Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause long-term damage to your eyesight. While riding along different terrains there can be a couple of things that threaten to harm your eyes. Sunglasses protect against wind, dust, and insects that can be kicked up while cycling.
The best cycling sunglasses are Oakley Pitch Shield and Under Armour’s Blitzing Wrap. These two pairs of sunglasses have commendable lens quality and are made of durable materials. They offer coverage and protection from pollutants. The Torege Polarized glasses are an excellent and affordable option.
This guide is a detailed review of the best cycling sunglasses options that you can buy by your budget.
Best Road Cycling Sunglasses
- Oakley Men’s Pitch Shield Sunglasses (Top Pick)
- Tifosi Podium Xc Shield Sunglasses
- Bolle 5th Element Pro Sunglasses
- ROKA SL-1x APEX Sunglasses
- Torege Polarized Sports Women’s Cycling Glasses (Budget Buy)
- Smith Optics ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Under Armour Blitzing Wrap Men’s Sunglasses
- Oakley Men’s OO9206 Radarlock Path (High End)
Compare Top Cycling Sunglasses
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Oakley Men’s Pitch Shield | 89 |  Best PRIZM lens system for improved color contrast and detail | Check Out On Amazon |
 Tifosi Podium Xc Shield | 75 | Best optically decentered polycarbonate lenses | Check Out On Amazon |
 Bolle 5th Element Pro Sunglasses | 84 | Best fit due to adjustable nosepiece | Check Out On Amazon |
 ROKA SL-1x APEX Sunglasses | 81 | Best scratch resistance and anti-fog properties | Check Out On Amazon |
 Torege Polarized Sports Women’s Cycling Glasses | 79 |  Best high visibility and light-weight lens | Check Out On Amazon |
 Smith Optics ChromaPop | 76 | Best 125mm wide lens with adjustable nose | Check Out On Amazon |
 Under Armour Blitzing Wrap | 85 | Best anti glare as polarized lenses work well in bright conditions | Check Out On Amazon |
 Oakley Men’s OO9206 Radarlock | 72 |  Best protection from ultraviolet beams | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Cycling Sunglasses
As you search for a good pair of road bike sunglasses, you’ll be presented with a lot of tempting brands and options.
Take a look at our selection:
1. Oakley Men’s Pitch Shield Sunglasses
Overall Score: 89
First on our list is the Oakley Men’s OO9211 Sunglasses. The Oakley brand has a significant level of popularity, and this pair of top cycling sunglasses from them is worthy of mention.
The design incorporates a pair of polycarbonate lenses that perform well against external damaging factors.
The design also leaves room for airflow through the lenses in order to prevent blinding moisture build-up – this way, the cyclist can always see clearly.
The lens size is also customizable – meaning that different available lens sizes can be exchanged for the ones currently in the glasses’ frame.
There’s a nice use of rubber material in the design of this product. Rubber is used to make the nose clamp, which is customizable to perfectly match different nose types.
This product’s frame was fabricated from a lightweight O-Matter plastic material that has a little level of flexibility.
Advantages
- Highly comfortable, clear visibility, and shielding from flying objects & sunlight.
- Long-lasting and resistant frames.
- Customizable lens sizes.
- Includes PRIZM Lens system for improved color, contrast, and detail.
- Patented High Definition Optics (HDO).
Disadvantages
- Non-polarized even at this price point.
2. Tifosi Podium Xc Shield Sunglasses
Overall Score: 75
This article would be incomplete without mentioning the Tifosi Podium Xc Shield Sunglasses.
If you’re a cyclist with a small face, and you’ve been struggling to get a pair of sunglasses that fit, this pair is just for you.
This product’s frame has a certain level of pliability and it spans across a significantly wide area of the face. There are different lenses that can be interchanged into the frame of the product.
One downside with this product is its lack of proper ventilation; meaning that there’s a possibility of fog building up on the lenses and reducing visibility.
The nose clamp can be easily modified to fit different noses, while the rubber arms improve grip.
Advantages
- Optically decentered polycarbonate lenses.
- Grilamid TR 90 frames.
- Customizable nose pieces.
- Shatter-proof.
- Adjusting earpieces.
- Polycarbonate design.
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t work well on a sweaty face.
3. Bolle 5th Element Pro Sunglasses
Overall Score: 84
This is another reliable pair of biking sunglasses that has a water-resistant and oil-resistant coating.
