Sunglasses

Cycling eyewear has a tough job. Not only must it offer crystal-clear optics and protect a rider’s eyes from sunlight and wind but it should also shrug off kicked-up road debris, look good and weigh less than a handful of carbon fibre headset-spacers. Thankfully, modern materials and ingenious production techniques allow manufacturers to achieve these conflicting performance requirements. Here are five of this season’s top eyewear options.

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::GEARBOX
Commit SQ Breast Cancer Awareness Edition – $195
Oakley
12127

The new Commit SQ glasses deliver all the performance cyclists associate with Oakley (excellent optics, smudge-resistant lenses, great styling) in a smaller female-face-friendly shape. While this would normally be enough to justify purchasing these sunglasses, Oakley seals the deal by donating $20 from the sale of each pair of special edition Commit sunglass to the Young Survival Coalition – a non-profit network focused helping young women affected by breast cancer.

::GEARBOX
Magster – $250 – $320
Rudy Project
12052

Sporting thin metal earpieces, the Magster are a refreshing stylistic change from bulkier plastic-armed sunglasses. Optical clarity is top-notch and the lenses are easily swapped for different light conditions. Customizable ear pieces and an adjustable nose piece ensure a great fit on different faces, while the prescription-friendly frame and lenses allow even the most visually-challenged riders the option of sporting these great-looking glasses.

::GEARBOX
Hex – $40
Ryders
12053

Don’t let the low price fool you. These budget-minded sunglasses from Ryders have features found on their more expensive counterparts. The Hex glasses offer good optics with vented lenses to prevent fogging, while their frames are lightweight and are well-shaped to fit with cycling helmets. There are rubber nose and ear pieces to keep the sunglasses in place, even on hot days. They’re a great option for those who tend to lose glasses or just don’t want to spend hundreds. You can buy these glasses and have plenty of money left over for new tires.