Sunglasses 36
WHEN IT COMES to training and racing, sunglasses aren’t just a nice-to-have accessory; they are an integral piece of training equipment. What do we look for when it comes to finding the ultimate pair of shades for biking and running? Functionality and protection are a given requirement. It’s nice when they look good, too.
This is pretty much standard for the glasses in our review. Offering incredible optics in featherlight, comfortable frames, there are lots of great options for your multisport efforts this summer.
Oakley Flight Jacket
$278 Oakley’s latest performance eyewear include a new airflow innovation designed to prevent fogging and provide more airflow when you need it. A simple pull on the Advancer toggle provides additional airflow, so you won’t have to deal with your glasses misting up and you can get a bit more cooling if you need it. You still get Oakley’s amazing Prizm lenses that enhance detail and give you precise colour tuning, all in a super light and comfortable pair of glasses that will get you through any bike and run effort, whether you’re training or racing. The Flight Jacket’s open-edge brow provides a really welcome bit of extra coverage that’s perfect for riding in an aero tuck.
Bollé Aeromax
$300 Offering loads of coverage thanks to the large frame size, these lightweight wonders provide an outstanding field of vision. Strategically placed vents ensure you get just the right amount of airflow to keep you comfortable and cool. We were very impressed by the Modulator Rose Gun Oleo lenses that didn’t seem like they would be dark enough for bright conditions. They certainly are, though, thanks to the Verres Modulator Photochromiques properties that lighten and darken the lens accordingly, all while providing excellent contrast. You can dial in a comfortable fit thanks to the adjustable nosepiece, and you get an extra-clear lens, too.
Poc DO Half Blade
$280 For those looking for fuller coverage for training time on the bike, the Poc DO Half Blade is worth a long look. Offering outstanding coverage in a super light frame, the rubber inserts and adjustable nosepiece ensure the Half Blades are extremely comfortable and will stay on your face no matter how hard you might be pushing the pace. A variety of lenses are available, so you can come up with the perfect tint for the conditions. We were more than pleasantly surprised with the performance and comfort of the Half Blades while training on the bike, especially when spending lots of time in the aero position.
Shimano S-Phyre
$200, R; $220, X Shimano’s S-Phyre equipment features the company’s leading technology – be it in clothes, shoes or now in sunglasses. Weighing just 25.6 g, the S-Phyre R is another more traditional cycling-specific sunglass that offers a huge amount of coverage while feeling like they aren’t even on your face. A variety of lenses are available – everything from photochromatic adaptive lenses that will adjust to the light conditions to polarized options for those super sunny days.
Smith Attack
$290 Thanks to the two innovative ChromaPop lenses that come with the Smith Attack glasses, you get outstanding visual acuity while also enjoying incredible comfort in these sleek performers. Changing lenses is a breeze thanks to Smith’s MAG interchangeable technology. In addition to the tinted lens you select with your glasses, you also get an additional ChromaPop Contrast Rose Flash lens for darker days out on the bike or trails. The Hydrophilic temple and nose pads (the nose pad can be adjusted to one of two different positions) ensure you get a secure, comfortable fit.—KM