THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT CYCLING EYEWEAR
HOW THE WORLD’S BEST RIDERS CHOOSE THEIR EYEWEAR
HOW THE WORLD’S BEST RIDERS CHOOSE THEIR EYEWEAR
This guide is brought to you by Scicon Sports – riders wearing Scicon eyewear have won more than 500 UCI World Tour cycling events over the last three seasons – more than any other brand. Scicon is the official eyewear supplier to the world’s number 1-ranked team and rider for 2023 (Team UAE Emirates).
We asked our experts at Scicon Labs in Italy to compile this guide in consultation with some of the best riders in the world - we hope it will assist you in making your next performance eyewear purchase decision a little easier!
Here at Scicon, we are driven by a desire to make the world’s best performance cycling eyewear instead of making performance eyewear that you can cycle with – this is a subtle but very important differentiation that sets us apart from other brands in the market. We collaborate with the best riders in the world to design, test, and produce the ultimate cycling eyewear solutions.
We are all about cycling!
What follows is a comprehensive guide that explores the key considerations when choosing the perfect cycling sunglasses, ensuring clarity, comfort, and safety in all conditions.
#UNLEASHGREATNESS
Regarding cycling lenses, various technologies, materials, colours, and styles are available to cyclists. Good quality lenses provide both protection and improve visual clarity. This is done by lessening the glare and enhancing contrast while reducing eye strain, fatigue, and dryness.
So what should you know to make the right choice for you?
1.1 Lens material
1.2 UV protection
1.3 What is VLT?
1.4 Why it is essential to choose the right colour lenses
1.5 Photochromic Lenses
1.6 Multimirror, Tint/Colour, Degradè, Polarized Lenses
1.7 Interchangeable lenses
1.8 Anti-fog ventilation Design
1.9 Lens Layers and Coatings
1.10 Scratch Resistant Coatings
1.11 Lens shape and coverage
1.12 Aerodynamics
1.13 Aerowing Visor
To keep things simple, the options here include polycarbonate, CR-39, plastic, and glass. Glass should never be used in sports for obvious safety reasons, so we can quickly eliminate that option. For the other options, there are several trade-offs when selecting, but polycarbonate lenses have been the choice of most brands, probably due to their impact resistance, high UV filtering capacity, and weight. CR-39 lenses, made from plastic polymer, offer good optical clarity and are lightweight, providing comfort for extended wear. Plastic lenses encompass a wide range of materials, including CR-39, and are valued for their affordability and versatility, suitable for everyday wear. In Scicon, we offer lens solutions in all of these different materials (except glass, obviously), and despite the tons of marketing noise, we will not necessarily argue for one material above another, at least not in terms of offering significantly different benefits when it comes to cycling.
LENS MATERIAL
Impact resistance
clear vision scratch resistance lightweightness
CR-39
Glass lenses
PolycarbonateCyclists should always choose lenses that offer “full spectrum” 100% UV protection to shield their eyes from harmful sun rays that can lead to long-term eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. All Scicon lenses offer 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection – no exceptions. Lens colours or mirror coatings perform differently based on light conditions, but it should be noted that they have no relation to how well they block UV rays, therefore, always confirm UV protection regardless of the lens colour or mirror coating.
The amount of light a lens allows to pass through is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). VLT is expressed as a percentage of light allowed through the lens falling between 0% and 100%. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the lens will be. The higher the VLT percentage, the lighter (or more transparent) the lens will be. The biggest takeaway from this, is to understand that a high VLT lens is great for low-light conditions, while a low VLT lens is better for sunny days.
VLT is determined by assessing the quantity of light able to traverse a lens. The evaluation employs a photometer, gauging the brightness of visible light prior to and post-lens passage. Photometer assessments mirror the methodology applied in testing tints across diverse optics, ranging from prescribed eyewear to automotive windows. This method culminates in the establishment of diverse VLT ranges and associated classifications for use during cycling activities.
As you begin to look at VLT percentages, there are five categories that range from 4 to 0. To make sense of these categories, 4 is the darkest lens tint rating, while 0 is the lightest. Check on the chart below to view VLT ranges, grouped by categories.
Choosing the right cycling glasses is paramount for effective eye protection against harmful UV rays. Different lens colours are strategically designed to cater to specific conditions: green lenses excel in low-light settings, grey lenses are for sunny days, and rose-tinted lenses for enhanced contrast in wooded areas. Advanced options include photochromic lenses that intelligently adapt to varying light levels. Emphasizing the importance of choosing the appropriate lens based on weather and light conditions is key for optimizing safety and visibility during cycling.
