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Cycling sunglasses aren't just for looking cool on your bike. A quality pair can optimize airflow around your face, shielding your eyes from dust and debris while improving contrast on the road or trail and protecting you from UV. A proper fit will minimize perspiration behind the lens, cut glare, and give you the optical clarity to make high-speed decisions.
We've purchased and tested more than 50 pairs of cycling sunglasses to find the best designs and optics for riding. Of the 17 in our current lineup, the Smith Wildcat provides the best optics and is one of our favorites for MTB. For Road, the Roka SR-1X gave us a solid fit and excellent side protection from both wind and debris.
If you're prone to losing or breaking your shades, check out the Tifosi Moab with a photochromatic lens and excellent airflow. It's a quality piece of eyewear with lots of options at an excellent price.
If you want to shield your eyes and not look stuck on the peloton, check out the top-ranked sunglasses for casual wear. We've purchased, tested, and analyzed hundreds of sunglasses side by side so you can be a more informed buyer.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on January 3rd, 2026, retesting the Smith Wildcat with their photochromic lens, as well as adding more models from Oakley, Julbo, and Roka.
Wide range photochromic lens with contrast base tint
Unencumbered field of view
Comfortable
CONS
Cat 1-4 may be too dark for many
Fingerprints easily seen on lens
Incomplete side coverage from wind and dust
The Smith Wildcats won over our hearts for yet another year. Slipping these fashionable shades on is immediately comfortable; the lens gently curves to closely match your face, and both the rubberized temples and nose pieces hold fast without pinching. Lens coverage is excellent without being excessive, and the view looking out is an experience unto itself. This time around, we tested out the “ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Blue Mirror” lens, which, as its lengthy name might suggest, packs a ton of tech. A rosy red tint base layer adds just a bit of sun blockage while also adding contrast to the otherwise neutral gray photochromic abilities of the lens, which goes up to a Cat 4 darkness. “The Wildcat's ChromaPop lens is perfect for sunny conditions up in the high country, even when there's snow on the ground making the environment extra bright,” beams our tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Medium/large
Number of Lenses Included
2
Lens Tested
ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Blue Mirror, Clear
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Copper Blue Mirror: All light conditions
Clear: low light
Protective Coatings
Hydrophobic and Oleophobic coating
Finding faults in such a dominant product almost feels forced, but just like any product, the Wildcat isn't for absolutely everyone. From our tester: “I live in Colorado, with 300 days of sunshine a year and snow on the ground 8 months out of 12, so protecting from the intensity of the sun is tantamount. If you need shades for moodier places of the world, this specific lens may not be the best.” The Wildcat is sold with a whole series of different lenses to best fit your own environment, if you're sold on everything else about these shades. Smaller faces may not find the fit optimal, and if you're planning on serious speed on downhill courses, wind and dust may sneak into the more relaxed curvature of the frames. For a slightly narrower pair of sunglasses with a goggle-like design and photochromic abilities up to Cat 3, check out the Julbo Edge REACTIV, which measures about 10mm narrower in the temples when compared. If protection from the sides is of utmost importance, go instead with a more aggressive wrap, like the Smith Pursuit.
The Smith Wildcat's Chromapop Glacier Photochromic lens showed off extremely quick reaction when exposed to a bright light source like this bicycle light, going from it's 58% Visible Light Transmission to an impressive 7% in seconds -- right in front of our eyes! Credit: Justin Simoni
For blistering pacelines on crits, gran fondos, or just your next spirited coffeeshop ride, reach for the Roka SR-1X. The more extreme wraparound fit will stay secure on your head no matter how many watts of power you're pushing onto those pedals. Photochromic lenses with 88%-15% visible light transmission (VLT) mean you can wear these shades from dawn to dusk without having to take them off, and the understated style matches well with most any road bike helmet you may already have. “The Roka SR-1X feels almost integrated with my helmet, I kind of forget they're not a visor! Wind and dust just can't get in from the sides,” reports our tester. And unlike other extreme wrap shades, these are designed with an easy-to-swap lens, if you decide you'd like to try alternative tints.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Medium
Number of Lenses Included
1
Lens Tested
Photochromic Carbon
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
All light conditions
Protective Coatings
Abrasion-Resistant, Hydrophobic and Oleophobic coatings
Given that the extreme curve of the lens changes the angle at which the temples start and end, larger heads may find that there's just too much pressure applied to the temples. Smaller-headed folks might find it to be a better fit. And while lens coverage is good widthwise, it is a bit narrow from top to bottom; some may prefer the XL coverage of goggle-like designs. “I personally enjoyed the fit of the Roka SR-1X, but these shades did look visually too small for my big facial features”, admitted our tester. But for smaller visages, the Roka SR-1Xs won't overpower the face. Also consider the Oakley Radar EV Path if you're seeking an extreme 8-base curve lens like the SR-1X. Another option is the Oakley Sutro Lite Trail Torch, which is a little taller, while stretching out on the bottoms for better coverage near the cheekbones.
