Specialty stores offer a wide variety of cycling glasses . Their shapes, features, and lenses vary considerably from one model to another. Some differences are purely aesthetic, while others impact performance (protection, comfort, durability, etc.). So, how do you make the right choice? More specifically, which lens tint should you choose for your cycling glasses?
Why wear cycling glasses?
Even though wearing cycling glasses isn't mandatory while cycling, it's still advisable, especially outdoors. Why? To protect your eyes!
Regardless of your cycling style, your eyes are constantly assaulted by:
- Flying insects, debris, and other airborne particles, combined with the speed of your run, can quickly injure your eyes.
- The wind, which carries dust, pollen, small fragments, etc., can lodge in the eyes and under the eyelids.
- The rain, which stings your eyes and greatly reduces your visibility (thus increasing the risk of accidents).
- The sun, whose UV rays can burn your retina and damage your lens.
So be sure to wear cycling glasses for all your bike rides! But how do you choose the right pair? Obviously, for your glasses to stay securely in place and be comfortable, you need to select a model that suits your face. And to properly protect your eyes, you should focus primarily on the lenses, especially their tint.
Tinted lenses that protect against UV rays
Standard cycling glasses are sufficient to protect you from particles, wind, and rain, but it's primarily the lens tint that will directly impact the protection your eyes receive against UV rays. Therefore, you must choose them carefully.
Tinted lenses for cycling glasses are classified into 5 categories, according to their permeability to UV rays:
1) Category 0: these lenses block less than 20% of UV rays. They are worn in overcast weather, when the sky is hazy.
2) Category 1: with a permeability of 44% to 80%, these lenses are suitable for soft ambient light, with reduced solar brightness.
3) Category 2: These lenses allow between 19 and 43% of UV rays to pass through. They are perfect for grey and cloudy weather, more suited to urban environments and medium light conditions.
4) Category 3: The 9-18% permeability of these lenses guarantees good protection in strong sunlight. Ideal for trips to the beach or mountains.
5) Category 4: blocking more than 92% of UV rays, these tinted lenses provide optimal protection against very bright light, but reduce visibility on the road.
Generally, the higher the protection level, the darker the glass.
For a better view…
There are also ultra-sophisticated lenses using Prizm refraction technology. This guarantees perfectly clear and precise vision, without distorting images or lengths. Ideal for cyclists who want to see their surroundings as they truly are!
Finally, if you wear prescription glasses and can't do without your prescription while cycling, there's a solution! It's a removable inner frame that allows you to install corrective lenses inside your cycling glasses. This way, you can see perfectly clearly while protecting your eyes with proper cycling glasses!
Conclusion
Whether you cycle occasionally or frequently, in the forest or on the road, for personal reasons or in competition, do not neglect the importance of good cycling glasses, with suitable tinted lenses!