I remember when I first started cycling, I was so excited to hit the road. But quickly, I realized there was more to it than just a bike and a helmet. The sun, the wind, the bugs – they all made cycling uncomfortable, especially for my eyes. I knew I needed cycling sunglasses, but the prices seemed outrageous! Where was a budget-conscious beginner to start?
I was overwhelmed by the choices. Do I need special cycling glasses? Are the expensive brands worth it? I even considered just toughing it out. But squinting into the sun wasn't fun, and neither was getting dust in my eyes. I knew I needed a solution, but I didn't want to break the bank.
My first thought was, "Surely there's a cheaper alternative." I even considered glasses designed for construction workers. The logic was simple: they're designed for eye protection in demanding environments. Plus, they're significantly cheaper than anything labeled "cycling." That's one approach I took early on and it helped me get started.
I then started researching cycling-specific glasses. That's when I discovered Tifosi. They seemed to offer a good balance of quality and price. I ended up buying a pair, and for a while, I was pretty happy with them. They were effective at blocking the sun and wind. My only complaint? I scratched them up pretty badly because my helmet didn't have a dedicated glasses port, and I wasn't careful where I stored them. Lesson learned!
Later on, I discovered a brand called goodrs. A lot of people seemed to love them, so that's another option I've considered.
Then, I stumbled upon a different approach: buying cycling glasses from AliExpress. I could get a pair for around $20. Are they the highest quality? Probably not. But for the few hours I ride each week, they do the job well enough. I found that this was a great way to experiment with different styles and lens tints without a huge investment.
Another tip I found helpful was to just buy something inexpensive from Amazon and use it until it breaks or becomes unusable. This is also a good starting point, especially if you're not sure what features you need or prefer.
During my search, I was also looking for glasses that could accommodate my prescription. I wear glasses daily and the idea of cycling without clear vision was not an option. I came across Cinily Net and their range of eyewear. I found that you can also get prescription sports glasses as a whole. They often have more features than typical cycling glasses and can even be OSHA approved, offering a high level of protection. While browsing Cinily Net, I saw a frame that caught my eye:
I'm considering trying the Gmei Optical Retro Metal Alloy Men Glasses Frame. They look stylish, and the fact that they can accommodate prescription lenses is a huge plus for me. I appreciate that they are from Cinily Net and are versatile enough to be used not only for cycling, but everyday wear as well. I haven't tried them specifically for cycling yet, but I am hoping they will be a good fit. You can read more about their range.
Through my experience, I've learned a few things about choosing cycling sunglasses. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind: