Best cycling sunglasses in 2024
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 5 Apr 2023. Written by Lentiamo
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Whether you're cycling through the city or taking a relaxing ride in the countryside, cycling sunglasses are a must. Sunglasses are an essential item to increase visual acuity and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind and debris. The right pair will make your ride more enjoyable and keep you safe on the road.
To help you choose the best cycling sunglasses, our eyewear experts at Lentiamo have compiled a list of important key features to look out for. We've also answered some frequently asked questions about cycling sunglasses to help you find your favourite pair!
Key features of the best cycling sunglasses
UV Protection
Brand pictured above: Cébé
Roads, cars and other surfaces can reflect a large amount of light back into your eyes. This can cause squinting and impaired vision. Not only is light reduction important, high UV protection is a crucial part of any cycling sunglasses so you can protect your eyes from damage. At a minimum, cycling sunglasses must offer protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Fit and comfort
Brand pictured above: Smith
Cycling sunglasses should fit tightly and shouldn't slip, pinch or fall off. The overall shape and the possibility of adjustment are key factors to consider. An adjustable nose piece works well for a snug and comfortable fit. Finding the right size frames can also determine the comfort and performance of your sunglasses.
Pro Tip: Lentiamo optometrist Eliška recommends an aerodynamic shape for cyclists when speed is important. An aerodynamic shape also has another important role – better protection. As these frames match the shape of the face, they protect your eyes from the sun's rays, drying wind and flying debris.
Lens colours
Brand pictured above: Bollé
In addition to UV protection, sunglasses lens colours affect your ride. Some lenses are intended for bright daylight while others are specifically designed to enhance brightness and clarity. Here are some lens colours that are popular amongst cyclers:
- Red lenses – Red lenses increase visual acuity with high colour contrast for yellow road signs and traffic lines. Red lenses are good for road cycling or cycling near green forests.
- Purple lenses – Purple lenses enhance the contrast, minimise light reflections and suppress bright white colours.
- Yellow lenses – For increased contrast and depth perception on darker days, yellow lenses perform best. They offer sharp vision in low-light conditions and on foggy or cloudy days.
- Brown lenses – Brown lenses enhance contrast in bright as well as changing light. They are also great for accurate depth perception which is important in traffic.
- Grey lenses – Grey lenses are versatile and ensure true colour perception while reducing glare.
Pro Tip: Purple or violet lenses are good for cycling. Lentiamo optometrist Eliška prefers purple lenses as they enhance image definition and enable the eye to spot potential dangers on the road.
Lens types and materials
Brand pictured above: Oakley
You may encounter rain, bright sunshine and overcast skies all during the course of your ride. Because of this unpredictability, photochromic lenses are a fantastic option for cyclists. Also known as transition lenses, photochromic lenses adapt based on UV light exposure. The tint will darken when exposed to bright light and return to a clear or lighter state during darker times.
Sunglasses lens materials should also be taken into consideration. Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are recommended for cycling as they are lightweight and shatterproof. Avoid glass lenses for cycling and other sporting activities.
Frames
Brand pictured above: Under Armour
The best road cycling sunglasses frames are durable and can withstand everyday drops and bumps. The frames shouldn't obstruct your field of vision so you can easily see oncoming traffic or other obstacles. Avoid sunglasses with extra thick or wide temples as these can create blind spots in your peripheral vision.
Style
Brand pictured above: Bogner
Many popular cycling shades are oversized for added protection and have a distinct athletic look. There are also a wide variety of frameless styles or slimmer bodies to choose from. There are many colours and models that can work well for your ride.
Semi-rimmed or frameless options work well as they allow better views from any angle. Full frames can offer added durability. Overall, style is important but some features come down to personal preference.
Closing thoughts from Lentiamo
Finding the right sunglasses for your ride is easy once you know what to look for. Lentiamo optometrists have offered their advice on cycling sunglasses to keep you safe and comfortable on the road. Your cycling experience will be more enjoyable when you find the right pair!
Frequently asked questions
What sunglasses are best for cycling?
The best sunglasses for cycling are comfortable, offer high UV protection, enhance your vision, and keep you safe on the road.
Look for adjustable frames or nose pads that allow for better customisation and increased comfort. Find lenses and colours that protect from the sun's harmful rays while also offering enhancements for increased colour contrast and depth perception. Durable frames and shatterproof lenses will keep you safer during short or long rides in any conditions.
Do I need special sunglasses for cycling?
It's important to find sunglasses designed specifically for cycling. Cycling sunglasses are constructed from durable materials with larger bodies and lenses to protect your eyes on the road. Debris such as gravel, dirt and more can easily get kicked up during your ride.
Unlike standard sunglasses, cycling sunglasses protect your eyes on all sides while withstanding impacts and enhancing vision.
Are polarised sunglasses better for cycling?
Polarised sunglasses effectively reduce glare and reflections for less squinting and enhanced vision to keep you comfortable and safe. However, polarisation can make it difficult to read digital devices such as mobile phones or navigation systems. Since polarisation can make it harder to spot shiny surfaces such as oil, ice or water, it's important to consider the environment you ride in.
Ultimately, there are pros and cons to polarised sunglasses for cycling. Carefully consider mirrored over polarised sunglasses if your main goal is to reduce glare and reflections.
What sunglasses do Tour de France riders wear?
Of course, most professional cyclists in the Tour de France ride for teams with brand sponsors. Riders might be limited to one brand but they can opt for sunglasses that work well for them from different collections.
For example, some riders might prefer newer models with specialised lens enhancements like Prizm Road from Oakley, a technology specifically designed for road cycling. Some other notable brand sponsors spotted on riders include Smith Optics and Bollé.
Pros Egan Bernal, Geraint Thomas and Mathieu Van Der Poel – amongst many others – have been spotted in Oakley models such as Kato X, Racing Jacket and Sutro in the past.
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Interested in other sports? Check out more sunglasses for running and hiking today.
