Product Review: Tifosi Veloce Light Night Fototec Reader Glasses

Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley

HOT!

• Built-in “reader” bifocal lenses
• Full adjustable fit
• Fototec lenses change tint automatically
• Rugged Grilamid TR-90 frame
• Fog-fighting lens vents
• Hydrophilic rubber contact points prevent slippage
• Ample coverage and protection
• Superlight
• Zero distortion
• Quality case included

NOT!

• None

https://www.tifosioptics.com/
Price: $79.95
Source: https://www.tifosioptics.com/product/veloce-matte-black-reader-2-0-fototec/, bike shops, catalogs
Weight (pair): 28 grams
How obtained: sample from company
RBR advertiser: no
Tested: Commuting daily; racing and training (road and dirt)

Tifosi Delivers with Super Affordable, Stylish and Functional Bifocal Cycling Glasses

I’m giving Tifosi’s Veloce Readers our highest rating because to me, they’re the perfect glasses, that provide everything I need in cycling eyewear and at a sweet price, too. In fact, I can’t think of anyway that they can be improved. And, believe me, I gave it my best shot to try to find issues.

I’ve ridden with them every day to work and back, worn them on many long training rides in different weather and relied on them while racing on the road and dirt. Through it all, they provided excellent protection and visibility and they’re so light, I hardly know they’re on my face. Plus, at only $79.95, they may be the least expensive technical glasses with readers you can buy.

The special feature is the bifocal lenses. The lower part of both lenses feature magnifiers built in. You choose from +1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 magnification. They’re positioned so that you don’t look through them unless you want to. When riding they allow reading the small digits on computers that are otherwise illegible to those who need glasses. And off the bike, the readers work just as well as if you had your regular reading glasses along.

So, if you’re fixing a flat you can see well enough to find that tiny piece of wire or glass still stuck in the tire – or to true a warped wheel. And, having built-in readers means you don’t have to carry separate glasses along with you on rides. I’ve lost and damaged several pairs doing this, which is frustrating and expensive.

Another nice feature is the Fototec lenses, which change from almost clear to smoke grey automatically to suit the conditions. I find this super helpful going in and out of shaded areas. I had actually switched to riding in clear lens glasses, but then had no glare protection, which I find critical for commuting in traffic.

The Veloce’s Fototecs are the best of both worlds, blocking UV rays and glare, plus then lightening for optical clarity and picking up obstacles on poorly lit surfaces. It happens fast enough that I don’t notice the change though if you see your reflection passing a shop window, the change is obvious – it looks like you’re wearing dark shades.

I also appreciate the lens vents that help fight fogging. These are the first glasses I’ve used extensively that haven’t required cleaning during long rides. I do clean them, but about once a week at home. Otherwise, they stay clean and clear.

Thanks to Tifosi’s moisture-resistant (“hydrophilic”) rubber ear and nose pieces in the frames, the Veloces stay put nicely regardless of how bumpy the riding or how hard you push the pace. Also, the frame is constructed of Tifosi’s Grilamid TR-90, which they describe as “a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density, and high resistance to chemical and UV damage.’

The part related to fit and staying in place is the high bending strength. I didn’t realize how high until I visited Tifosi at the Sea Otter Classic bike festival (registration began this week http://www.seaotterclassic.com/) and they demonstrated by essentially bending one temple into a near pretzel (!). It means you can shape the frames however needed to fit exactly how you want them to. Yet, I didn’t need to bend mine at all for them to fit my face.

If you have a smaller face and don’t need the Fototec lenses, check out their Tyrant model https://www.tifosioptics.com/product/tyrant-2-0-matte-black-reader-1-5/, which has a slightly smaller fit ($49.95). You can also get the Veloces without Fototec for $49.95.

Summing up, I think the Veloces are the ultimate cycling eyewear for anyone who needs readers and is looking for top-notch cycling performance. Plus, you get it all for a very affordable $79.95 and they even include a nice zip hard case to keep your new favorite glasses like new.

Ride total: 9,066