Cycling glasses are a fundamental accessory for those who practice this sport. Not only do they protect the eyes from the sun, wind and insects, but also from any debris that may fly in the air during the route.

However, with a wide range of models and materials available on the market, choosing the right glasses may seem like a daunting task. To help you, we asked our friends at Threeface, a manufacturer of quality cycling clothing and accessories since the 1970s, to lend a hand. Together, we wrote this article where we will give you some advice on how to choose the glasses best suited to your needs, and then explore together two different models of cycling glasses and the materials used in their production.

Cycling glasses: 5 fundamental features

1. UV Protection

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing cycling glasses is UV protection. During long rides, the sunlight can damage the eyes if not adequately protected. The first thing you should ensure is that the glasses you are considering buying offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. Also look for glasses with polarized lenses, which reduce glare and improve visual contrast.

2. Fit and Comfort

The fit and comfort of cycling glasses are essential for a pleasant ride. Look for lightweight glasses with adjustable temples and nose pads that adapt to the shape of your face. Adjustable temples allow you to customize the fit, while the nose pads prevent the glasses from slipping while pedaling. Always try several models to find the ones that best fit your face and do not cause discomfort or pressure points (watch out for example to the interference with the helmet).

3. Breathability

During intense physical activity like cycling, it is normal to sweat. Cycling glasses with good breathability are essential to prevent lens fogging. Look for glasses with good ventilation or anti-fog lenses, which promote air circulation and keep the lenses clear even during the most intense rides.

4. Impact Resistance

During cycling, or even during a bike trip, glasses can be subject to shocks or accidental falls. Therefore, it is important to choose glasses that have good impact resistance. Materials like polycarbonate and nylon are commonly used for the lenses of cycling glasses as they combine lightness with good impact resistance.

5. Interchangeable lenses

Light conditions, during a several hours ride, can change many times. Cycling glasses with interchangeable lenses allow you to easily adapt to different light conditions. You can choose clear lenses for low light conditions or dark lenses for sunny days. This flexibility allows you to always have an optimal view without having to completely change glasses.

Cycling glasses: two models compared

These features are found in two models of Threeface cycling glasses: Space and Jupiter, which you can find a detailed comparison of below.

Technical Characteristics

Both the Space and Jupiter models offer a snug fit to prevent the glasses from slipping during the ride. In addition, both models have adjustable nose pads to ensure maximum comfort. Both models are available in different colors to match your personal style.

The Space model has polarized lenses that eliminate reflections and improve visibility in strong sunlight conditions. In addition, the lenses are treated with an anti-reflective layer to reduce eye fatigue.

The Jupiter model, on the other hand, has photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to light conditions. This means that the lenses will become darker in strong sunlight conditions and clearer in low light conditions, without the need to replace them.

The materials

The Space model is made with a frame in Grilamid TR90, a lightweight material that is shock-resistant, but also resistant to atmospheric agents such as sun and water, which means that the glasses will last longer. In addition, the polarized polycarbonate lenses offer more UV protection. The Jupiter model, on the other hand, has a frame in polycarbonate, which is lightweight but less resistant compared to Grilamid TR90. However, the polycarbonate lenses are equally shock-resistant and offer total UV protection.

Which model to choose?

Both models offer UV protection and a snug fit. If you are looking for cycling glasses that offer you more protection from the effects of sunlight, the Space model may be the better choice. Polarized lenses and anti-reflective layer will reduce eye fatigue and improve visibility.

If instead you are looking for cycling glasses that adapt to light conditions automatically, the Jupiter model may be the right choice. The photochromic lenses automatically adapt to light conditions, which means you won't have to worry about changing the lenses during the ride.

In any case, choosing the right bike glasses requires a combination of functional and personal features. Consider your needs carefully, also based on the activity that you will do and do not forget to try different models to find the most suitable for you. With the right glasses, you can fully enjoy your biking adventures, safely.

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