What is the best color tint for road bike sunglasses??

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Permalink Reply by jonathan kabb on April 8, 2009 at 10:17pm

if youre going to fork over the money, one idea is to try Smith's interchangeable sunglasses. I think they come with a clear lens, rose tint, and a darker lenses. I wish I had a prescription for them, but they're nice because in the morning I can ride with the dark lenses or rose tint if the clouds are blocking the sun, and then when I ride home, I can use the clear lenses for night. Obviously, this idea is more expensive than your original.
In general, I believe it works like this: copper lenses tend to animate colors and gray or black lenses tend to keep things closer to normal but just a little darker. That's just one idea.

http://www.smithoptics.com/Interlock_Category_132.html

Otherwise, I have a pair of Kaenon sunglasses. I think their lense quality for surpasses Smith and most other companies. I like my smiths for the interchangeable option, but their lenses don't even compare to my Kaenon's. Kaenon's are a higher price undoubtedly, but if you take care of them, it's worth it.


http://kaenon.com/

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Permalink Reply by Gecko on April 8, 2009 at 10:44pm

I use these with the 'racing red' lenses pretty much any time I'm on a bike. I started out using them just to keep bugs and rain out of my eyes, but they actually calm the sun pretty well and make sunsets look really cool too. Besides that, they're very comfortable, so much so that sometimes I forget I have them on. Also, you can get Rx lenses made for them, and it's really easy to change them out.

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Permalink Reply by Ali on April 8, 2009 at 11:58pm

This is more of an opinion then anything else but I would seriously look into Oakley. I have personally owned most of the major brand of sunglasses out there and in my opinion nothing comes close to Oakley's in definition and clarity as well as quality of polarization. They also make prescription sunglasses too, however their style is definitely not for everyone also they are on the pricey side. As for the tint; I would recommend getting at least 2 different tints, One to block out the excessive sun, and one for enhancing definition at night. Darker tints will obviously work better for blocking out the sun, you would normally want a lens which will let in 3-10% light during the sunny hours. For night time and cloudy/overcast situations I would go with a yellow or rose tint to improve definition. Usually something that lets in 20-30% should work.

Also seriously look into getting a polarized lens, the difference is just indescribable to me at least. Some bikers will argue against polarization but I am all for it...

-Ali

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Permalink Reply by jonathan kabb on April 9, 2009 at 12:30am

i agree. polarization without a question.

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Permalink Reply by Glenn on April 9, 2009 at 6:29am

My first choice actually was Oakley, but, they will not make them in my Rx. One company who will is Rudy Project. I was looking at a model called Ekynox Sx. For sure I am leaning toward polarized lenses, but am debating a solid color like grey or brown, or possibly the transition type which will lighten and darken to some degree as the light changes. Someone also mentioned something called driveway lenses which are a form of polarized transition lenses, but only come in brown. Anyone ever had experience with these? Thanks again.

Glenn

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