One feels entirely engulfed in the full 8-base curve mono-lens of the Roka SR-1X when riding, giving you incredible field of view in all directions, with very light light leaking. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Tifosi Moab mates a solid, full-coverage photochromic lens to a simple, well-designed frame at a reasonable price. We found that these sunglasses performed well in a variety of conditions. With a visible light transmission that goes from 14%-64%, they're perfect for missions from noon to dusk. The wide lens and full-frame design provide extensive coverage without compromising airflow. Holes at the corners of the earpiece provide the airflow necessary for hot, sweaty climbs and help keep fog at bay. A modifiable rubber nosepiece allows you to adjust your fit, and the rubber-coated earpieces provide a secure grip, even when you're drenched in sweat. We tested the Clarion Red tint lens and were impressed by how it highlighted trail textures with specific clarity in reds and browns.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Large
Number of Lenses Included
1
Lens Tested
Clarion Red Fototec
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
Medium to bright light
Protective Coatings
None
The Moab is fairly comfortable, but its rigid, Grilamid TR90 frame has less flex than we'd prefer. Specifically, the earpieces lack any moldability, and while coated with a hydrophobic rubber, they became uncomfortable on longer rides, especially when we were unable to prevent interference between the ends of the earpieces and our helmet's retention system. Weighing just under 32 grams, they aren't heavy, but they weigh more than some of their competitors, and fewer grams on the sensitive bridge of your nose can keep a hard ride from being too much of a sufferfest.
The Blenders Eclipse is a high-coverage frame with few frills, to help keep the price low. However, this doesn't impede its success in feeling and looking great on the trail. It provides a generous amount of protection with a comfortable and adjustable fit. Offering performance for all riding styles, they'll provide you with a great entry-level pair of sunglasses to get you started riding long distances. Our tester wrote, “I felt like these shades had solid coverage for a great price.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Medium/large
Number of Lenses Included
1
Lens Tested
Polarized Red, Blue mirrored
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
Medium to bright light
Protective Coatings
None
With no coatings or replacement lenses, the optics are not as high quality as some of the pricier options in the review, like the Smith Wildcat or Julbo Density Reactiv 0-3. But as our tester mentions, “if you're like me, you'll lose them within the season, and the Eclipse is less painful to lose than pricier models.” The Shimano Technium Ridescape is another worthy pair for less cash than others, and also comes with two separate lenses. The Tifosi Moab costs even less, although it comes with only one, non-coated lens.
The Blenders Eclipse is a solid pair of cycling sunglasses offered at a low price. If you like a great deal, this is one pair you should check out. Credit: Ian Stowe
Do you appreciate excellent coverage in your sunglasses? With a genesis in ski mountaineering, the Smith Pursuit has also earned a stellar reputation with riders on two wheels. With an absolutely massive windshield-like design and unique side shields, these shades offer unparalleled protection in a sleek yet robust package. “The photochromic lens provided excellent optics in various lighting conditions, all nestled in a comfortable frame,” gushes our tester. These shades come with two frames to choose from, and swapping them out is effortless, care of the sturdy yet flexible-enough, 53% bio-based injected polymer. Comfort is assisted by easily adjustable nose pieces and cushy temples, coated in a soft, bio-based thermoplastic called Megol. A handful of unique and useful accessories come with, including a retainer strap, a nose piece, and a nice zippered pouch to hold it all together.
Copper gold mirror lens: medium to low light
Clear lens: low light
Protective Coatings
Hydroleophobic coating anti-fog
While the Pursuit glasses earn top marks in all areas, they are not cheap. “They're heavier than other frames we've tested, coming in at around 40 grams”, adds our tester. Smith's other goggle-like model, the Wildcat, is lighter because it doesn't have side shields. And the Julbo Density is almost half the weight at 21 grams. If good value is what you're after, the Shimano Technium Ridescape OR and Blenders Eclipse are some of our favs.
