Best Cycling Sunglasses 2024: Top Picks and Recommendations

Cycling is a widely recognised activity that can greatly improve physical fitness and overall health. According to research conducted by Cycling UK, cycling can also have a positive impact on one's mental health. It's important to note that cycling is not only a sport but also a healthy lifestyle choice and a passion for many individuals.

If you're a cycling enthusiast, choosing the right sunglasses can significantly improve your cycling experience. The British cycling organisation highlights that sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory but also an essential safety gear for avid cyclists. Donning a pair of sunglasses while cycling can protect your eyes from insects, grit, and mud that may cause eye irritation or infections.

So, whether you're an experienced cyclist or a beginner, selecting the top-rated sunglasses can make a huge difference in your ride.

• Best cycling sunglasses for men
• Best cycling sunglasses for women
• Things to keep in mind while choosing a pair of cycling sunglasses

Cycling sunglasses can protect your eyes in different weather conditions all year round. For instance, in the summer, when the weather is sunny and warm, sunglasses can shield your eyes from dust, insects, and the sun. Similarly, sunglasses can act as a barrier to snow, rain, wind, and mud in the winter.

Best cycling sunglasses for men

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Here are some of the best sunglasses for men that are perfect for cycling:

1. Oakley Fives Squared OO9238-05 Grey Smoke

The Oakley Fives Squared OO9238-05 Grey Smoke sunglasses are a popular choice for cycling. They provide a snug fit, but they also block out any side glare and provide optimal functionality when engaging in vigorous activities.

They have been crafted from Oakley’s patented O Matter material which is incredibly durable and impact-resistant. The lenses are made from Plutonite material that can help improve optical performance, ensuring peripheral vision remains clear while providing 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Advantages:

• Curved temples for comfort and a secure fit
• Lightweight material to help you enjoy cycling.
• Features Oakley’s HDO (High Definition Optics) for more accurate vision
• Great for bright sunny conditions
• Impact-resistant lenses

2. O'Neill ONS-Zepol 2.0 108P Matte Black Polarised

The O'Neill ONS-Zepol 2.0 108P Matte Black Polarised sunglasses will certainly get you noticed when you’re on the road. These sunglasses are an excellent choice for bike riding as they feature grey polarised lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarised lenses help reduce glare and provide true colour perception.

The large frame in the classic black colour is crafted from durable plastic material and provides great coverage too.

Advantages:

• Polarised lenses
• Sporty style
• Lightweight and durable frame

3. FGC Jack C01 Smoke Polarised

These frames feature another wrap style with superior coverage and 100% UVA and UVB protection. The FGC Jack C01 Smoke Polarised sunglasses are an excellent choice for engaging in a range of sports, including cycling and more. The grey-tinted lenses will give you excellent colour perception and vision clarity.

Advantages:

• Polarised lenses
• Stylish and practical
• Wraparound style
• Great value

4. Oakley Sylas OO9448-01 Prizm Grey

The Oakley Sylas OO9448-01 Prizm Grey sunglasses are an excellent choice for all cyclists. They feature high-tech lenses with exclusive Prizm technology. This advanced technology enhances colour and contrast, making it easier to spot the smallest of details when out and about. These square frames are crafted from lightweight plastic for comfort, while the sleek style lends these sunglasses a fashionable edge.

Advantages:

• Prizm technology enhances colour and contrast
• Grey lenses provide true colour perception
• Lightweight frame material

5. Oakley Square Wire OO4075-13 Polished Black Prizm

The Oakley Square Wire OO4075-13 Polished Black Prizm sunglasses are sleek and modern, great for bike riding. The grey lenses contain High-Definition Optics Technology to reduce distorted vision and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection against the sun. These lenses also feature Prizm technology to sharpen visual acuity and add structure to your surroundings and objects.

Advantages:

• Versatile lifestyle frame; suitable for driving, fishing and cycling
• Ultra-lightweight C-5™ alloy frame
• Excellent lens quality features Prizm technology to enhance colour and contrast
• Features Oakley’s HDO (High Definition Optics) for more accurate vision

Best cycling sunglasses for women

Source: SWPIX.COM

Here are some of the best women’s sunglasses that are ideal for cycling:

1. Ray-Ban RB4068 Tortoise 642/57 Polarised

If you’re after a more feminine pair of sunglasses for cycling, the Ray-Ban RB4068 Tortoise 642/57 Polarised sunglasses should do the trick. Not only are they a glamorous choice with their tortoiseshell print, but they also feature a full rectangle frame and 100% UVA/B protected lenses for optimal coverage. Say bye to glares with the polarised lenses.

