HOT SHADES

APAIR OF GOOD sunglasses provide much more than just protection against the elements (dust, debris, etc.) and relief from harmful UV rays for your eyes in the bright sun. Sunglasses can reduce glare, which can help performance by making it easier (and sometimes even just possible) to see varying road or trail conditions. Many of the glasses we review here can also improve your ability to see what’s coming ahead of you by improving contrast and definition.

With that in mind you’ll also want to pick the lens (or lenses) for your glasses with your particular needs in mind. More often than not you’ll see grey or smoked lenses on bikes in transition. These provide protection from bright light and glare without changing colours. Amber or brown lenses are good in interchangeable light conditions. Photochromic lenses take that to the next level, actually changing the level of tint based on the light conditions, making them a nice choice for days where the light is changing constantly. Yellow lenses are good for enhancing contrast on foggy or darker days – these are a good backup lens to have for dark or rainy days so you can still wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and still be able to see clearly.

Which all means that a good pair of sunglasses can become a valuable piece of your training equipment. Don’t just pick a pair because they look good – make sure you’re getting a pair that fits you well and provides all the technical needs you’ll want to perform at your best.