Collection: Cycling and MTB glasses with photochromic lenses

Cycling and MTB glasses with photochromic lenses

Passion for Two Wheels

The passion for cycling unites a vast community of enthusiasts worldwide, both professionals and amateurs, who dedicate countless hours each week to riding their bicycles on asphalt and dirt roads. Whether pursuing personal goals or the thrill of competition, there are essential factors that both groups share. The search for high-quality materials—ranging from bicycle components to clothing and accessories—plays a fundamental role in choosing the right equipment for every cyclist.

Cycling sunglasses have become an indispensable accessory for every ride. Alongside the traditional mirrored lenses commonly found in racing glasses, the use of photochromic lenses has gained popularity, particularly among mountain bikers. Technological advancements have led to the development of photochromic lenses specifically designed for cycling, offering maximum performance in both disciplines.

When discussing photochromic lenses for mountain biking (MTB) and road cycling, it's important to highlight the different technical characteristics of the glasses tailored for each discipline. While the frame and lens materials may be similar, mountain bike glasses often feature small but crucial differences that enhance performance in technical terrains.

Photochromic Glasses for Mountain Biking

Photochromic Lenses: Photochromic lenses for MTB glasses are essential for every rider. These dynamic lenses adapt by darkening or lightening in response to varying light conditions, significantly enhancing an athlete's performance by allowing them to navigate the trail more effectively. Without photochromic lenses, riders may struggle to identify the optimal path, wasting both physical and mental energy on obstacles and diminishing their overall enjoyment.

Designed to react to UV and solar rays, photochromic lenses undergo a chemical reaction that darkens the surface when exposed to sunlight. As UV exposure decreases, the lenses return to their original color, lightening accordingly.

Mountain bike glasses typically feature larger lenses than those used for road cycling, providing enhanced protection against obstacles and debris encountered on the trail. Leaves, branches, insects, dust, and stones pose no threat thanks to the oversized lenses made from shatterproof polycarbonate, which can withstand strong impacts. In the event of a severe impact, such as a fall, these anti-breakage lenses do not shatter into harmful fragments. Instead, they may exhibit a classic spider web pattern, rendering the lens unusable while ensuring maximum eye protection.

There are two types of photochromic lenses for MTB glasses:

DCHROM® Photochromic Lenses: These lenses begin with a subtle tint (Category 1) and darken to Category 3 (similar to the darkness of standard sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use in environments with minimal light-dark variations. With this lens, you can comfortably keep your glasses on throughout your ride, making it easier to navigate dense, bushy areas. However, we do not recommend this lens for those seeking eyewear suitable for night outings, as the initial tint may be slightly too dark in very low light conditions.

• Mirrored Photochromic Lenses: Recommended for both road cycling and mountain biking, these lenses represent the evolution of cycling eyewear. They start with a very slight tint, making them ideal for low-light conditions, and can reach Category 3 darkness at maximum exposure. A unique feature of these lenses is their aesthetic appeal; when darkened, they reflect colors such as red or blue, depending on the selected hue.

  These mirrored photochromic lenses are highly reactive, making them perfect for mountain biking, where light conditions can change frequently. Cyclists will benefit from excellent eye protection even in intense light conditions during prolonged use. While these cycling glasses can achieve greater darkness than standard photochromic lenses, this is only under high UV intensity.

  The DCHROM® lens continuously adapts to your environment, ensuring perfect visibility under varying atmospheric conditions. However, we do not recommend these lenses for night rides, as the initial tint is too dark for artificial lighting or low natural light conditions.

• Smoke Photochromic Lens: This lens begins with a completely transparent tint (Category 1) and darkens to reach Category 2.5. It remains slightly lighter at maximum darkness, helping the eyes adapt more quickly when transitioning from light to shadow. This design allows riders to maintain their performance without needing to interrupt or slow down to remove glasses that remain dark in shaded areas. In very dense forests, the lens will be fully transparent, providing protection from wind and debris such as leaves and branches. Additionally, this special lens can be used for night outings, offering simple protection from the air.

Frame: The frame of the photochromic mountain bike glasses is crafted from TR90, a unique blend of nylon and carbon fiber that makes these glasses 20% lighter than those made with conventional materials while also enhancing resistance to impacts and mechanical stress. TR90 has shape memory, allowing it to adapt to the contours of your face and then return to its original form when removed. Additionally, this material offers excellent resistance to both high and low temperatures without deformation, significantly extending the lifespan of the glasses.

The design of the MTB glasses frame features thicker temples strategically placed for maximum protection of the sides of the head. The lower part remains open to provide athletes with an unobstructed view of the terrain, which is often more challenging with closed-frame glasses. Rubberized components on the inner side enhance grip, reducing vibrations and preventing annoying slips down the nose. The nose pads are made of hypoallergenic, non-slip rubber, ensuring added stability during rides.

Photochromic Glasses for Road Cycling:

Photochromic Lenses: When it comes to photochromic glasses for road cycling, the requirements differ from those for MTB glasses due to prolonged exposure to solar radiation without constant light variations. Therefore, a photochromic lens that can reach category 3 during maximum exposure is preferred for optimal light protection.

Using photochromic glasses for road cycling means you can wear them throughout your ride without needing to remove them. They adapt quickly to changes in light conditions, ensuring perfect visibility on the road at all times. The lenses are designed with a tapered shape for improved aerodynamics, and some models feature ventilation holes to prevent fogging during slower sections. Made of anti-breakage polycarbonate, these lenses protect against impacts, mechanical stress, and debris 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 tinted shade (Category 1) and darken to category 3 (similar to standard sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use without significant light-dark variations, allowing you to keep your glasses on throughout your ride. However, we do not recommend these lenses 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 while enhancing resistance to impacts and mechanical stress. TR90 has shape memory, allowing the frame to adapt to your face and return to its original shape when removed. This material also offers excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, significantly extending the lifespan of the glasses.

Racing bike eyeglass frames typically feature a classic tapered aerodynamic design. The thickness of the temples can vary based on personal preference, with some athletes opting for thinner temples while others prefer the bulkier styles common in MTB glasses. It's crucial to choose cycling glasses that are comfortable and fit 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 potential 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, you can create prescription lenses to insert into the clip-on optics.