Wow, are all cycling glasses stupid looking?

[jasont]

I went shopping for cycling sunglasses today. I don't much care about what they look like while I'm on the bike but I'd like to be able to wear them off the bike too (with shorts and stuff, not to work) and not look like a tool.

Unpossible apparently.

What kind of glasses do you guys have?

[catulle]

I went shopping for cycling sunglasses today. I don't much care about what they look like while I'm on the bike but I'd like to be able to wear them off the bike too (with shorts and stuff, not to work) and not look like a tool.

Unpossible apparently.

What kind of glasses do you guys have?

I don't wear glasses when I ride because they slide off my prominent nose, and because I hate it when sweat drips on both sides of the lenses and I can't see worth a damn. The less stuff I have on when I ride, the better it is. Maybe I should try riding naked sometime, atmo. Ok, no wise cracks now, atmo. :no:

[bironi]

I agree. I wear my tri-focals with a frame that gives me pretty good wind protection. No one should have to look like an insect to ride a bicycle at speed. The ugliest glasses were worn by Landis in the Tour of Californial TT. If others follow this trend, will they grow bad chin hair next?

Byron

[Fixed]

bro rudy project for me they last and last even with me but the look stupid off the bike but I don't care i wear cheap suns off the bike
cheers

[atmo]

i'm a sunglass slut atmo.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/album?.dir=e898re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/my_photos

[jasont]

I don't wear glasses when I ride because they slide off my prominent nose, and because I hate it when sweat drips on both sides of the lenses and I can't see worth a damn. The less stuff I have on when I ride, the better it is. Maybe I should try riding naked sometime, atmo. Ok, no wise cracks now, atmo. :no:

Yeah, I don't usually wear sunglasses either but between my contacts getting wind dried and the ridiculous amount of bugs and assorted debris that seems to find my eyes, I think I need to get something.

But they're expensive so I'd like to be able to wear them off the bike too.

[Bill Bove]

Rudy's for me too. They work.

[mike p]

usually have about a half dozen laying around. Nothing expensive as I end up either loosing them or sitting on them.

Mike

[jasont]

i'm a sunglass slut atmo.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/album?.dir=e898re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/my_photos

Heh, right on. Do you wear the Wayfarers on the bike? Don't they slide off when you sweat?

[atmo]

Heh, right on. Do you wear the Wayfarers on the bike? Don't they slide off when you sweat?


on the bike it's rudy project (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/detail?.dir=83fd&.dnm=cf84.jpg&.src=ph) .

[fiamme red]

Please don't wear what GH wore:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0001F
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0003F

[atmo]

Please don't wear what GH wore:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0001F
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0003F
i want to report a sighting atmo.

[jasont]

Please don't wear what GH wore:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0001F
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/sep02/sanfran/?id=SanFran/two/LL0003F

Yikes! Yeah, no way in hell you'd catch me in those.

[obtuse]

prada is the only way to roll.

obtuse

[taz-t]

i'm a sunglass slut atmo.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/album?.dir=e898re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbesrs/my_photos


Yo e! You need something a la francais... find me in G'boro and I'll set you up...

- taz

[jasont]

It seems a lot of people use Rudys so I went to their site.

These aren't too bad.

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/images/large/esx_black.jpg
http://www.bikesomewhere.com/images/large/esx_titanium_big.jpg

I need to find a local dealer. Thanks for the info.

[justinf]

I remain unconvinced that looking remotely decent off the bike is possible. Let me know if you decide otherwise. . .

[jasont]

Yeah, I'll definitely have to see them in person to be sure.

[obtuse]

here's what you want pimp.

obtuse

[jasont]

here's what you want pimp.

obtuse

pfft, I'm all over these.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sunglassesgiant_1896_153559779

[saab2000]

For cycling I wear the same pair of Oakley M Frames I have been wearing for years. Yeah, they look corny. But they work nicely. I have sensitive eyes and can't ride without glasses.

For my other use I have a pair of Serengetti glasses. Best sunglasses I have ever had.