Losing your field of view because of fogged-up lenses is not only annoying, it can be downright dangerous. The 100% S2 provides excellent coverage while minimizing condensation, and is a good option if you live in a humid climate or always seem to work up a sweat. Excellent ventilation keeps your face cool and dry while protecting the lens itself from fogging up. Its large, high-coverage lens is positioned far enough away from the face to allow consistent airflow, even at slower speeds. “The small vent ports at the bottom of the lens also helped to promote additional airflow”, notes our tester. The Soft Gold Mirror lens we tested excels in bright to medium light conditions, and the included clear lens covered us in low-light situations. Because of the extensive coverage, these could be a great choice for those with a larger visage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Large
Number of Lenses Included
2
Lens Tested
Soft Gold, Mirror, Clear
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
Clear: low light
Smoke: medium to bright light
Protective Coatings
Hydrolio coating
The downside to the excellent ventilation is that the circulating air behind the lens can let in dust and debris. “At higher speeds, I felt air movement behind the lens, and these glasses didn't do as great a job with protecting my eyes from dust when following close behind another mountain biker,” a tester noted. Regardless, dust ingress is usually not an issue unless you ride off-road in a group. Good ventilation in the form of vent holes as well as a semi-rimless design can also be found on the Oakley Radar EV Path, and Tifosi Rail. The Julbo Density also features an anti-fog lens coating.
The Oakley Sutro Lite Trail Torch has unique styling and eye-catching lens color, which is our first pick for all the sports where a helmet is worn, but especially MTB. Optically, the lens clarity is absolutely excellent, in line with the manufacturer's reputation. The “Prizm Trail Torch” lens option features enhanced contrast, specifically tuned for the wooded trails you're most likely to ride when wearing these. Coverage and protection from both wind and debris is excellent at low to mid-range speeds, thanks to the extra area this lens takes up.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Medium/large
Number of Lenses Included
1
Lens Tested
Prizm Trail Torch
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
Medium light
Protective Coatings
Torch Iridium
"While I loved almost everything about the Sutro Lite, they weren't perfect," confessed one tester, “For the most part, those with larger than average heads will be ok with the fit, but anyone with a super wide head might find that the arms and stiff frame tend to squeeze, and can be uncomfortable on longer rides.” We also found that they didn't manage sweat quite as well as some other options. And at the highest speeds, the whirl of wind coming from the sides becomes noticeable. Be aware that this lens has a comparatively high VLT of 35%, which lets more light through than many other models, and it will work best in medium light conditions; it wouldn't be our top pick on the sunniest of days at high altitudes. Still, the Sutro Lite Trail Torch is a great choice for riding singletrack under tree cover. If these run too expensive for you, there are some great options, like the Blenders Eclipse and Tifosi Sledge, which bring performance at a solid price.
With so many choices, is there a single pair of sunglasses that you can throw on for any of the different outdoor passions you love to do? There are a few in our lineup that shine in this respect, but maybe none as bright as the Julbo Edge REACTIV. We love how featherlight they are, coming in at only 25 grams on our scale, how immense the lens coverage is, how the photochromic lens reacts to varying conditions, and just how well they fit on the face. “Fit is aided by an adjustable nose piece which stays in place well once fine-tuned,” notes our tester. These shades ride slightly higher than many others for good line of sight, even if you're looking up from an aggressively crouched aero position in the drops of your road bike, or while you're going over your anaerobic threshold, hands-on-knees, trying to power hike up a never-ending hill chasing the local trail running phenoms.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Medium
Number of Lenses Included
1
Lens Tested
Matte Black/Blue 1-3 Light Amplifier
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
All light conditions
Protective Coatings
Anti-Fog
We're also a little obsessed with how they look, but we'll admit that the acute and aggressive angling isn't for everyone, especially you wallflowers. “The Julbo Edge REACTIV demands a little attention be paid your way”, admits our tester. At very high speeds and perpendicular to the wind, the frames may start fluttering, given they're only attached above the bridge by a magnet and not around the frame's edges via slots. If you're shopping around, the Smith Wildcat also works well as a do-it-all quiver-killer, but it fits a little wider temple to temple. If you want to dip into the world of photochromic lenses at a more approachable price, look into the Tifosi Moab.
