Whether you’re a seasoned cycling veteran, with decades of experience behind you, or a cycling newbie just starting out, having the right kit and cycling equipment is essential when it comes to biking.
Here at ROCKBROS, we offer a comprehensive list of cycling accessories, yet one piece of kit that’s especially important for riders of all abilities, are the humble cycling glasses.
Cycling glasses aren’t for looking cool or, simply protecting your eyes on sunny days. For most cyclists, they’re just as important as Cycling Helmets or Cycling Gloves. Cycling glasses provide a huge list of benefits to cyclists and help protect your eyes while cycling in a number of different ways.
But are all types of cycling sunglasses created equal, and just how important are sunglasses in cycling? Let’s take a look, shall we?
Polarized Glasses vs Photochromic Glasses: What Are the Differences?
Before we take a look at just how important cycling glasses really are, we first need to look at some of the most popular types of glasses out there, and how they differ from one another.
When you shop around for sunglasses for cycling, generally speaking, you’re going to have a choice of polarized glasses and what are known as photochromic glasses. Now, you might be wondering what these unique types of glasses are, and how they differ from one another. If so, don’t worry because you’re certainly not alone.
Polarized glasses are typically the most common type of cycling sunglasses out there. Polarized glasses feature distinct lenses which have been designed to filter out strong reflected light. They’re designed primarily to help reduce glare from things such as the sun, water, snow, road surfaces, the ground in general, and reflective surfaces. They help wearers to see much clearer in bright sunshine, as well as on dull, wet, and gloomy days, making them perfect for cycling in all conditions.
On the flipside, photochromic glasses feature unique lenses that are able to dynamically adapt to changes in light conditions. Say for example, you’re out cycling in bright sunshine one minute, before a storm rolls in and it gets dark and cloudy, these glasses would adapt accordingly. When exposed to sunlight, UV rays activate the lenses, causing them to darken like you’d expect sunglasses lenses to look. In darker conditions however, the lenses become clearer so you can see clearer, and benefit from UV protection at the same time.
6 Reasons to Wear Cycling Glasses
Now that we understand the main differences between polarized and photochromic cycling glasses, it’s now time to look at why wearing sunglasses while cycling is so important.
Here are 6 reasons to wear cycling glasses while riding.
Cycling Glasses Protect Your Eyes from Bugs and Insects
When people think of Sunglasses for Cycling, typically they think of protection from the sun and direct sunlight. While that is indeed very important (we’ll get to that later) a lesser-known benefit of wearing cycling glasses is the fact that they can protect your eyes from bugs and insects.
If you’ve ever been cycling in the countryside before, especially during the summer, chances are you’ll have noticed more than your fair share of bugs and insects. If you’ve ever been hit in the eye(s) at speed before by one of these creepy crawlies, you’ll know how painful this can be.
Being hit in the eye by bugs or insects isn’t just painful, it can also be dangerous. Not only can the impact itself distract you, but it could also cause blurred vision and obstruct your vision. Wearing a good quality, durable pair of cycling glasses can help to prevent this.
Protect Your Eyes Against the Wind
Cycling in windy conditions is not always a barrel of laughs, especially if you don’t happen to be wearing protective eyewear.
Strong winds can cause blurred vision, cause your eyes to water, and even dry out your eyes so your eyesight suffers. All of this can be very dangerous. With a pair of cycling glasses on however, the wind needn’t be a concern. Cycling glasses protect your eyes from the wind, so you can see clearly, regardless of how gusty it may be.
Cycling Glasses Provide Sun Protection
Perhaps the most obvious benefit associated with cycling glasses, is the fact that they offer sun protection.
Not only can riding in strong sunlight obstruct your view as the sun’s rays dazzle you, but prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to degenerative eye conditions and a reduction in eyesight. Wearing cycling glasses can help to prevent this from happening.
Even clear photochromic lenses provide UV protection, while providing practical at the same time.
Cycling Sunglasses Protect Against Debris
Whether cycling on a road, through the forest, through a National Park, or up a mountain, there is always the risk of debris getting in your eyes when riding.
From rocks and dust to leaves and dirt, cycling glasses help to shield against debris so you can concentrate on riding.
Cycling Glasses Help You to Ride Safer
Finally, the last benefit associated with wearing sunglasses for cycling, is the fact that wearing them will help you to ride safer.
Just like we looked at previously, polarized sunglasses, as well as photochromic glasses, help to reduce glare and improve your vision by allowing you to see clearer. The clearer you can see, the easier you will find it to avoid obstacles and anticipate potential hazards in the distance.
Cycling Glasses Look Stylish
Okay, perhaps this isn’t the most important benefit from a safety aspect, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little pride in our appearance now and then, right?
Cycling glasses and sunglasses feature sleek, stylish, aesthetic designs that just look cool, there’s no getting around it. If we look good, we feel good, and if we feel good when cycling we’re going to get even more out of our bike rides, and push that little bit harder.