[fiamme red]

The coolest cyclist ever in sunglasses (well, maybe except for Coppi):

http://www.theracingbicycle.com/images/Jan_Janssen.jpg

http://www.vandehakopdetak.nl/geschiedenis/images/1968/jj.jpg

[manet]

pfft, I'm all over these.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sunglassesgiant_1896_153559779

http://www.johnlewis.com/jl_assets/product/000001096.jpg

[jasont]

Haha, that's what the GF said when she saw the pic of the Oakleys. "What are those? They look like a bra!"

[egadorno]

I wear Native sunglasses. They fit great and stay put. But, it all depends on what fits your face the best. Strictly a personal choice.

[SoCalSteve]

Rudy Project Ketyums for me. Once you try them, you'll never wear another pair of sunglasses. They are truly amazing in every way.

Steve

[Elefantino]

I prefer something from the Reg Dwight collection.

[dbrk]

In simple reply to the initial thread question: yes.

I too prefer the Wayfarers off the bike, though mine are tortoise or black, nothing as stylish as red or white.

Rant: Please feel free to omit.
Sunglasses for on the bike are just another feature of the Wear A Get Up phenomenon, which causes in me yet another opportunity for petulant, pointless, personal rebelion. I'm disspirited by the whole gestalt: plastic skin suits, helmets plus glasses = bug, the whole thing makes me--- just me, mind you, not my view of others--- feel like I'm wearing a costume. I dislike wearing costumes. My own version aims for more of a late 60s/70s fashion or Crazy Frenchmen on the way to buy a baguette. Something ever so slightly more normal. If that leaves me vulnerable, so be it. But I still struggle to find glasses that work. Right now it's some almost absent looking Bolles but I try never to wear them while talking to people.

dbrk

[DavidK]

I wear the Lance limited edition Oakleys. I hate the look of them, it offends my Britishness to have stars and stripes on the band, and they have a sodding Lance signature in the bottom right of the glass itself, so if you glance down it looks like a bug is on them!

http://www.maruichi.org/g-oakley/sP1010103.jpg

That said, they're a dream for other reasons. I purchased them because I live on computers and in dimly lit environments, I'm very sensitive to glare and bright light... I end up squinting and not seeing a damn thing. The lenses on these Oakleys are terrific. I find them most useful during winter when the haze and glare combine to make vision difficult for me... though they are of course great in bright sunlight too (but strangely bright sunlight doesn't hurt my eyes as much as glare does).

Another thing I love is that they have little holes along the top that allows air in. These stop the glasses from steaming up... if you're rolling, the glasses will always be clear.

The look isn't great. You certainly couldn't wear them without the rest of the cycle gear... you'd look a right plonker. But for the functionality, they are superb, and for me that counts more than look.

I considered just wearing regular glasses, but as they usually actually do have glass in them (rather than tinted plastic), and as they usually have metal arms... well, I didn't want to consider the mess the next time I use my face as a brake pad. Vision is worth more to me than looking cool, atmo.

[rnhood]

I wear Serengettis and, only when I need sunglasses while riding. Real glass makes a difference.

And, I too never wear them when standing and talking to someone. Wearing sunglasses when talking to someone is inconsiderate much the same as talking to someone with a toothpick hanging out of your mouth. Its improper.

[rodenmg]

Ever get tired of seeing nothing but frame or looking over the lens when down in the drops? These just plain work.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15466

[Fat Robert]

yes

all cycling glasses look stupid

[davids]

I've worn glasses since I was twelve, and up until about 6 months ago, that was that. I put 'em on in the morning, and took 'em off at night.

But they were always sliding down my nose when I rode, and I'd twist my neck and krinkle my nose to get the lenses in front of my eyes... It was time for contacts.

So, I took the plunge into contact lenses. I've reached the age where they barely help at close distances, so they're pretty much worthless for regular life, where I read things, tie my shoes, etc... But they're just fine on a bike, where I'm looking down the road.

And I paired them with an inexpensive pair of sports glasses. I think they're Optic Nerve - I got them on close-out from Nashbar for about $35, including 3 sets of lenses. They've got vents to keep from fogging up, they don't slip down my nose, and keep cr@p out of my eyes.

