Collection: Cycling and MTB glasses with photochromic lenses

Cycling and MTB glasses with photochromic lenses

Passion for two wheels now brings together a large number of enthusiasts throughout the world, whether they are professionals or amateurs, who spend many hours riding their bicycles every week, covering kilometers of asphalt or dirt roads. Whether it's for achieving personal goals or the thrill of victory, there are some essential factors that both professionals and amateurs share.The research of materials, from components of bicycle engineering to clothing and accessories, has taken on a fundamental role in the choice of equipment for every cyclist.

Cycling sunglasses have become a must-have accessory that accompanies the cyclist on every ride. In addition to the typical mirrored lenses of racing bike glasses, the use of photochromic lenses has been steadily growing in recent years, especially for mountain biking. Technological advancements have led to the creation of photochromic lenses for cycling glasses that provide maximum performance for both disciplines.When specifically discussing photochromic lenses for MTB and road cycling, it is necessary to specify the different technical characteristics that glasses have for each discipline. Although the frame and lens materials may be the same, mountain bike glasses differ from those for road cycling in small details that are crucial during use, especially in technical terrain.

Photochromic Glasses for Mountain Biking:

Photochromic Lenses: Photochromic lenses for MTB glasses are a must-have for every rider. The use of dynamic lenses that adapt by darkening and lightening according to the light conditions of the route makes a significant difference. It enables the athlete to give their best performance, navigating the path effectively. Without them, riders may struggle to perceive the perfect path, wasting physical and mental energy on navigating obstacles, thus limiting performance and enjoyment.

The photochromic lenses for MTB glasses are specially designed to react to UV and solar rays, generating a chemical reaction that darkens the lens's surface when exposed to sunlight. As UV decreases, the lens returns to its original color and lightens.

The lenses of mountain bike glasses are generally larger than those of road cycling glasses to protect the eyes from various obstacles or projections along the route. Leaves, branches, insects, dust, and stones pose no problem thanks to the oversized lenses made of anti-breakage polycarbonate, which offer protection even against strong accidental impacts. In the event of a severe accidental impact, such as a fall, the anti-breakage lens does not produce fragments that can harm the eye. Instead, it visually generates the classic spider web effect of unbreakable glass, rendering it unusable but ensuring maximum eye protection.

There are two types of photochromic lenses for MTB glasses:

Photochromic lenses DCHROM®: These lenses start with a slightly veiled tint at the beginning (Category 1) and darken until they reach category 3 (similar darkness to common sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use without large light-dark variations. Using this lens allows you to keep your glasses on throughout your ride. In MTB practice, it allows you to navigate dense bushy areas. However, we do not recommend this lens for those looking for glasses that can also be used for night outings, as the initial tint may be slightly dark in very low light conditions.

• Mirrored Photochromic Lenses: Recommended for both road cycling and mountain biking, these lenses represent the evolution of cycling glasses. They start with a very slight haze in the initial tint (ideal for very low light conditions) and reach category 3 at maximum darkness.The unique feature of these lenses is their aesthetic factor. When darkened, the lens does not become smoky but reflects colors such as red or blue, depending on the chosen color.
  These mirrored photochromic lenses are highly reactive, making them ideal for mountain biking, where there are frequent light-dark changes.Cyclists' eyes will be well-protected even in very intense light conditions and with prolonged use. These cycling glasses with mirrored photochromic lenses can achieve greater darkness than normal photochromic lenses, but only if the route and UV intensity require it.
  The DCHROM® lens will constantly adapt to your surroundings, ensuring perfect visibility under any atmospheric conditions. We do not recommend these particular photochromic lenses for those looking for cycling glasses for night excursions, as the initial tint of the lens is too dark for artificial lighting or poor natural lighting conditions.

• Smoke Photochromic Lens: It starts with a completely transparent tint (Category 1) and darkens until it reaches Category 2.5. It remains slightly lighter during maximum darkness to help the eyes adapt more quickly from light to shadow areas. This allows the rider to maintain their performance without having to interrupt or slow down to remove glasses with lenses that are still dark when entering shaded areas. In very dense forests, the lens will be completely transparent and will serve as protection from air and projections such as leaves and branches. This special lens can also be used for night outings as simple protection from the air.

• Frame: The frame of the photochromic mountain bike glasses is made of TR90, a special composition of nylon and carbon fiber that makes the cycling glasses 20% lighter than those made with conventional materials, and more resistant to impacts or mechanical stress. TR90 has shape memory, meaning it adapts to your face by widening to envelop it, and when you remove the glasses, it returns to its original state. Additionally, this special material offers greater resistance to high and low temperatures without deformation, significantly increasing the lifespan of the glasses.

In the design of the MTB glasses frame, there is an evident increase in the thickness of the temples, strategically placed to provide maximum protection for the temples and the lateral part of the head. The lower part remains open to allow the athlete a better view of the terrain, which is often made more challenging by the use of glasses with closed frames. Rubberized parts on the internal side promote better grip, countering the vibrations of the glasses and preventing annoying micro-slips towards the tip of the nose. The nose pads are made of hypoallergenic non-slip rubber, designed to provide additional grip.

Photochromic Glasses for Road Cycling:

Photochromic Lenses: Regarding photochromic glasses for road cycling, the situation differs from MTB glasses because solar radiation exposure is prolonged and without continuous light variations. Therefore, a photochromic lens that reaches category 3 during maximum exposure is preferred to provide optimal protection from light.

Using photochromic glasses for road cycling means wearing glasses that you won't need to remove throughout your ride. They adapt immediately to changes in light along the route, ensuring perfect visibility on the road at all times. The lenses are tapered for better aerodynamics, and some models come with ventilation holes to prevent fogging in slower sections. Made of anti-breakage polycarbonate, the lenses protect against impacts, mechanical stress, and projections encountered on the road (such as midges, dust, and stones).

For road cycling, we recommend using photochromic glasses with DCHROM® lenses.

Photochromic lenses DCHROM®: Suitable for road cycling, these lenses start with a slightly veiled tint (Category 1) and darken until they reach category 3 (similar darkness to common sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use without significant light-dark variations. Using this lens on a road bike ensures you won't need to remove your glasses throughout your ride. However, we do not recommend this lens for those seeking glasses for night outings.

Frame: The frame of photochromic glasses for road cycling is made of TR90, a special composition of nylon and carbon fiber that makes the glasses 20% lighter than conventional materials and more resistant to impacts or mechanical stress. TR90 has shape memory, adapting to your face by widening to envelop it. It returns to its original state when you remove the glasses. Additionally, this material offers greater resistance to high and low temperatures without deformation, significantly increasing the lifespan of the glasses.

In racing bike eyeglass frames, the classic tapered aerodynamic shape is common. The thickness of the temples varies according to personal preference, with some athletes preferring thin temples while others prefer the bulkier ones typical of MTB. It's crucial to choose cycling glasses that are comfortable and fit your face well without being too tight.

The importance of wearing sunglasses while practicing your favorite discipline not only enhances your performance by ensuring a clear view of the route but also provides maximum protection for your eyes against possible impacts.

What about those who wear prescription lenses?

For cyclists who require prescription lenses for road cycling and mountain biking, there is a line of sports prescription glasses available with photochromic lenses and removable clip-on optics. Through your trusted optician, it is possible to create prescription lenses to insert inside the clip-on optics.