Changing Gear – Cycling Sunglasses Style

20th October 2021

Active cyclists that keep abreast of the latest gear will have noticed a shift in the design of cycling and MTB eyewear in the last 12-18 months. The ‘on-trend’ design is for shield sunglasses with large shaped frames and oversized lenses that provide total eye coverage. These statement style cycling sunglasses are becoming more popular and can be seen on many pro cyclists.

Cycling Sunglasses Brands

The top cycling eyewear brands, including Bollé, Oakley, Tifosi and UVEX, have all introduced models with oversized or shield lens designs.

Bollé Chronoshield

Bollé Chronoshield – Matte Crystal Navy frame – Bollé Phantom Clear Green lens

With the largest lens dimensions of Bollé sunglasses, Chronoshield offers an extra wide field of view, ideal for protection against the wind or debris, while its lens vent adjusts the airflow and ensures clear vision by preventing misting. Phantom lenses adapt to light while offering the sharpest vision at all times thanks to NXT® lens material and a high contrast filter enhancing details and boosting contrasts. 

Bollé Lightshifter XL

Bollé Lightshifter XL – Matte Titanium frame – Bollé Volt+ Ultraviolet Polarised lens

Bollé Lightshifter now in XL size. Bolle Volt+ Ultraviolet Polarised lenses – high contrast, colour enhancing Polarised lenses filter out 98% of sunlight reflections minimising glare, reducing eye fatigue and enhancing vision clarity. Experience the XL field of view while keeping high performance specs such as high grade TR90 nylon frame for lightness and flexibility, Thermogrip® rubber for stability and adjustable nose pad for a perfect fit.

Oakley Sutro

Oakley Sutro – Matte black frame – Prizm Road lens

Oakley Sutro features a large, shield style lens for a bold and versatile look. Prizm lens technology to enhance colour, contrast and detail. Durability and all-day comfort of lightweight O Matter™ frame material. Unobtainium™ nosepads increase grip with perspiration to help keep the eyewear securely in place.

Oakley Encoder

Oakley Encoder – Matte black temples – Prizm 24K lens

Oakley Encoder has a progressive wrap style with rigidity in key areas to mimic the structural properties of a frame.  Superior coverage lens for an enhanced field of view. Designed with hat and helmet functionality in mind with low-profile temples.

Tifosi Sledge

Tifosi Sledge – Matte blacke frame – Interchangeable 3 Lens Set supplied with Grey, Red and Clear lenses

Tifosi Sledge with full coverage shield lens for maximum protection. Vented lenses increase air circulation & prevents fogging. Lightweight but super strong Grilamid TR-90 frame, with hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces for a no-slip fit.

UVEX Sportstyle 231

UVEX Sportstyle 231 – White frame – Grey lens with blue mirror

UVEX Sportstyle 231 has a progressive, oversize lens providing complete eye protection and totally unrestricted field of vision. UVEX supravision® anti-fog coating: guaranteed condensation free. Adjustable nose pads and non-slip temples for a comfortable and secure fit.

Benefits of wearing cycling eyewear

Shield style lenses with large coverage will combat whatever the weather elements throw at them – keeping out wind, rain, glare, dirt and grit. The latest lens technologies enhance contrast to improve your vision. And lenses tend to be less prone to misting up with some models featuring vented lenses to help airflow or anti-fog coatings. Lightweight frames and slim temples make them comfortable to wear with helmets, and non-slip temples and nose pads ensure a secure fit.