By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
Today’s QT is based on my personal experience as a rider who simply cannot see to ride without my Rx sunglasses. During much of the year in Atlanta – but reaching a crescendo in the summer – humidity is brutal. Even on those rare summer mornings where you can roll out in temps in the low 70s (it’s usually hotter), the humidity is often already in the 90% range. It takes only minutes for your glasses to fog over the first time you have to stop, to the point that you can’t see a thing till you start rolling again. What to do?
I’ve heard and read about other anti-fog solutions (Premium Member Russ Starke about a year ago in a QT suggested an old SCUBA trick – using regular (non-gel) toothpaste, wiping it on and rinsing it off.
But I found one earlier this summer that seems to work fairly well for me, and might work for you if you, too, live in a sauna-like environment. (Fogged lenses don’t discriminate, though; they love winter, too.)
The product I’ve been using of late is called Sven Can See. It’s a Canadian-made anti-fog gel that comes in a small (8mL) pump bottle, along with a handy microfiber cleaning cloth. You simply spray the stuff onto the cloth (that’s the way I prefer it, vs. onto the lenses), wipe till the lenses are clean and clear, and you’re set. (The bottle sells for $10.95 on the company site, free shipping.)
The company touts the product not just for cycling but any activity (swimming, SCUBA, skiing, welding even) where your eye protection and ability to see is apt to be compromised by fogging over.
One of the best things about it, to me, is the size of the bottle itself. It’s perfectly sized to slip into my riding sunglasses case, so that before each ride, it’s there to remind me to use it before I head out.
When you’re like me and can’t simply ditch the glasses and keep on riding (safely, at least), having something likethis available can be a nice difference-maker in quality of ride.
If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.
—John Marsh & The RBR Team
Years ago when looking for an anti fog product I found “Cat Crap”. I laughed at the time and thought anyone that has the audacity to name a product “Cat Crap” deserves a shot. I bought the product and it has served me well ever since. (And, yes, it is still on the market.)
I have also been using Cat Crap for many years. It is quite effective at preventing fogging, not to mention how much fun it is to see the reactions of other riders when casually mentioning that I have Cat Crap on my glasses.