Photochromic sunglass lenses are your best ally during a long bike journey because they dynamically adapt to changing weather conditions, ensuring clear vision at all times. Imagine cycling through forests or traversing road tunnels, where sunlight can quickly shift from intense to almost absent. How many times have you found yourself having to remove or lower your glasses in an instant, transitioning from blinding light to total darkness? Such situations pose various risks.
Choosing a good photochromic lens means having eyewear that adapts to all weather conditions and thereby enhancing your safety on the road
How do they work?
The light-sensitive molecules inside photochromic lenses shift their structure when exposed to UV rays, allowing them to absorb more light and give the lenses a darkened appearance. Once the UV light diminishes, the process reverses, and the lenses become clear again.
For optimal on-bike performance, ensuring clear vision and minimizing discomfort is paramount. Multimirror lenses, featuring multiple reflective coatings, offer superior sun protection and combat glare effectively. However, lens tint/color also plays a crucial role. Amber lenses enhance low-light clarity and depth perception, while rose-tinted options excel at reducing glare and eye strain in bright conditions. Degradé lenses provide both sun protection and clear vision due to their gradual tint transition, ideal for fluctuating light environments.
While polarized lenses offer unparalleled glare reduction, particularly around water or on sunny days, they can interfere with LCD displays like bike computers. Consider multi-laser (mirror) or darker tint/color lenses as glare-reducing alternatives without compromising digital functionality. Ultimately, the optimal lens combination depends on your riding environment and preferences. Prioritize clear vision and comfort to fully enjoy your journey, regardless of the light conditions you encounter.
Depending on the weather conditions, you may want the possibility to be able to switch between different tint lenses. When considering a pair of sunglasses, consider how easy it is to change lenses, access to instructions on how to do it, including online video tutorials, and the availability of spare lenses for any particular model. Every model in the Scicon performance range offers interchangeable lenses and tutorial videos on changing them.
The right ventilation can prevent lenses from fogging up during intense rides or in humid conditions, thus ensuring clear vision at all times. Lens (and frame) design, airflow control, and ventilation openings all play a crucial role in avoiding fogging.
Below are some images displaying the different types of ventilation available in our Scicon range.
AeroScope Aerowatt VENTILATION DESIGN VENTILATION DESIGN VENTILATION DESIGN VENTILATION DESIGN Aeroshade Kunken Aerowing LamonA lens coating is a specialized layer applied to the lenses of sunglasses, designed to enhance athletes’ vision and improve their overall experience with eyewear.
The highest quality lenses typically incorporate multiple layers, such as hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-reflection coatings.
1. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coating
2. Anti-reflection coating
3. Anti-scratch coating
4. Tinted lens
5. Anti-scratch coating
The performance lenses of Scicon Sports eyewear embody excellence in optical treatment, providing clear and reliable vision during every physical activity. Thanks to cutting-edge technology used in the manufacturing process, these lenses are designed to withstand the challenges of the most demanding sports environments. The anti-fog coating ensures clear vision in humid conditions or sudden temperature changes, while maximum UV protection preserves the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. With meticulous attention to detail, Scicon’s lens treatment represents the ideal choice for those seeking superior optical performance and unmatched durability during their favourite sports activities.
The number one complaint about eyewear is scratched lenses. Protect lenses from scratches caused by debris or accidental drops, prolonging the lifespan of the eyewear. Many brands offer anti-scratch coatings. Although these coatings help, accidents still happen.
With this in mind, Scicon has taken damage protection one step further by offering a lifetime lens replacement guarantee against any and all scratches or damage, no matter how it occurs.
Get up to 2 incidents of damage protection every 12 months.
Because Scicon Sports designs premium eyewear that is made to last we can offer a truly exceptional service for your sunglasses that is unmatched in the eyewear industry. Guarantee against any and all scratches or damage, no matter how it occurs.
SCRATCH RESISTANT REPLACEMENT PROGRAMDepending on your riding style, you may prefer a shield lens solution or, the more traditional, two individual lens solution. Depending on the eyewear design, there are not any noticeable differences in benefits between these two options, and it mostly comes down to styling. For RX solutions, however, eyewear models with two lenses often present more options for scripting. Another consideration is the so-called “base curve” of the lenses - this term refers to the curvature on the front sides of the lenses. A typical 4-base lens design is a little “flatter” and therefore easier to script while a higher 8-base lens is more curved and has fewer scripting options. This type of lens “wraps” around your eyes while also providing better peripheral coverage. The final important consideration when it comes to cycling eyewear design relates to the pantoscopic angle or the horizontal tilt of the lenses in front of the eyes. Because of the unique position of a cyclist on a bike, this complex aspect requires thorough consideration during the design process.