The easy off/on lens of the Julbo Edge REACTIV are one of its most stylish features, turning this ability into a conversation starter. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Shimano Technium Ridescape OR is a slick piece of eyewear that offers up some of the best value of all the cycling sunglasses we've tested. With two high-quality Rilsan lenses, you have a high-performance choice for the trail regardless of light conditions. Each lens provides sharp, distortion-free optics and 100% protection from UV rays. Unlike some of the other budget sunglasses we tested, the Ridescape OR has top-notch optical quality, with a frame and lens made from an eco-friendly castor bean extract. The full frame fits close to the face, providing excellent protection from wind and debris, while offering just enough airflow. Small vent holes in the lens keep fogging at bay, even in humid conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fit
Large
Number of Lenses Included
2
Lens Tested
Ridescape OR
Ideal Lens Light Conditions
Medium light
Protective Coatings
Hydrophobic coating
Admittedly, the lenses are more challenging to clean than other options. Also, our tester mentions, “The Ridescape OR comes out to be a pretty large lens, so mate them with a comparable face, or you may not get a good pairing”. The temples aren't as flexible as other sunglasses, so getting them to work perfectly with some helmets can be hit or miss. Other larger sunglasses to consider are the Oakley Sutro Lite Trail Torch or the Blenders Eclipse.
Shimano delivers a quality set of eyewear that manages airflow incredibly well. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Product Comparison Table
Wearing the Julbo Edge REACTIV on a balmy late fall ride. Credit: Justin Simoni
How We Tested
When Oakley introduced the Blade in 1986, we bought 'em. To be totally cliche, we've been testing sunglasses since before it was cool. Our testers have owned dozens of pairs of cycling sunglasses over the years and are passionate about protecting their eyes, optimizing their vision, and looking stylish. On the clock, we've been testing the best cycling sunglasses since 2021. We've done our research on over 50 different pairs purchased and reviewed. Every year, we update this review, selecting the best options on the market to add to our line-up. We purchase everything at retail price then hand them off to our team of testers to do the fun and dirty work. Each pair is subjected to at least 100 miles on the bike in a mix of trails, gravel, and pavement. We also test them while driving, hiking, skiing, and trail running. We hang our heads out of the car windows and do double-takes in the mirror. Our unbiased reviews are formed after collectively riding thousands of miles, comparing notes for hours, and considering the opinions of many testers with different head shapes and riding preferences.
Our testing of cycling sunglasses is divided across five metrics:
Field Performance (25% of total score weighting)
Lens Quality (20% weighting)
Fit and Comfort (20% weighting)
Coverage (20% weighting)
Frame Quality (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team comprises four hardened riders with years of experience.
Joshua Hutchens is a lifelong bike industry wonk. He's led cycling trips around the world and raced nearly every cycling discipline. He leads testing for GearLab's mountain bike reviews, but when he's not testing bikes, he's coaching mountain biking in his hometown of South Lake Tahoe.
Zach Wick has been riding and racing road and mountain bikes for the last 20 years, riding as an amateur road biking elite in his teenage years. He has years of experience in product design, working in a mountain bike brand's test lab, and has developed an astute eye for differentiating quality products and pretenders.
Ian Stowe spent his teenage years racing cross country and cyclocross. He worked for Santa Cruz Bicycles as a wheel builder and continues to work for Cervélo as a graphic designer and US Demo Coordinator.
Just Simoni is an all-round mountain athlete, with impressive cycling palmarès, including two times riding the Tour Divide, one time completing the Colorado Trail Race, as well as the self-powered Tour 14er and Tour of the Highest Hundred in Colorado. Simoni's time at altitude demands the best in sunglass performance.
Performance is the top priority, but we also give points for style. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
We check every little detail, from nose bridge fit to gapping or pinching around the temple, and report our findings back to you. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Shimano Technium shades provide the clarity and contrast to make big moves in dicey terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Simoni finds that a good cup of coffee is essential for any great bike ride. Credit: Justin Simoni
Analysis and Test Results
We rated each pair of cycling sunglasses in our test based on five key metrics: lens quality, fit and comfort, coverage, frame quality, and field performance. Each model received a score from 1 to 10 in each metric for easy comparison, and the metrics are weighted according to their importance. We heavily weighted cycling sunglasses' lens quality, coverage, and field performance metrics.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We don't rate the products we test based on price, but we appreciate a good value and like to point it out when we find one. Most of the sunglasses we tested are high-end models designed for optimal eye performance and protection. These aren't your ordinary gas station sunglasses, and the sun protection, optical quality, comfort, and durability they provide typically come at a premium. However, there are a few “budget” models that stand out for performing nearly on par with glasses that are far more expensive.