Yeah, I look a bit like a plasticine bug. But I think the helmet's already tipped passerbys off to the fact I'm dressed for a bike.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sunglassesgiant_1896_139397970

[Ozz]

I used to wear a pair of Serengeti Summits, and before that Smith Otis'. They work pretty well, but tend to fog a bit cuz they don't have enough air circulation. They also have glass lenses....good thing I never crashed with them.

http://www.sunglassesgiant.com/sersum2.html

http://www.technical-gear.com/sunglasses/by_brand/action_optics/otis.htm

I now wear Rudy Rydon's. I have both the Racing Red and something Blue lenses. They work great.

I also have a pair of Ray-Ban's (Clubmaster)...very stylish, but just not practical for the bike...too much air & light comes around the the edge of the lens.

[ClutchCargo]

I agree that most glasses designed to work well on the bike won't look too good off the bike. That said, you may find a pair of Rudy's that will do double duty. I wear them on the bike and really like 'em. Really good optical quality, they're light and don't slip, and they pass the ultimate test that sometimes I forget they're there. Good lens replacement policy and customer service too. You might also want to check out the Smith and Zeal Optics lines.

As a word to those who do not favor glasses while riding, I would point out that I have been advised that anyone who spends significant time riding (outdoors) should wear glasses for the UV protection they provide. Perhaps retinadoc or someone else with professional knowledge can comment.

[Bruce K]

I wear Rudy Project Rydons.

As an eyeglass wearer, they are necessary when I ride.

Christian turned us all on to Sports Optical in an old thread and he made me a couple of sets of different color Rx lenses for my Rydons and they are great.

I don't think they look particularly dorky when not on the bike and I have used them at the beach, on a fishing trips, and driving.

BK

[sspielman]

The problem with finding sunglasses that do a good job for cycling is the unique set of requirements necessary to do good job. They have to shield out the wind, yet ventilate well enough to prevent fogging....hopefully stay just a little away from the brow to prevent fouling the lenses with sweat....and they need to remain high enough on the face so that you are not loking over top the lens or into the top of the frame. This is pretty tough...and it is why many of the designs originally had a rather insect-like or extraterrestrial appearance. Now I think that many of the designs look that way because it has become the fashion, because most of them work rather poorly. The best functioning glasses that I have ever used were the distinctly bee-like Briko Stingers. I also liked the Rudy Tayos...but fashion dictates that any design be discontinued after a couple of years

[BumpyintheBurgh]

In simple reply to the initial thread question: yes.

I too prefer the Wayfarers off the bike, though mine are tortoise or black, nothing as stylish as red or white.

Rant: Please feel free to omit.
Sunglasses for on the bike are just another feature of the Wear A Get Up phenomenon, which causes in me yet another opportunity for petulant, pointless, personal rebelion. I'm disspirited by the whole gestalt: plastic skin suits, helmets plus glasses = bug, the whole thing makes me--- just me, mind you, not my view of others--- feel like I'm wearing a costume. I dislike wearing costumes. My own version aims for more of a late 60s/70s fashion or Crazy Frenchmen on the way to buy a baguette. Something ever so slightly more normal. If that leaves me vulnerable, so be it. But I still struggle to find glasses that work. Right now it's some almost absent looking Bolles but I try never to wear them while talking to people.

dbrk
I agree with dbrk. When you combine the wrap-around sunglasses with a watermelon sized helmet, multi-colored skin tight, billboard jersey with matching shorts and those garish cycling shoes, you are making quite a fashion statement. Like look at me, I do all my shopping at the clown department of Barnum & Bailey's. God awful looking but it's the uniform of the day for most. And when you top it off with those silly looking short billed cycling caps (see page 41 of July's Bicycling magazine) you've achieved the pinnacle of cycling sartorial splendor. No wonder we get stares when riding past. I must confess that I am guilty of the above but I have been trying to tone it down recently. And yes, please remove your sunglasses when you stop and are in conversation with someone.

[alancw3]

gee, i buy my sunglasses at the dollar store. i love them!

[johnmdesigner]

http://oakley.com/o/o1127d

pricy though....

[johnmdesigner]

http://www.e-rudy.com/pages/sunglasses/tythan.htm

It's true they are not a true wrap around sports shield but then again you wouldn't mind keeping them on after you ride. :rolleyes:

[Ti Designs]

My eyes aren't perfect (what part of me is?) and I don't wear contact lenses, so I was in the market for a good pair of Rx riding glasses. My first pair were Oakley Frogskins (back when they had metal hinges) which I had a set of lenses set into. They work great but bright red plastic glasses isn't a look I can pull off, so the search went on. The next set was a pair of Rx Oakley M frames. They were expensive and they broke every couple of months. I called it a time share, I had 'em for a few months, Oakley had 'em for a few months... I then tried a few of the Rx insert glasses like the Rudy Projects. The lens sits too close the the eye, and they are angled out, so they distorted to the point where I couldn't walk in them - great for sleeping in. I then gave up on looks (looks have given up on me long ago) and figured out what I really want. Something roundish, which is almost flat across the front, with the same kind of earstalks that Oakley uses so they go on the outside of the helmet strap. Oakley made a frame called the OO which was perfect. It was so good that they discontinued it...

[johnmdesigner]

if your name is George.

[Bruce K]

TiD -

The guy at Sports Optics custom grinds lenses for Rudy Rydons, plus a few other models and brands. This eliminates the clip-in insert.

You could probably buy the lenses from him and the frames from the shop.

They are pure heaven compared to the old way, and they don't crack like Oakley M frames Rx lenses.

BK

[Skrawny]

I have to wear glasses because my contacts dry out and I get at least one "Bug-strike" per ride.

I bought Native sunglasses (http://www.rei.com/product/48000001.htm) w/ my REI dividend last year. I thought they were a good deal: about $135, can change lenses, come with polarized lenses, don't look exceptionally bad. Plus I have annoyingly long eyelashes that tend to muck up the inside of any glasses that lay too close to my eyes (Oakleys) -My girlfriend HATES it when I complain about this-

Problem is the rubber ear thingies get stuck in my helmet strap and come of every time I take them off. It has gotten very annoying. I can't take them off while riding because of this. I've tried gluing them, but that doesn't work. Soon I know I will loose one of the rubber thingies and then I'll be in the market for some new glasses.

[jasont]

johnmdesigner,

Both of those aren't bad. I'll check them out too. Thanks!

That's what I'm looking for, something that is fairly "normal" looking.

[jasont]

I have to wear glasses because my contacts dry out and I get at least one "Bug-strike" per ride.

I bought Native sunglasses (http://www.rei.com/product/48000001.htm) w/ my REI dividend last year. I thought they were a good deal: about $135, can change lenses, come with polarized lenses, don't look exceptionally bad. *snip*

Those don't look too bad. I'd have to see them on my face. I do have a REI right down the street. Thanks.

[jckid]

I was wearing Smith Toaster Sliders for cycling, running, and kayaking until I lost them in the river. I liked them pretty well. They come with three colors of lenses. The yellow lenses worked good for night rides. I have to wear glasses when I ride at night, because the wind dries out my eyes too much. I'll probably get a new pair to replace the ones I lost (and use a leash when kayaking!). I have a seperate pair of sunglasses for general use though. I prefer Maui Jim's with polarized glass lenses when I'm not cycling/running/kayaking.

[PanTerra]

I weare Bole. The set came with 4 pairs of lenses, and I were them anywhere. Below I can be seen wearing them while off the bike.

[OldDog]

check out the titosi's (tifosi's?). cheap at about 50.00 a pair, two sets of lens's and a case and good optics. not bad looking off the bike either.

[MartyE]

I like Rudy Rydons, regular lenses while on the bike
for normal off bike stuff a pair of the rydon sx lenses is a bit less
over the top (smaller lens)
my main reason for them is the Rx inserts, I can change lenses without
havng to have multiple Rx lenses or sunglasses.

marty