• The lens curves specifically on one axis.
• It provides a distinct shape that covers the face well.
• Lens curvature is the same in both axes.
• More space between the face and lenses for improved ventilation
• The lens curvature differs between the two axes. Historically, there have been two lens shapes: cylindrical and spherical.
• The toric lens combines the two shapes.
The base of the lens influences how the lens fits into the eyeglass frame and the model’s fit.
A good cycling eyewear that meets the needs of the most demanding cyclists should have an accentuated pantoscopic angle, designed to optimize aerodynamics, protection, and prevent fogging. It’s all about the details. This solution creates a protective barrier and also shields you from water, dust, and mud, keeping the lenses clean and your vision clear and uninterrupted.
Pantoscopic Tilt Angle of the lens to the horizontal eye axis
The design of helmets is constantly evolving in the pursuit of improved safety and aerodynamics. Crafting high-performance eyewear involves considering all aspects that influence the compatibility between helmets and glasses. Temple arms must be designed to seamlessly fit into time trial helmets without causing discomfort to the athlete during performance.
The current trend in new helmet designs is to lower the rear shell to provide better head protection, impacting compatibility with eyewear. A quality pair of glasses should take this into account and offer adjustable temple arms to avoid compromising aerodynamics.
The visor design was inspired by the cycling cap. It attaches to the glasses in seconds and, thanks to the various ventialtion holes, ensures perfect air circulation. With its 12mm extension, the Aerowing visor stops rain from above and is effective even in sunny conditions. This is thanks to the cone of shadow that forms between the lens and the glasses.
When it comes to cycling eyewear, great importance is placed on lens technology, however, it cannot be overemphasised how vital the frame design is. To make the best eyewear-specific frames, Scicon uses lightweight and durable frame materials to produce eyewear that is not only comfortable but integrates well with most reputable helmet brands. Adjustable temples and nose pieces are very important for cyclists to ensure a comfortable and snug fit; it is essential to consider the time riders spend on their bikes and the weather conditions they may encounter.
In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:
2.1 Design
2.2 Frame Material
2.3 Fit and Adjustability
2.3.1 Horizon Adapt™
2.3.2 Nosepads, Asian Fit, Flexifit™
2.4 “3D Face Fit”
Cycling eyewear frames require specialised considerations. The Scicon Sports eyewear division has designers with extensive expertise and experience in this field. Frames must be designed to wrap around a rider’s eyes for maximum coverage and protection. They must combine with the lenses to form a complete ventilation solution system to avoid fogging and eye fatigue. Materials and weight considerations play an essential role, and often, the final designs can only be achieved after significant testing and rework.
In the realm of sports eyewear, the selection of frame materials significantly influences performance and durability. Different types of frame materials can be seen below.
Bio-based frames are constructed from sustainable, plant-derived materials, aligning with eco-conscious consumers’ values while offering durability and style.
Kraiburg TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) frames combine flexibility with robustness, providing comfort, grip, and impact resistance suitable for active lifestyles.
TR90, a thermoplastic material, is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to heat and UV radiation, making it a popular choice for sports and performance eyewear
Aluminum frames provide a lightweight, corrosion-resistant option with modern aesthetics, perfect for everyday wear and outdoor activities due to their durability.
No eyewear will work well if it doesn’t fit correctly and is not sized proportionally to the shape and size of a rider’s face. It should fit comfortably on the nose and ears and stay securely in place during riding. Essential considerations include rubberised adjustable nose pads and adjustable temples for a secure fit and helmet compatibility. Adjustable temple length is a new innovation from Scicon in its Aeroscope model, providing even more customisation. Another Scicon specific feature offers an adjustable nose bridge to change the panoramic view for a rider – this is especially useful for triathletes or during time trials where a rider’s position on the bike will be much lower.
lenght adjustable temple arms no pressure points or loose fit
120mm
125mm
130mm
one nose piece fully customisable
The Horizon Adapt™ mechanism is a height-adjustable nosepiece that lets you fine-tune your field of vision with precision. Whether you prefer an aggressive low-riding position or a more relaxed upright stance, it is customizable by 5mm. With the push or pull of the Horizon Adapt™ nosepiece, each rider can adapt the position of the lens, eliminating glare and discomfort.