The Blenders Eclipse is the most affordable pair of glasses in this round of testing, and they manage to perform admirably in many of our rating metrics. They sacrifice a bit in terms of lens quality, but they bring significant value. Likewise, the Tifosi Moab comes in at under $100 while still keeping cool features like a photochromatic lens and a moldable nose piece. While not the cheapest, the Shimano Technium is reasonably priced compared to its company, offering top-tier performance that rivals models 2-3x the price.
The extra-large coverage and magnetic lenses of the Julbo Edge REACTIV are reminiscent of a pair of goggles. Credit: Justin Simoni
Field Performance
The field performance metric is the most heavily weighted in our test, and to measure this, we focus on key traits necessary for cycling, like lens fog prevention, lens water-shedding, stability on the face, and sweat channeling. If an expensive pair of sunglasses fogs up or falls off your face every time you take them out for a mountain bike ride or trail run, you probably won't take them out again.
We wore these glasses, mostly in conditions they were designed for, but occasionally for more. We took each model on countless hours of bike riding, trail running, hiking, and even a few country drives. By the end of our test, we had a clear idea of which models were the highest performers.
Hands-down, the Smith Wildcat showed some of the most excellent field performance in seemingly everything we threw at it. The mind-bending Cat 1 to 4 photochromic lenses were a big part of this, empowering the wearer to be protected from sun up to sun down, deep in the bottoms of canyons, and high up on snowy peaks. Because of this, we found ourselves grabbing for them not only for cycling, but for running, hiking, and all our other favorite outside activities.
A very different-looking pair of glasses, the Roka SR-1X also showed excellent field performance, and is nearly as versatile as the Wildcats. They have a closer fit that doesn't vent as well as, but might work better for smaller heads, and they are a bit more protective at high speeds, thanks to the extra wrap-around real estate. In this case, we say it simply comes down to your style preference.
The Smith Wildcat excel in cycling, but also feel right at home while we were trail running and peak bagging, becoming our ultimate quiver killer. Credit: Justin Simoni
The remainder of the models we tested all performed solidly in the field. Overall, we didn't have much to complain about with these sunglasses, and the complaints we do have here often relate to fit. Some smaller-headed testers had trouble with the 100% Glendale's larger frame. “The nose piece would slip down when the going got rough, and I'd have to reach up and adjust,” one tester noted. A small adjustment of the bendable arm tips helped with the problem, but we still have concerns about the Glendale's fit on smaller faces, as it results in less stability than other models.
We tested the glasses in this review on road, gravel, and mountain bike rides. Credit: Zach Wick
Lens Quality
After fit, lens quality is often the first thing you notice when donning a pair of sunglasses and is one of the most important things to consider when seeking out new specs. Every model in our test was designed with high-speed outdoor activities in mind, often specifically mountain biking or road cycling. In these settings, lens quality is about more than just convenience; it is also a safety consideration. In addition to UV protection, a lens must provide sharp, clear optics without distortion so you can be ready for whatever comes up on the trail or road. We used each model in various light conditions to test its versatility and protection.
Optical aberration is a tell-tale sign of a poor quality lens, and something we have a 0 tolerance for in high end glasses that come with price tags to match. We were impressed with the results when observing while looking at a gridded pattern, noticing little to no aberration in most of the shades we tested. Impressive, as these lenses all feature a curved design.
Most of the cycling sunglasses we tested showed minimal to no aberration. Here you can see the proof looking through the lens of the Smith Wildcat. Credit: Justin Simoni
Excellent optics on the Roka SR-1X. Credit: Justin Simoni
Clean lines when looking through the Oakley Radar EV Path. Credit: Justin Simoni
No jumping or wobbles in the grid when looking through the Julbo Edge REACTIV glasses. Credit: Justin Simoni
The cycling sunglasses that we tested protect from harsh sunlight to varying degrees. All models protect the wearer from 100% of harmful UV rays but differ in their visible light transmission (VLT). VLT ranged from 7% to 89% among the models we tested. Lower light transmission blocks out more light, and is generally easier on the eyes, but they can be too dark in shaded or cloudy rides.
The Julbo Edge REACTIV shows 100% blockage of UV light when tested with a UV light source, even when the photochromic lens allows the greatest amount of visible light through. Credit: Justin Simoni
On lenses that have a fixed VLT, we found that models around the 20% VLT mark perform in the broadest range of light conditions while still providing adequate protection. The Smith, 100% S2, and Tifosi models we tested each come standard with at least two lenses, allowing the user a wider range of viable light conditions without purchasing aftermarket lenses or additional pairs of sunglasses. Alternatively, you can look for photochromatic lenses, which adjust VLT based on conditions. Photochromatic models can be worn all day, from high noon to dusky evenings, without the need to ever swap lenses. Some models with this feature include the Smith Pursuit (7%-45%), the Julbo Edge REACTIV (8%-43%), and the Roka SR-1X (88%-15%).