Advantages:

• Polarised lenses help eliminate glare and enhance contrast
• Provides optimal coverage
• Great for cycling and everyday use
• Lightweight propionate plastic material

2. Oakley Pitchman R OO9439-0250 Clear Prizm Black

Another bold and yet classy frame, the Oakley Pitchman R OO9439-0250 Clear Prizm Black sunglasses are a super stylish choice of sunglasses for cycling. Round lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection feature Oakley’s Prizm technology, helping with better contrast and clear vision. The temple tips of these frames are slightly curved to sit on your ears perfectly, making them extremely practical for cycling.

Advantages:

• Lightweight frame
• Prizm technology helps enhance colour and contrast
• Impact-resistant lenses
• Strong and durable frame material

3. Oakley Frogskins OO9013-H7 Prizm Violet

The Oakley Frogskins OO9013-H7 Prizm Violet is a stylish choice for women. Its square mirrored lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and the Prizm filter enhances colour and contrast. The lightweight sunglasses not only offer style but also comfort throughout wear.

Advantages:

• Mirrored lenses help reflect light and provide 100% UVA/B protection
• Curved temple tips ensure the frames won’t slip off your face
• Prizm filter technology for better colour and contrast

Things to keep in mind while choosing a pair of cycling sunglasses

When buying a pair of cycling shades, there are various things to look out for, including Type of lenses, frames, arms, and nose bridges.

1. Lens type

When selecting sunglasses for cycling, there are several lens properties that one should take into consideration. Some of these properties include:

Lens Coating

If you’re cycling in a sunny environment, mirrored lenses are a stylish and practical choice. These lenses help reflect light by reducing the amount of light hitting your eye. Please note that mirror lenses aren’t suitable for dark and wet conditions.

Sunglasses with polarised lenses are a good choice for cycling. They provide the ultimate protection against glare and keep you safe when riding in various conditions. They also help to filter out reflections from bright, smooth surfaces, allowing you to identify risks.

Please note that polarised lenses are not suitable for mountain bikers. There is usually very little glare out on the trail compared to road cycling. The effect of depth perception can make it harder for you to spot an obstacle or bump.

Lens Colour

When choosing coloured lenses for cycling, avoid choosing tints that are too dark. These tints will make it hard for you to see in shady areas, such as under trees, tunnels, and bridges. The following lens tints could be great choices for cycling:

Grey-tinted lenses

Grey-tinted lenses reduce glare and provide true colour perception; they are great for cycling all year round.

Yellow-tinted lenses

These lenses filter out blue light, allowing a better contrast. This makes them a great choice for cyclists who find themselves in low-light conditions (such as overcast days) but avoid yellow-tinted lenses in bright sunny conditions.

Rose-tinted lenses

Amber and rose-tinted lenses increase visual acuity, providing the brightest field of vision and making them ideal for conditions with little sunlight. Their strength in colour contrast makes them a great choice for cycling on the road. These tints enable you to notice the smallest of details quickly and clearly. They offer the best colour contrast and depth perception. They are great for mountain biking or for woodland areas and are especially a good choice for low-light or cloudy conditions.

Read our guide to sunglasses tints to find the right tint for your activity or lifestyle.

2. Frame type

Go for a frame type that works well for your face shape and size. Big frames are great for providing coverage and protection; however, some riders may find that they interfere with their peripheral vision.

Wraparound sunglasses are a classic choice for cycling. They offer superior coverage while promising a secure and comfortable fit and an excellent field of view. Wraparound sunglasses offer:

1. Most coverage around the eyes
2. Protection from the sun, wind, and debris.

Wrap frames stay in place on the face better than other models. They can reduce tear evaporation and prevent dry eyes.

3. Arms

When selecting sunglasses for cycling, it is crucial to examine them closely. Ensure that the arms and hinges are sturdy enough to hold the frames securely in place, even on bumpy roads. It is advisable to choose frames with straight temples as they can be easily removed when wearing a helmet.

4. Nose bridge

Sunglasses with adjustable nose pads are ideal for offering a more personalised fit. This feature ensures that the sunglasses stay comfortable and in place whilst cycling.

By paying attention to the above-mentioned properties in a pair of sunglasses, it will be really easy for you to find the ideal cycling shades for yourself.

Explore the wide selection of sunglasses at Feel Good Contacts to get up to 60% Off, along with super fast delivery. Not only that, Feel Good Contacts is an official distributor of top sunglasses brands, which means you never have to worry about the authenticity of the sunglasses you order.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.