Enhancing your cycling experience, especially during intense efforts when you’re pushing the pedals with maximum force, in a low, streamlined position, The Horizon Adapt™ allows you to improve visibility on the road. When you’re “full gas”, focused on the ride, there’s no time for distractions caused by frames sliding down your nose or obstructing your view.
Comfort and stability are essential for peak bike performance and well-fitting cycling glasses can assist in a rider’s performance and peace of mind on the road. The fit of nose pads and nosepieces plays a key role and should be chosen based on the rider’s needs. Small and medium nose pads are typically small silicone pads on standard glasses. They have basic adjustability but may not suit wider faces. Some sunglasses have a double-click system for comfort. If standard pads cause discomfort or slippage, try “Asian Fit” or “Flexifit” for a better ride. Asian Fit nose pads are wider and shorter for lower nose bridges and higher cheekbones. They prevent slipping and are offered by many cycling brands. Flexifit nosepieces are flexible, and the material conforms to your nose shape. It is ideal for a personalized fit and stability, even in intense races.
There is a reason why professional athletes constantly look for the edge that can make a difference in their performance. For years, cycling eyewear has been a key element in ensuring maximum visual performance and protection, but it was often limited by a less-than-perfect fit. Since 2020, when Scicon Sports decided to launch a range of cycling sunglasses, we have invested significant resources in the study of facial ergonomics in order to perfectly adapt the sunglasses to the face of all cyclists.
In December 2022, during the UAE Team Emirates training camp in Spain, Scicon Sports factory support team scanned their heads, processed the anthropological nose dimension files, and 3D printed custom nose pads for their eyewear. Riders immediately embraced the pads in competition with remarkable results. Pogacar secured victories in Flanders, Amstel, and the Fleche Wallonne, while Adam Yates, Juan Ayuso, Joao Almeida, Ackermann, and Brandon McNulty achieved successes in various races. The 3D nose pads provided a secure and comfortable fit, allowing uninterrupted focus on performance. This innovative program ensures distraction-free, maximum concentration, marking another milestone in cycling eyewear from Scicon Sports.
The 3D Face Fit program was born from Scicon’s increased research into finding the best design and fit for our nose pads. While it will not be for commercial use, we will use it to continuously expand our knowledge and understanding, creating perfect eyewear for the everyday cyclist.
If you require prescription eyewear, several additional considerations must be evaluated. The holy grail is to find a solution where your prescription needs are met without sacrificing the benefits of well-designed, specialist cycling eyewear. At Scicon, we continuously work on more innovative solutions for our clients with vision correction needs.
Scicon RX Sport Collection eyewear enhances athletes’ performance by improving visual clarity and protecting their eyes during physical activities such as cycling and running. Customisable prescription lenses correct visual impairments like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for optimal performance and comfort during sports.
In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:
Optical Dock is a Grilamid platform that allows prescription lenses of any material to be used on performance glasses. The Optical Dock clips ensure lateral protection and stability in case of impacts while providing a snug and aerodynamic fit. The lateral field of vision is slightly more limited than in other vision solutions, but the range of prescriptions available is complete even for the highest corrections.
AeroJet use only
Easy to install by a qualified optician
Thanks to its broader form, the appearance of the new full-rim Optical Dock 2 is more elegant, but at the same time, it retains the simplicity and versatility of the Optical Dock platform, expanding the range of available prescriptions and further increasing the functionality of this solution.
Aerocomfort use only
Easy to install by a qualified optician
Reader lenses are engineered explicitly for athletes with mild myopia, providing them with essential visual assistance during their sporting activities. These sunglasses incorporate a magnifying lens, available in various prescription strengths, seamlessly integrated into the lower section of the sunglass lens. This cutting-edge design greatly enhances readability, the ability to view maps, and facilitates the viewing of small screens on devices like cell phones, GPS units, and cyclocomputers during dynamic sports activities.
PRESCRIPTION LENS
PRESCRIPTION LENS
THREE DIFFERENT POWER OPTIONS
+1,5 +2,0 +2,5 NORMAL LENSIf you need prescription eyewear but love the coverage and style of performance eyewear, there’s a solution for you. You can have your prescription embedded into the lens, creating a single-piece shield design. Although the one-piece shield design makes this type of sunglasses unique, it can also make adding a prescription lens complex. Even though prescription lenses are larger than most unscripted lenses, many athletes find them to be comfortable and practical.
We use laser cutting to create two large sections of the lens, and the surrounding lens acts as a frame, with the prescription lenses mounted into it.
