Updated: Ryders Nimby photochromic anti-fog glasses review

Finding reliable eyewear for variable light conditions can be tricky. Whether you are weaving in and out of dense forest on your mountain bike or out on the road when the weather changes, cyclists are appreciative of good eyewear that can really improve your riding experience. The Ryders Nimby with a photochromic lens provides welcome versatility when the light is changing. Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to light conditions without the need to change glasses. The lens on the Nimby is ideal for low light conditions and adjusts to provide a neutral colour shift to protect against sunlight.

As a contact lens wearer, I find that without glasses on my contacts dry out so I’m always on the search for a reliable pair to throw on when I head out for an early morning or evening ride. The Nimby’s lightweight rimless frame sat comfortably on my face requiring only the slightest adjustment of the nose pads and looked sharp with a matte black frame. They provided a wide field of vision and the lack of a frame means that your sight is never obstructed.

As the lens adjusted to the changing light on my weekly evening ride, I immediately appreciated the benefits of the photochromic lens. The shift is not sudden but even as the sun shifted to a lower position in the sky on a slightly overcast evening, they provided excellent protection. When the sun was finally set and I headed home for supper, they were now almost clear allowing me to navigate my way home safely.

The lenses also feature Ryders anti-fog treatment that meant even during efforts or when I was stopped at a light on a warm evening, there was no condensation on the lens. The pair we tested had a visible light transmission (VLT) of 25 per cent to 75 per cent making them perfect for dimmer light conditions like during the evening, overcast or what would be found out on trails with tree cover.

Winter riding

For winter riding, the Nimby photochromic proved to be extremely effective. One of the main challenges of riding in cold weather is glasses fogging up or condensation freezing on the lens. On numerous winter rides at sub-zero temperatures neither of these were a problem and because of their nice fit they even kept most of the cold air out. It was a very welcome surprise to discover how effectively they worked for rides in these sorts of conditions.

At $140 the Nimby with photochromic anti-fog are also affordable for photochromic eyewear. Check out Ryders other offerings at rydereyewear.com