Thanks to these features, cyclists can be sure of high levels of visibility while riding in any weather condition.
There’s also a B-Flow frame venting feature that allows air to adequately flow through the lenses and prevent the build-up of blinding fog/moisture.
This product is also versatile, as it comes with different choices of lenses. Depending on the situation and individual preference you can easily switch between the available lenses whenever you like.
There are photochromic lenses also that automatically change shade based on natural lighting.
Advantages
- Ultra-light, an extra-wide field of vision in stroke position.
- B-shape technology.
- Improved protection – thanks to the additional side plate.
- Nosepiece and temples can be adjusted to fit the personal profile.
Disadvantages
- Wind blows beneath the glasses.
4. ROKA SL-1x APEX Sunglasses
Overall Score: 81
The next item in this review of the best cycling sunglasses under 50 is the ROKA AL-1x APEX Advanced Sports Performance. This is a product that has been manufactured to satisfy high standards.
Also, this product is inexpensive and is sold at an affordable price.
The ROKA brand has been in operation for over 8 years now, and the establishment has produced different quality sports products ever since.
This pair of quality sunglasses are equipped with GEKO fit technology. This means that, while wearing the product, cyclists can get a firm grip on the head to prevent the glasses from slipping out of place.
The sunglasses also includes a wide lens that spans from one side of the cyclist’s head to the other, over the eyes, and allows easy visibility from all angles.
Advantages
- Replaceable lens with scratch resistance, anti-reflectance, and anti-fog properties.
- 50% lighter.
- Unique GEKO pads.
- Titanium frame core.
- Adjustable Titanium core wires.
Disadvantages
- Rather pricey.
5. Torege Polarized Sports Women’s Cycling Glasses
Overall Score: 79
With Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses, cyclists can choose from 5 different lenses based on the situation and individual preference.
The 5 different lenses are capable of fully shielding the eyes from ultraviolet light beams. All lenses also provide a high level of visibility in different outdoor conditions.
The primary lens has brilliant hues, the yellow lens works for dark conditions, and the black lens eliminates glare while you’re behind the wheels of a vehicle.
Thanks to this product’s lightweight, you’ll barely feel it on your face while cycling. It’s also a long-lasting and attractive product.
The entire design and features of this product make it versatile and applicable for different exercises aside from cycling. The product is constructed with an attractive contemporary design.
Advantages
- Five available lens choices.
- 100% UVA protection.
- It doesn’t distort color and it also filters reflected and scattered light.
- High visibility lens with light-weight and long-lasting frame.
- Shields from 100% UVA and UVB radiations.
Disadvantages
- Bad customer service.
6. Smith Optics ChromaPop Sunglasses
Overall Score: 76
The Smith Optics ChromaPop Sunglasses is a choice product for cyclists that need effective protection against sunlight.
The company behind this product is well-known for the fabrication and delivery of high-standard equipment.
The Smith Optics sunglasses have a nice contemporary structure and they are comfortable to wear. There are also different available lenses to pick from, and use in the product’s frame.
The ChromaPop lenses on the sunglasses completely shield the cyclist’s eyes from dangerous Ultraviolet light beams.
The lenses are also fabricated with Smith’s carbonic design – an implementation that allows the lenses to withstand great impacts.
Advantages
- Shield frame shape with medium fit.
- Comes in different hues.
- Water and oil-resistant Megol temples and nose pads.
- 125mm wide Lens with adjustable nose.
Disadvantages
- Easily prone to damage.
7. Under Armour Men’s Blitzing Wrap Sunglasses
Overall Score: 85
The name “Under Armour” is quite popular in the world of sports. This brand has manufactured a lot of high-quality sports gear for many years.
One of their many standard products is the Under Armour Blitzing Wrap Sunglasses. This product is excellent for prolonged cycling activities across any trail or terrain.
This product is capable of effectively shielding the eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet beams. Thanks to its high level of quality, the product is long-lasting and convenient to wear.
The cyclist’s eyes are also shielded from dangerous flying objects like rocks, pebbles, and insects. With this product, you won’t have to frequently buy a new pair of sunglasses.
Advantages
- UA Storm lens technology is resistant to oils and saltwater.
- Satisfies ANSI Z87.1 safety standards.
- Polarized lenses work excellently in very bright conditions by removing glare.
