a lens on the nosepiece behind many frame brands.. My preferred brand is the Glade Ramble. My lens are progressive high index and SVED works for me at a reasonable price point. I have used SVED several times with success.
I have acute Strabismus requiring corrective lens. Typical wrap style lens cannot accommodate my required prescription. I find flatter style prescription glasses do not provide adequate wind protection. Safety glasses with side shields work but fog up easily if I’m working hard at a slower speed ( hill climbing). Any suggestions to address this problem.
Shout-out for Tifosi sunglasses, which are quality made, with most models under $100
Totally agree on Tifolsi David! While the Velomati would never agree I’ve had great luck with a pair of Rock Bros Photochromics (Amazon $22).
I thank you to those who responded. Unfortunately Tofiso prescription glasses cannot address Strabismus vision issues. I’ll have to keep looking.
I have had good luck with my Rock Brothers, too. I wish that they would have considered some ultra cheap models, like these and the Tifosi brand and compare them, so we know what we’re getting when we spend 2x-10x for the premium brands.
As per other comments; an article on cycling specific prescription sun glass options.
It would be nice to see how my $30.00 Rockrider photochromic glasses compare to these options, several costing almost 10x as much.