Up your game with shades that are made for the colors and textures of the trails we ride. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Most cycling sunglass lenses are designed with durability in mind, and almost all of the models in the test included impact-resistant lenses. For the most part, we found that every model's lens stood up to our test. Very few showed signs of wear and tear at the end of our testing period. A few models, including Glendale, Speedcraft, and S2, feature anti-scratch coatings on their lenses that work wonders against the perils of being tossed in a backpack or the center console of the car. We were surprised when, even after repeated t-shirt cleanings, none of these models had any apparent scratches or imperfections.
No blind spots with a full wrap frameless sunglass. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Fit and Comfort
While lens quality is an essential piece of the cycling sunglasses puzzle, the fit and comfort of a model carry just as much weight. Too tight a frame can give you a headache after five minutes; too big and the glasses will bounce off your nose within 10 minutes. Your glasses must fit your face well and not create discomfort when wearing them for up to ten hours (depending on how hardcore you are). To generate our rating for each model, we had each tester try them out and provide notes on how they fit naturally, whether they could be adjusted correctly for different wearers, the feel on the face, and if they created discomfort over time. To ensure we got the complete picture of each model, we also recruited the help of friends and family with diverse head sizes.
Again, standing out from the rest, the Smith Wildcat was a unanimous favorite among everyone who slipped them on. The Wildcat's TR90 frame construction is soft and flexible, expanding to fit most head sizes without applying pressure to the temples. The adjustable nosepiece can conform to most nose shapes, and its hydrophobic rubber contact points are comfortable and grippy, allowing the frames to disappear from your thoughts when they're on your face. The Shimano Technium Ridescape OR is also pretty comfortable thanks to its super lightweight build and grippy silicone-covered arms. The nose piece isn't moldable, but it is reversible, giving you two width options to suit your nose shape.
Flexible arms help reduce pinching around the temples. Credit: Justin Simoni
Some glasses, such as the Roka SR-1X, come with different-sized nosepieces, allowing you to find the most comfortable fit for your nose shape. Credit: Justin Simoni
Most of the models we tested offered a limited range of adjustments, and with the exception of a few glasses, we were able to find a decent fit. The 100% Glendale and Tifosi Sledge are comfortable but lack the adjustability to match the top performers in this metric. These two have fixed nose pieces, and we found that models with a nosepiece adjustment, like the Julbo Edge REACT, could adapt to a broader array of head sizes. Bendable arm tips, like those found on the Julbo Density Reactiv 0-3 can also help get a close contour to varied head shapes, but we found this insufficient to adequately adjust the fit between small and large heads.
The Smith Wildcat offers more extensive coverage that sits further out from your face, allowing for some airflow. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Roka SR-1X has slimmer and tighter coverage that diverts eyewatering winds around the face. Credit: Justin Simoni
Coverage
The latest trend in cycling sunglasses has been ever-increasing lens sizes. Because brands have been focusing on improving coverage and protection for high-speed activities, many test models more closely resemble goggles than their counterparts from the 1990s and early 2000s. When you're flying down a fast descent on a road or mountain bike, your sunglasses must protect your eyes from the wind and potential impacts from bugs, rocks, branches, or anything else that could be flying through the air. We had a run-in with a broken glass bottle on a road ride that sent tiny shards of glass flying through the peloton during testing. In situations like this, it is critical that your glasses give your eyes adequate protection.
To thoroughly rate each model's coverage, we considered the size of their lenses, how closely they wrap to the face, their materials and construction, and their performance at high speeds. We ran each model through a series of downhills on our road, gravel, and mountain bikes in various conditions and tracked their ability to block wind interference.
Most of the models in our test have a very similar lens construction. Each lens is plastic instead of glass, and most are polycarbonate. They all provide impact protection that meets ANSI Z80.3 standards for impact resistance, so we weren't concerned about a lens breaking from a rock strike out on the road. We encountered no situations during testing where a lens failed to protect our eyes or face from an impact. Many of the differences were found in how aggressive the wraparound was, and how much area the lens took up. Usually, the closer wrap a lens has, the less area it needs to protect your eyes.
