Cycling Eyewear for Road Racers and Mountain Bikers

Whether you like to tear up the roads cycle racing, or prefer to go “off-roading” on your mountain bike, one thing you will certainly need is a pair of cycling glasses. They will offer much needed protection against flying debris, whether that is dirt and dust on the highways, or mud and broken twigs on the cross country bike trails.

Cycling eyewear is designed to fit perfectly, whatever your style. There are several brands that cater to the road racers, and which offer many ranges suitable for hobby cyclists and professional cycle athletes alike. For the road, cycling sun glasses are generally made to wrap around the head so that the wind cannot blow into your eyes. They fit closely to the face, and most have air vents in the frames to prevent fogging up when you are exerting yourself. Otherwise, they are worn just like normal glasses.

Because of the nature of mountain biking – which is less about smooth, fast riding, and more to do with jumping over rough terrain, with the added risk of crashes – riders tend to wear cycling goggles instead, which are held on by an elasticated strap. Most brands of mountain biker cycle glasses are made to accommodate the fact that the riders also usually wear full face helmets, so they offer protection and comfort.

If you are shortsighted, both road cycling glasses and mountain biking goggles are available with prescription lenses, though you may need to find a specialist brand that provides this option, especially for the goggles. However, this is a far better option than trying to wear goggles over the top of normal eyeglasses. If you cannot find a good pair of prescription ones, you might be better off wearing contact lenses, and you then open up the wide range of options available to normal sighted people.

Whichever terrain you specialize in, always aim to get cycling eyewear that is made from tough polycarbonate, so that it can withstand the shock of being hit by debris. Also look for the right color of lens for the light conditions you will ride in. There are loads of colors available, so it is best to consult the manufacturers’ websites to find the correct ones for you.