The best cycling glasses seem to be getting bigger and bigger every season, with plenty of amusing memes floating around online where the lenses clearly threaten to engulf the entire face of the rider beneath.
But the best cycling glasses are not all about fashion – they are an essential item for riders throughout the year.
Much like the best road bike helmets or the best cycling shoes, cycling glasses need to be fit for purpose for the day or type of riding you’re about to undertake.
In the warmer months, they do as you’d expect and keep too much sunlight out of your eyes, but also dust and bugs. The best lenses will also include tech to increase visual acuity, so you can pick out what’s in front of you more easily as you ride.
In winter months, there’s still the sun to consider, which may be low in the sky and dazzle you. The best cycling glasses also provide a barrier to snow, rain, wind, road spray and mud.
You name it, if it can possibly be airborne, your eyes need protecting from it. But what should you be looking for in a pair of the best cycling glasses that can be used all year round?
We’ve gone into more detail at the bottom of the page, covering lens and frame options as well as detailing features such photochromic or photochromatic lenses, which change lightness depending on the conditions, making them worthy of consideration if your riding often takes you from bright sunlight to heavy shade.
To help you choose the right pair of glasses for you we’ve reviewed over a dozen pairs of today’s best cycling glasses. We’ve put them through their paces, logging up many miles to determine their pros and cons across a range of considerations, including level of protection, field of vision and comfort.
They’re oldies but goodies and the Oakley Jawbreakers are still as good as it gets for lens swappability. Oakley is still up there with the best with its Prizm lens tech as well.
Rudy Project gives you a high level of coverage with the Cutline, plus you can remove the lower bumpers for a half-frame and the top ones too for a frameless look.
Salice gives you Italian racer style at a lower price than the big name brands. You stilll get quality optics and a low weight – they’re as great for riding as for the espresso stop.
Former World Champion Peter Sagan’s favourite brand, 100% ushered in the return of the big lens look. The 100% S2 is still a great option with its HiPER lens.
The Tifosi Rail is a lower priced…