The Julbo Edge REACTIV exhibited massive coverage reaching above eye-level, which makes the shape stand out from other options. It's super helpful when tucked low into an aggressive position. Credit: Justin Simoni
We loved the extreme coverage found in the Julbo Edge REACTIV for running, as well as riding. Bust a move! Credit: Justin Simoni
The Smith Pursuit is the highest-coverage model we tested. Its 166mm wide by 66mm tall lens is the biggest in the test, and the frame's close fit and unique side shields do well to protect the eyes. The Pursuit most closely mimics the goggle-level coverage of all the goggle-esque sunglasses we tested. The Tifosi Rail, Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm Trail Torch, and Smith Wildcat had the next biggest lenses in the test and provided excellent coverage. The Wildcat fit a bit further off the face than the two 100% models and experienced a little more wind interference, but it was nothing serious.
Goggle-like coverage is certainly en-vogue with cycling sunglasses, like found in the Smith Wildcat. More air is let in from the sides, which actually can be beneficial, if you prefer that when hiking and running. Credit: Justin Simoni
Those riding on the road may appreciate more aggressive wraparound glasses, which both protect the wearer from sunlight leaking from the sides of the glasses, letting you look to either side before making a move, as well as keeping the roaring wind at bay when traveling at Mach 3 down your favorite mountain pass. Both the Roka SR-1X and Oakley Radar EV Path have an 8-base curve, which keeps the lenses close to the face.
The Roka SR-1X are fully wraparound, with an excellent field of view which can help when making sure no one is sneaking up behind you to pass. Credit: Justin Simoni
Frame Quality
Along with your lenses, the frames of your glasses must stand up to the test of time. When paying a premium for high-end glasses, you hope the frames stand up when dropped on the ground or thrown in backpacks and luggage. You also hope they won't meet their demise the first time you take a dirt nap or asphalt slide on a bike ride.
To assess each model's frame quality, we scrutinized them to see just how much they could take. This involved a lot of flexing, twisting, and squeezing to test each frame's construction limits and ensure that none were too brittle. We also researched the material properties of each model's construction based on the material specs provided by the manufacturer and considered each frame's adjustability and ease of lens swapping.
Our favorite models in this metric included some combination of TR90, Grilamid, and TPU thermoplastic construction. These materials each provide high flexibility and bending strength, good toughness, and low moisture absorption. The Smith Wildcat and 100% Glendale sported our favorite frames. Their frames' softness and flexibility give us confidence that these models will survive just about anything we can throw at them and are made for quick, easy lens changes.
We found the Smith Wildcat's frame to take some serious lumps, leaving us to believe they'd fare well when things go a bit sideways on your ride. Credit: Justin Simoni
Flex not only improves comfort, but also reduces the chance of damage if you toss the glasses in a backpack. Credit: Justin Simoni
While we didn't like the stiffer, harder nature of Oakley's “O Matter” frame material as much as the Wildcat or 100%'s offerings, we gave accolades for its well-thought-out design.
A few models had frames made of high-quality materials, but didn't score as highly in this metric. The Tifosi Sledge features Grilamid thermoplastic frame constructions, but the frame is harder and less flexible than the Wildcat and 100%. It worries us that the frames might snap in a crash or when TSA throws your bag on your next flight, and it also means that swapping lenses can be a bit tougher than with some of the more flexible models. These frames also provide minimal adjustment to dial in the fit.
Checking the perceived Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of the Oakley Radar glasses on a sunny day. Credit: Justin Simoni
How to Choose the Best Cycling Sunglasses
Picking out the very best cycling sunglasses for yourself can seem like a daunting task. Here are a few details to keep in mind to make sure you grab a pair of shades that not only look great, but perform like you always dreamed of.
Do the Sunglasses Fit Your Own Unique Face?
Above all else, make sure that the size of the sunglasses you are looking at properly fits your own beautiful visage. A badly fitting pair of shades will perform poorly, no matter how many other features are packed within the frames and lens. In general, goggle-like shades have a medium to large size to them with oversized coverage and complement larger faces as well. Sunglasses that feature a more aggressive wraparound are a good choice for those who may have a smaller-sized head, as they will more securely grab onto one's temples.
Does your head shape complement a flatter lens with more area, or a more aggressively wraparound lens? Credit: Justin Simoni
Sunglasses are often sold in general sizes (small, medium, large, etc), as well as the width from temple to temple. Measuring your face between your own temples can be used as a guide in picking out the right size sunglasses if the manufacturer also provides those dimensions in their products. Also, try measuring glasses you already have that you prefer the fit of. Look for sunglasses that either come with multiple nose pieces, which can help to really dial in the fit, or look for ones with an adjustable nose piece.
