Why Are Cycling Glasses So Expensive

If you’ve spent any time shopping for cycling glasses, you know that they can cost more than $200 a pair! So what makes these glasses so expensive? Why would a cyclist spend more than $200 on a pair of cycling glasses? Why would they even need to wear them?   This post will take a look at what makes cycling glasses special and answer why they cost so much.

The main reason cycling glasses cost so much is that they are really quite unique.

What is special about cycling glasses?

Cyclists wearing sunglasses are a common sight these days, but what makes them special? First off, cycling sunglasses are a necessity on the road. Your eyes need protection from the harsh rays of the sun and flying objects, and the only way to get it is to wear cycling-specific sunglasses. 

Cycling glasses are specially shaped to fit your face while you ride. Properly fitting glasses is essential to protecting your eyes.

The lenses of cycling glasses are tinted to protect your eyes from the sunlight. They also allow you to see objects clearly. Cycling sunglasses are available in different types of lenses. Some lenses are for bright light, while others are for low-light conditions.

The best cycling sunglasses have both polarized lenses for high-intensity light, and also amber tinted lenses for low-intensity light. Most of these lenses have different levels of tint, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

Are cycling sunglasses worth it?

Wearing cycling sunglasses is worth the price you will pay for a pair. As you ride, it is very easy for bugs, dust, or other debris to get in your eyes. Not wearing protective eyewear while cycling can result in serious damage to your eyes from these things.

Also, wearing cycling sunglasses with UV blocks the affect of the sun’s glare from your eyes. They can also help you see details better.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of wearing cycling glasses:

Pros

1. They’re practical: they help protect your eyes, keep out wind, rain, and snow, and they protect against flying debris and bugs.
2. They block out distracting light and wind and allow you to stay focused on your destination.
3. Your eyes will be better protected from the sun.
4. They’re fashionable!

Cons

1. They can limit your peripheral vision.
2. If you look down too long, they can cause dizziness or headaches.
3. If the glasses are not properly vented, they can fog in cool weather.
4. Cycling glasses can be very expensive to buy and replace.
5. Dark lenses will make it hard to see when cycling at night. You need another pair of glasses without dark lenses or a pair with transition lenses.

Are Cycling Oakleys Worth It

It’s commonly said that you get what you pay for. The same may be the case with glasses for cyclists.

Cyclists love Oakley glasses for several reasons. First, the fit of these are ideal for biking. The fit is very important when buying cycling glasses. The wrong fit can cause fogging in cool weather, slipping as you ride, or vision impairment.

Next, the optical quality is better with these expensive glasses as compared to cheaper competitors. Oakleys also have the option of including progressive lenses that have tint that can transition from light to dark and back. This is great for cyclists who ride long distances that may start in the day and not end until after dark.

Additionally, the glasses are of such a high quality that the frames maintain their shape after several years and several uses. They do not damage easily unless they are dropped on the lenses, which would cause the lenses to be scratched.

There are replica Oakley sunglasses that many say are a close substitute that are sold on sites like AliExpress. The real Oakleys are far more comfortable, but the replicas are “good enough” for many people given their much cheaper price.

Despite the price, Oakleys are considered worth it. They generally last for many years. In that time period you may have to buy dozens of cheap pairs of sunglasses.

The one negative that I’ve heard about Oakleys (besides the price) is that you may not be able to add a prescription to the lenses if it’s needed.

Based on my research it appears that Oakleys are worth buying if you can afford them. If you’re concerned about the cost of replacing the glasses if they break, be sure to buy insurance for them.

How To Choose Cycling Glasses For Mountain Biking [Video]

A few highlights from the video:

• Consider conditions you’ll be riding in when choosing your glasses.
• Compatibility with helmets is important. If you’re wearing a full face helmet you will need to wear goggles.
• Road cyclists usually wear their glasses over the straps of their helmets. Mountain bikers wear theirs under the helmet straps.
• You can switch out different lenses for different conditions.
• Larger lenses are better for road cycling because they ride faster and have more wind to contend with. The larger lenses can keep out more wind.

Related Questions

What lenses are best for cycling?

The lenses in cycling glasses should have UVA/UVB protection to block UV rays from the sun. The lenses should also be scratch resistant to withstand scratching when dropped. Another ideal feature for lenses are that they be anti-reflective to help eliminate glare. Finally, lenses should be hydrophobic so that they can remain as clear as possible while being worn in the rain.

Conclusion

Cycling glasses are a set of eyewear that have been specially made to provide cyclists with maximum comfort and protection. These glasses are different from ordinary sunglasses in that they are made to be worn while cycling. The idea of having cycling glasses was created to make cycling more comfortable and safer.

The most common type of cycling glasses is sunglasses. They’re typically tinted to block out the glare from the sun.

Most manufacturers make a wide range of styles and colors that you can choose from. For maximum protection for your eyes while cycling, it’s important to choose a frame that fits your face correctly. You can choose from wraparound, half-rimmed, full-rimmed, or polarized options.