As more and more riders integrate long sessions of indoor virtual training into their exercise programs, the need for a different kind of eye protection becomes apparent. Scicon Blue Zero Lenses are designed to filter out some of the blue & blue-violet wavelengths of light that come out of our phones, tablets, laptops & modern TV screens during your indoor training.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BLUE ZERO
Countless brand options and price points are available to cyclists of all kinds making them spoiled for choice, but be careful – the cheapest options are not always the best options. Try to understand if a particular brand designs and produces eyewear through rigorous research and innovation, testing, collaboration with professional riders, etc., instead of “slapping” a brand name on socalled “open mould” designs or worse using cheap quality lenses. Consider independent reviews, feedback from riders, and which professional riders use a particular brand. Even if professional teams are sponsored, the best riders in the world always demand the best-performing products. In return, they provide valuable feedback while using these products in the most demanding and extreme conditions possible. Depending on your riding level, and after eliminating the nonnegotiable minimum quality requirements of any pair of cycling eyewear, you will have to trade off quality with affordability to find the best solution for your pocket.
As part of our journey to make the world’s best performance cycling eyewear, Scicon Sports has been collaborating extensively with Team UAE Emirates and Tadej Pogaĉar since late 2019. Ongoing innovation has been made possible through this feedback loop with hands-on participation by these athletes in the development process. Nothing is left to chance.
Finally, once you’ve found the perfect pair of eyewear, there are still some important aspects to consider before opening your wallet for any particular brand. These may include:
Does the brand in question offer this service, and how efficient is it? You may have to go through online reviews to form an opinion on this.
With Scicon not only do you get a 2-year replacement warranty on any frame, but you also have a life-long lens scratch replacement warranty that applies to all clients who register their products on the Scicon website, regardless of how the damage occurred.
Several additional and valuable items may or may not be included with every pair of eyewear. These items could include a cleaning cloth, eyewear cleaner, eyewear pouch, eyewear case or soft bag, spare lenses, instruction manuals, etc. These should not distract you from the most critical reasons listed above but may offer significant extra value.
It still holds that some of the best expertise and manufacturing of certain product categories are typically linked with specific parts of the world. Eyewear production is no exception. Italy has always been the world leader in designing and manufacturing the best eyewear solutions. All Scicon eyewear is 100% made in Italy.
Counterfeit or imitation products are sometimes hard to spot but if you compare the suspected counterfeit product to the product images on www.sciconsports.com , the fake product may appear to be disproportionate, “off” or even slightly altered. Another key factor in authenticating our brand and its products are the accessories offered with purchase - we offer top quality accessories with any purchase as stipulated on our website. There is a reason for a higher price point; if find a “steal” on a site that’s generally a good indication that it is one. Frame colors and lens hues may differ from authentic products, and product quality may feel flimsy or poor.
We trust this guide will help you in making a more informed purchasing decision for your next set of cycling eyewear. We’ve included a simple checklist below to assist in this process.
What material are the lenses made from (polycarbonate and nylon are all excellent options)?
Are the lenses interchangeable?
Are the lenses photochromic?
Do you need Multi-Mirror or Polarised lenses for extremely high light/glare conditions?
Is the lens colour and filter optimal for your specific application and riding environment?
Do the lenses have an anti-fog treatment/coating?
Do the lenses offer ventilation openings and/or good air circulation to avoid extreme fogging?
Do the lenses offer 100% UV protection?
Are the lenses shaped and angled for cycling-specific applications?
Are the frames comfortable?
Do the frames offer an adjustable nose piece?
Do the frames offer an adjustable nose bridge?
Are the temple tips adjustable?
Is the temple length adjustable?
Are the temples and frames compatible with your cycling helmet?
How much does the eyewear weigh?
Can the eyewear be scripted with inserts, direct in-frame solutions, and or other prescription options?
Can you fit lenses with integrated “readers” in the frame?
Is the brand in question used and tested by UCI team riders and specifically world tour teams?
Where are the frames designed?
Where are the frames produced?
Have you evaluated online and social media reviews for the particular brand.
Have you evaluated different brand options for your given budget?
Does the eyewear come with additional spare lenses?
Is the eyewear provided with a protective case and cleaning cloth?
Does the manufacturer provide a scratch/break replacement policy (lens replacement guarantee)?
Is there a warranty on the frame?
Does the brand offer online sales/after-sales support?
Are instructions on caring for and changing lenses clear enough and provided with the eyewear (or easily accessible online)?
Are video tutorials, including how to change the lenses, available online?
Disclaimer: This comprehensive guide provides general information about choosing cycling eyewear.
It is always recommended to consult with an optometrist or eyewear specialist for personalized advice related to prescription requirements and/or vision.