How to Pick a Pair of Cycling Sunglasses
If you are an avid cyclist or a novice, picking the correct pair of cycling sunglasses is important. You may need to purchase a couple of pairs of cycling sunglasses if you ride on different terrains. On-road and mountain biking will require different types of sunglasses.
- Choose a frame that protects the eyes completely. Find a style that wraps around the head. This will keep debris and dirt from coming in contact with the eyes.
- Pick a frame that has top ventilation and a sweat bar. Moisture and sweat can build up, causing sunglasses to fog on the inside, and a sweat bar will prevent fogging.
- Look for sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. Polarized lenses are better than non-polarized. Often the lenses will have a sticker on them which indicates the level of UV protection.
- If you participate mostly in off-road cycling, photo chromatic lenses are your best choice. Photo chromatic (transitional) lenses change hue depending on the natural light. The changing lens hue helps to see clearly in shaded, as well as sunny, areas.
- Brown or amber lenses are a good choice for greater visibility. Brown and amber make it easy to spot dangerous road hazards, such as rocks and roots.
- Yellow lenses are optimal for overcast conditions. Yellow lenses also decrease glare by blocking blue light rays.
- Opt for scratch resistant lenses. Flying dirt, sand and road debris can damage lenses. Scratch resistant lenses will help minimize any damage to the lens for longer life.