Cycling glasses

Photochromic lenses (which adapt to light levels) are more versatile for cycling; polarised lenses eliminate glare but are less suited to changing conditions. Photochromic lenses (Oakley Prizm Photochromic, Rudy Project Photonic) automatically darken according to light intensity, shifting from a light tint in the forest to a dark tint in full sunlight. Ideal for long rides in variable light conditions. Polarised lenses cut out glare on wet tarmac and improve horizontal contrast, which is useful by the sea or in snowy mountain conditions. Their downside: they can make it difficult to read LCD screens (GPS bike computers, smartphones).

Yellow/orange for low light and overcast conditions; red/pink for variable light; grey or brown for strong sunshine. Yellow lenses (15–25% light transmission) improve contrast in low-light conditions, fog or woodland: ideal for morning rides or tunnels. Red/pink lenses (25–50% light transmission) are versatile for changing conditions. Grey (10–20%) or brown lenses evenly reduce brightness in strong sunlight. Most manufacturers (Oakley, Rudy Project, 100%) offer kits with several interchangeable lenses.

Cycling glasses are designed specifically for the cycling posture and the demands of the sport. When leaning forward on the bike, standard glasses slide down, exposing the eyes to wind and dust. Cycling frames are more wraparound, curved to follow the shape of the face, and feature non-slip nose pads. The lenses are usually made of polycarbonate (20 times stronger than glass and lighter) to withstand splashes and potential impacts. Ventilation is designed to reduce fogging during intense exertion. Standard metal frames can also dig into the temples under a helmet.

Choose ventilated frames, position the ventilation holes upwards and use an anti-fog product. Fog forms when warm, moist exhaled air rises and comes into contact with the cold surface of the lens. Frames with upper ventilation openings channel moist air upwards rather than onto the lens. In winter, an anti-fog film (Repel product or diluted washing-up liquid) applied to the inside of the lens significantly delays the formation of fog. Photochromic lenses, which are clear in low light, are less prone to condensation than dark lenses, whose surface is colder.

Yes, with suitable solutions: oversized frames, clip-ons or specific cycling frames for prescription lenses. The oversized solution (wide frames that slip over your prescription glasses) is simple and inexpensive but bulky. Clip-ins (Sziols, Smith) allow prescription lenses to be placed inside the sports frame, a neater solution. The brands Rudy Project and Oakley offer sports frames with custom-made prescription inserts. For regular rides, contact lenses remain the simplest and most comfortable solution with standard cycling glasses.

Rinse with clean water, wipe with the microfibre cloth provided, never with an abrasive cloth or paper. Soft water or a glasses cleaner (optical spray) dissolves sweat and pollutants without scratching the UV-protective coating on the polycarbonate lenses. Never use paper, synthetic fabric or a bath towel, as these create invisible micro-scratches that gradually impair vision. Store the glasses in their hard case to prevent scratches when carrying them in the back pocket of your jersey. The nose pads can be cleaned with water and mild soap.

Between €50 and €120 for a very good level of protection and comfort; above that, you’re paying for the brand, premium lenses and extreme lightness. Under €50, basic polycarbonate lenses offer the required UV400 protection, but anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings are limited. Between €50 and €120 (Rudy Project Rydon, Oakley M2 Frame), you get treated lenses, lightweight frames and effective ventilation systems. Above €150 (Oakley Jawbreaker, 100% Speedcraft), you enter the high-end market with Prizm or Hiper lenses optimised for contrast and frames weighing less than 25 g.

Yes, Prizm lenses are designed to optimise contrast on surfaces specific to each discipline. Prizm Road technology improves the perception of road textures (bumps, gravel, cracks) by amplifying certain wavelengths. Prizm Trail is optimised for forest trails. These lenses help you spot obstacles on the road surface earlier than with standard lenses. The effect is noticeable in the field but represents a gradual improvement, not a visual revolution. Prizm Photochromic lenses (adaptive AND contrast-optimised) combine both technologies for variable conditions.

Yes, clear or very lightly tinted lenses for winter, dark or photochromic lenses for summer. In winter, light levels are low: lenses that are too dark reduce visibility and increase the risk of failing to see an obstacle. Yellow or clear lenses are ideal for winter rides. Protection against the cold wind is also essential: a wraparound frame offers better protection for the eyes on descents at -5°C. Some brands offer glasses with adjustable ventilation (removable flaps) for extreme conditions.