- Inspired by UA Spine technology.
Disadvantages
- Wears poorly.
8. Oakley Men’s OO9206 Radarlock Path
Overall Score: 72
This is another excellent cycling product from Oakley. Just like the previously reviewed Oakley product, this one is also manufactured to satisfy high standards.
The brand’s Radar sunglasses have a reputable history.
This product is the most recent fabrication of bicycle sunglasses from the company. The Oakley Men’s OO9206 Radarlock Path is a remarkable product that features a nice contemporary structure.
Just like any excellent piece of cool cycling glasses for men should be, this product isn’t heavy, it has a good level of pliability and is long-lasting.
Advantages
- Fully shields the eyes from Ultraviolet beams.
- Made for protection in the brightest conditions.
- Case and cleaning cloth included.
- 11% light transmission.
- Unique HD optics.
Disadvantages
- Possibility of being damaged upon arrival.
How to Pick the Best Cycling Sunglasses for Wind Protection
According to our bike sunglasses review, when searching for the best cycling sunglasses, you’ll be presented with a lot of tempting options.
Some would be under $100, some would be apt for small faces, while others would do a good job at protecting you against every element like sunlight, UV rays, and strong winds.
However, you must be able to identify the features that make a pair of biking sunglasses reliable and effective.
Your final choice will also be influenced by personal preference, cycling needs, and available budget.
Here are the things to consider:
Lenses
The quality of lenses on a pair of good cycling sunglasses will determine how effective and reliable the product will be. Different lenses are tinted for various specific purposes and situations.
Never overlook the type of tint on the product’s lenses.
There are also products that offer cyclists different lenses that can be switched between based on present need.
Most times, riders are presented with these lenses: shaded lenses for complete shielding against Ultraviolet beams, yellow-tinged lenses that improve lighting in a shaded environment, and clear lenses for nighttime.
Lens Shape
The lens shape is also a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. The shape of the lens has a lot to do with the protection and effective shielding of the eyes.
While cycling, there are a couple of things that threaten to harmfully strike the eyes – pebbles, flying bugs, debris etc. However, with a great pair of lenses, your eyes will be duly protected.
Finish
The finishing on your sunglasses shouldn’t be overlooked. These finishes make the sunglasses more efficient in certain situations.
Certain sunglasses have oil-resistant and water-resistant coatings. This prevents grease, mud, and wetness from blocking your visibility through the glasses’ lens when riding a bike.
Frames
The quality and design of the frames also mean a lot.
A good pair of sunglasses for cycling would have a frame that’s designed to firmly grip the sides of the head – this way the glasses won’t come off when riding on bumpy terrains or making fast head movements.
Prescription Lenses
There are also prescription lenses that can be used by cyclists with certain eye defects. This way, the cyclist gets to address the eye defect while also enjoying the shielding properties of the lenses.
If your budget won’t allow you to get prescription lenses, you can wear contacts to address the eye defects and still wear your protective sunglasses at the same time.
Air Vents
When it comes to sunglasses for biking, ventilation is an important feature. There are certain outdoor riding conditions that facilitate the build-up of moisture on the face of lenses.
Because of this moisture build-up, thick fog can be formed on the lenses, and this will inhibit good visibility while riding.
Shockproof
It’s also important for the best budget cycling glasses to be shockproof. This means that they would be able to withstand forceful impact without getting smashed to bits.
Weak glasses would need to be constantly replaced if you put them on your saddle bag and that would mean additional cost.
Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Affordable Cycling Sunglasses
There are polarized and non-polarized lenses. Lenses that are polarized have a certain filtering ability. They are capable of blocking off reflected beams of light that are horizontally inclined.
These horizontally reflected beams are responsible for things like the mirage. Polarized lenses eliminate the glistening effect of mirages when cycling along paths in hot weather.
Considering this function of polarized lenses, it makes sense that people who are mostly into road biking should wear polarized lenses.
Cycling Sunglasses are known to Prevent Eye Strain and Reduce Fatigue…
Now that we went through some of the best biking sunglasses, making the perfect purchase shouldn’t be a problem.
However, among all the items we reviewed, the Oakley Men’s Pitch Shield Sunglasses are the best.
They feature PRIZM Lens system for improved color, contrast, and detail. They are highly comfortable, have a clear visibility, and offer shielding from flying objects & sunlight.