Find the perfect cycling glasses
You don’t just wear cycling glasses to protect yourself from the sun; you also wear them to keep wind and rain out of your eyes. Or what about bugs, dust, or mud? Better vision ensures a safer ride. But what should you consider when buying glasses? What are the differences between lens colors, and do you need a special pair for mountain biking? Read here to discover all the differences and find out which cycling glasses suit your riding style best.
Why wear cycling glasses?
Before we dive into the details, it’s good to start at the beginning. Why wear glasses at all if you don’t wear them on a ‘regular’ bike? Here are four reasons to wear cycling glasses:
Sun: Above all, sports glasses protect your eyes from the sun. So, before buying a pair, make sure the model offers UV protection.
Speed: High speeds cause watery eyes without glasses. When your eyes are teary, your vision decreases, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
Protection: Dust, branches, and debris can get into your eyes and cause injury. Better safe than sorry.
Weather: Rain and snow can limit your field of vision and cause eye irritation. With glasses, you won’t have these problems.
Lens types
The environment and weather conditions determine the type of lens you need. Especially important is the light transmission of the lens. How much light reaches your eyes during the day ultimately decides which lens is suitable. A day of mountain biking in the forest calls for a different lens than a sunny day on the road. Again, it all comes down to safety—the safety of your eyes and yourself. Sharper vision means a safer ride.
Smoke
The ideal entry-level lens. Neutral in color and suitable for general use on the road in clear weather.
Red
Enhances contrast and improves visibility on the road. Perfect for performance-focused rides on the road.
Purple
Provides better depth perception and contrast in urban environments. Ideal for cycling trips in the city.
Bronze
Increases contrast on unpaved paths and trails. An excellent choice for adventurous rides.
Blue HDII
Excellent for road cycling. Reduces eye fatigue during long rides and enhances contrast in bright light. Ideal for performance cyclists.
Photochromic
This photochromic lens automatically adjusts to the light. It darkens in bright light and becomes lighter in cloudy or shaded conditions. Perfect for changing weather.
Extra features
When choosing the right pair of glasses, the extra features of the lens also play an important role. Here are the key features to look out for:
UV Protection: All AGU glasses filter out harmful UV rays, keeping your eyes well protected.
Anti-fog Coating: This special coating prevents the lenses from fogging up, even during intense activity or changing temperatures.
Hydrophobic Coating: Thanks to this water-repellent (hydrophobic) layer, rain droplets won’t stick to the lens. Ideal for wet weather conditions.
Adjustable Nose Pads: Some glasses feature adjustable nose pads, providing an optimal fit, comfort, and stability while cycling.
Rubberized, Adjustable Temples: All glasses have rubber-coated temples for a secure fit. The Bold 2.0 also features adjustable temples.
Yellow and Clear Lenses: Nearly all glasses come with an additional yellow and clear lens. Yellow is ideal for dark or evening rides, enhancing contrast in low light. Clear lenses are perfect for cloudy days or dusk, offering protection against wind, debris, and insects.
Find your perfect pair of cycling glasses
When you start looking for cycling glasses, you'll quickly see that they come in all shapes and sizes. To help you find the pair that best matches your needs, we divide the collection into two main types: Performance and Adventure glasses.
Performance
Cycling glasses for road cyclists come in a wide range of prices, styles, and sizes. When you're looking for the perfect road cycling glasses, it's important to first determine your budget. Do you ride multiple times a week? Then it's worth investing in a high-quality pair. Do you cycle just a few times a month? Then a budget-friendly option will serve you just fine.
Core
This model enhances your vision on the road with its smoke lens and half-frame design. It offers UV protection and comes with a sturdy protective case for on-the-go use.
Bold 2.0 Red lens
The Bold 2.0 glasses with red lens and full frame are ideal for high-speed road rides. The ventilated lens and adjustable temples provide comfort and optimal visibility.
Bold 2.0
The Bold 2.0 glasses with purple lens and full frame are perfect for city cycling. The ventilated lens and adjustable temples ensure comfort and clear vision.
Sweep
The Sweep with blue HDII lens and full frame is ideal for performance-focused riders. It filters sunlight, protects your eyes, and helps you maintain a steady pace.
Dynamic
The Dynamic is designed for the performance-driven cyclist. The blue HDII lens filters bright light and protects your eyes for sharp vision. Thanks to the updated full-frame design, swapping lenses is easy.
Verve
The top-tier model offering the best vision for performance cyclists. Blue HDII lens & optional frameless/full-frame styles. Equipped with adjustable, hypoallergenic nose pads.
Adventure
A mountain biker needs different sports glasses than a road cyclist. That’s not surprising, considering you’re racing through dark, wooded environments where branches and insects regularly hit your face. Because it’s often darker in the woods, these glasses typically have lighter lenses.
Glory
This ventilated pair with a bronze lens and half frame is perfect for adventures under the trees. It offers UV protection and anti-fog coating for optimal clarity. Comes with a protective case.
Dynamic
The Dynamic is designed for the adventurous rider. The bronze lens filters bright light and protects your eyes for sharp vision. Thanks to the new full-frame design, lens swapping is easy.
How to clean your cycling glasses?
Especially when riding through the forest, your sports glasses can get covered in mud. Since lenses are very sensitive to scratches, it’s important to clean them the right way:
- Start by thoroughly washing your hands.
- Rinse the glasses under lukewarm water (around 30 ºC) and shake off the excess water.
- Clean the lenses with a lens cleaning cloth or microfiber cloth. It’s best to remove the lenses first for this.
- Important: Avoid using paper tissues or your shirt—these can carry dust particles or dirt that may scratch the lens.
- Next, clean the frame with a soft cloth.
- You can let the glasses air dry or use a hairdryer (on a cold setting only!).