The nose piece of these sunglasses can be manipulated to fit the shape of your own nose and will stay in place once adjusted. Credit: Justin Simoni
Are the Sunglasses Lens' Light or Dark Enough?
Sunglasses come in a variety of different shades, and these levels are measured in terms of the percentage of light that passes through the lens, aka: “Visible Light Transmission”. A lower percentage means less light is allowed to reach your eye, resulting in a darker lens. Likewise, a higher percentage means more light passes through the material to your eyes, resulting in a lighter or completely clear lens. You'll also see sunglasses being described falling in a certain Category from 0 to 4, with 0 blocking the least amount of light and 4 blocking the most. Categories and corresponding VLT is as follows:
Category 0:80% to 100% VLT
Category 1:43% to 80% VLT
Category 2:18% to 43% VLT
Category 3:8% to 18% VLT
Category 4:0% to 8% VLT
Generally, Category 2 sunglasses are perfect for mild to moderate sun, as well as early morning and early evening conditions. Category 3 is excellent all-around protection for consistently sunny days. The darkest option, category 4, is great for very bright days up high, where there's a lot of snow reflecting the sun back, but they are limited and may not be ideal as an all-around shade. The majority of sunglasses in our lineup are Category 3, and if you're not sure what you want, that's a great place to start. Some sunglasses come with multiple lenses with different tints and frames designed for you to easily swap out to the alternative lens for changing conditions.
These sunglasses feature a 30% VLT, putting them firmly in Category 2. Credit: Justin Simoni
If you're having a hard time choosing a lens of a specific VLT/Category, some sunglasses in our lineup feature photochromic lenses, which chemically change tint level when exposed to sunlight to match present conditions. These can be an excellent choice if you see yourself wanting to wear one pair of sunglasses throughout the entire day without having to carry an extra lens. These sunglasses will be listed with a range of VLTs and the Categories they cover. For the most part, these sunglasses have a grey tint, which by and large gives them a neutral level of contrast (more on this below).
These Cat 1-3 photochromic sunglasses had one side kept in the dark while the other side was exposed to bright light to show the range the lens covers: 43% - 8% VLT. Credit: Justin Simoni
Is the Lens Neutral or Does it Increase Contrast?
Some lenses, usually those with a gray tint, block all light equally, which can be an attractive attribute. This is considered a “neutral” lens, and makes a good all-rounder. Other lenses, which are tinted a specific color, can increase contrast between objects of different colors. For example, brown-tinted glasses block blue light and increase the contrast of red and green-colored objects. These are great for road rides in full sun when you need to spot distant details against the horizon. Rose-colored glasses block green light, enhancing the contrast of red and blue objects. These are generally better in overcast or shady conditions, and can help you see subtle changes on dirt single track. However, don't stress too much; any colored tint will generally improve contrast over a grayscale lens.
These rose-colored glasses increase the contrast. Green objects become duller when compared to red and blue objects. Credit: Justin Simoni
What Type of Protective Coatings Are There?
Many of the cycling sunglasses in our lineup have additional features not found in your usual gas station finds, including a plethora of extra coatings on the lens, which might justify the steeper price tag. Look for anti-scratch, anti-fog, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings in the descriptions of the sunglasses. And you don't have to settle for just one; top-tier glasses often come with a few, if not all, of these coatings. The material of the lens itself should also be of very high quality and should survive the type of abuse one dishes out while riding endless singletrack or tarmac.
Many of the sunglasses in our lineup have lenses that can be pushed to their limits without being damaged and are perfect for supporting you in reaching your own riding goals. Credit: Justin Simoni
All lenses in this review also have 100% UV protection, as this is an inherent quality of the plastics, like polycarbonate, that are used and not a coating that can wear off. The darkness of the tint/VLT does not matter in this regard.
Finding the best pair of cycling sunglasses doesn't have to be a daunting task. We've done the heavy lifting for you, so you can spend more time in the saddle. Credit: Ian Stowe
Conclusion
There's much to consider when searching for a new pair of cycling sunglasses. Today, there are so many options that, even if you have a good idea of what you're looking for, the search can be daunting. We did the work (actually, it was a lot of fun) to provide you with the best information possible. We know we've covered most of the bases by measuring each model and comparing them extensively. We hope this review helps you make a decision and leads you to the perfect pair of glasses for your sporting endeavors.
—Justin Simoni, Joshua Hutchens, Zach Wick & Ian Stowe
