Sunglasses must offer ample coverage and be comfortable while tucked under a helmet. It is best to avoid metal frames, which can cut your face in the event of a crash.
Invest in a pair with contrast-enhancing colored tints and photochromic lenses that adjust to varying light conditions. These glasses will help you see the roots, rocks, and stray tree branches that could throw you off your bike.
Lenses
Mountain biking is an outdoor sport that requires good eye protection. The right glasses protect you from UV rays, glare, flying debris, and other hazards.
It would help if you chose a lens color appropriate for the terrain and lighting conditions. Sunglasses with a brown or gray tint are ideal for bright conditions, while yellow or clear lenses work well in low light. Many MTB sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses to adjust to the trail’s changing weather and lighting conditions.
Many brands offer a wide range of lens tints and coatings that enhance contrast and definition. Other lens features to consider include polarization to reduce glare from water, snow, car headlights and hydrophobic coating that beads moisture, oil, and sunscreen so it doesn’t smear or obstruct your vision. Also, look for impact resistance so your glasses can withstand the occasional bump or knock when you hit the trails.
Frames
A good pair of mountain bike glasses is a critical piece of gear for anyone riding off-road. They must be comfortable, fit well in and around your helmet, provide protection from debris and sun, offer great optical clarity, and be durable enough to withstand the bumps and crashes that can happen while you’re on the trail.
Some riders swear by photochromic lenses that lighten and darken automatically depending on the lighting conditions, but I’m not a fan. I think your eyeballs do a better job of changing tint independently.
The frame of your MTB sunglasses should be wider than your face for ample coverage and tuck comfortably under your helmet. The arms of your sunglasses should also be shorter than the width of your helmet to prevent them from hitting it near the back and being knocked around by your helmet. A good pair of MTB glasses should be functional and comfortable so you can forget they’re even there while you ride.
Fit
The frames of a good pair of mountain bike sunglasses should fit comfortably without moving around on rough terrain. They should also fit tightly under a helmet without interfering with the straps and retention system behind your ears. Good glasses should also wrap around your face for protection from debris and stabby branches. A good pair of biking-specific glasses will have a lens that works well in bright and low-light conditions. Look for frames made of impact-rated polycarbonate to protect your eyes from flying rocks and other trail hazards. They also have anti-fogging technologies built into the frame and a modern early 2000s style. However, the lenses are not interchangeable, which limits their usability in other light conditions. These mountain bike-specific sunglasses have a clear lens that is excellent for low light and come with a performance zip case and lens bag/wipe.
Style
For mountain bikers, a great pair of sunglasses is important for more than just keeping your eyes protected from the sun. They must fit well and provide enough coverage to protect your eyes from rocks, dust, stray trail debris, and even a fly or two that you might encounter on rough terrain.
The frames should be soft and flexible enough to conform to different face shapes and sizes. They also need to be lightweight and fit comfortably with your helmet. Look for frames with grippy rubber contact points on the temples and nose pads to help them stay in place even during a hard ride.
A good way to test this is to try a pair of glasses without your helmet and see how they fit and feel. Then, put on your helmet and ensure the top of the sunglasses doesn’t hit the bottom of your helmet, and the arms don’t get in the way of your retention straps or band behind your ears.
Price
The cost of sunglasses is an important consideration for many mountain bikers. There are many different options on the market, from affordable to expensive. The best choice will depend on your favorite features and budget.
A good pair of sunglasses can help protect your eyes from flying debris, stray tree branches, and dust. In addition, they should be comfortable and fit well under a helmet. Choosing the right pair of glasses will help you enjoy your ride more and avoid eye injuries.
Look for polycarbonate frames or other impact-rated material when shopping for mountain biking sunglasses. Metal-framed glasses are not designed to withstand the impact of a crash, and they can cause sharp edges around your eyes. The frames of your sunglasses should also be designed to fit comfortably under a mountain bike helmet. There are various frames to choose from, including full-frame and frameless styles.