Price: $79.95
Weight: 28 g
Colors and lenses: Blackout (interchangeable), Matte White (interchangeable), Satin Viper (Fototec), Gunmetal (Fototech), Matte Black (Fototec), Crystal Smoke Enliven (for golf)
Lens material: Shatterproof polycarbonate and scratch-resistant
Lens Style: Half frame
Lenses: Fototec
Fit: Medium to large faces
Case: Zippered Hardshell Case & Microfiber Cleaning Bag
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online, Retail
RBR advertiser: No
Lightweight, Durable, and Affordable
At the beginning of May, Tifosi added a new sunglasses model to their endurance line ― the Rivet. They are available in six frame colors and five unique lens combinations. The company sent me a pair of gunmetal frames with Fototec lenses that go from low light conditions to full sun. So I take them whenever lighting conditions change, like during a sunrise or sunset ride.
One of the models, the Satin Vapor colorway, features a new Clarion Blue Fototec lens, which like the regular Fototec lens, begins nearly clear and then darkens. However, Clarion Blue transitions in sunlight to a smoke tint with a blue mirror. This lens is an excellent option for cyclists, as it allows you to ride through varying lighting conditions without stopping to swap lenses.
According to the company’s website, the Rivet is a half-frame design that is for medium to large faces, but they fit my narrow face perfectly. This is partly attributed to its hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces, which are fully adjustable and increase grip the more you sweat.
Made from shatterproof polycarbonate, these lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and have vents along the browline for increased airflow to prevent fogging. These are all features that make the Rivet ideal for cycling.
The pair of Rivet sunglasses I tested came only with Fototec lenses. However, some other models come with additional interchangeable lenses as standard.
Constructed from Grilamid TR-90, makes the Rivet frames are durable and lightweight. At only 28 grams, these glasses had no pressure points and were extremely comfortable. An added feature of the Rivet is the arms easily accommodate my rearview mirror.
Like most Tifosi sunglasses, these came with a zippered hardshell case and a microfiber cleaning bag.
Bottom Line
Tifosi continues to provide affordable, quality sunglasses that are ideal for any level of cyclist. The Rivet earned a 4.5-star rating from me and would have received five stars if there were more exciting frame color options. But the bottom line, these sunglasses are another Tifosi model designed to provide ideal eye protection and visibility for long days in the saddle.
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.
Something that protective glasses never cover. What if you need prescription glasses? Will these fit over glasses or can the lens be made into prescription lens. Many of us need prescription glasses and this is never an option covered by your type of glasses.