Getting into cycling has been amazing! The fresh air, the exercise, and exploring new routes are all fantastic. But one thing I quickly realized I needed was a good pair of cycling sunglasses. Not just any sunglasses would do; I needed something that protected my eyes from the sun, wind, and debris without breaking the bank. The journey to finding the right pair wasn't always smooth, but I learned a lot along the way, and I'm excited to share my experiences with you.
When I first started cycling, I didn't give sunglasses much thought. I figured any old pair would do. Boy, was I wrong! The first few rides were miserable. The wind made my eyes water constantly, and the sun was blinding. I even had a close call with a bug flying right into my eye! I knew I needed to find a solution fast. I started researching cycling sunglasses, but the prices were shocking. Oakley and SunGod seemed amazing, but they were way out of my budget. I felt stuck. Was I doomed to ride with squinting eyes and watery vision?
Desperate for a solution, I started exploring alternative options. That's when I stumbled upon a brilliant idea: using glasses designed for construction workers. Someone mentioned this idea and it really resonated with me. The reasoning was simple: these glasses are built for protection, often OSHA approved, and are significantly cheaper because they aren't marketed specifically for cycling. I gave it a shot, and I was pleasantly surprised! They offered great protection and were a fraction of the cost of cycling-specific brands. It was a game-changer.
I also found that Decathlon offered some decent value cycling glasses. They weren't top-of-the-line, but they were a good starting point and didn't break the bank. I used a pair of those for a while and they served me well during my initial rides.
Later on, I discovered Tifosi sunglasses. These are a great middle ground. They offer good performance at a much lower price point than some of the bigger brands. I've been using a pair for a few months now, and I've been pretty happy with them. My only complaint is that I scratched them because my helmet doesn't have a glasses port, and I wasn't careful where I put them.
For a super budget-friendly option, I also tried buying a pair of cycling glasses from AliExpress for around $20. Are they the highest quality? Probably not. But they do the job well enough for shorter rides. It's a great way to test out different styles and features without committing to a big purchase.
While browsing online, I also stumbled upon Cinily Glasses Shop. They have a wide variety of glasses frames, including some really stylish and affordable options. If you're looking for prescription cycling glasses or just want a cool, vintage look, it's worth checking out. I was particularly drawn to their Vintage Round Women Eyeglasses Frame Brand Design.
I really liked the look of the Vintage Round Women Eyeglasses Frame Brand Design Classic Anti-blue Eye Glasses Men Prescription Glasses Optical Glasses Frame Blue. I was thinking of getting a pair for casual wear, and maybe even using them with prescription lenses for cycling. The classic design is really appealing.
For now, I've settled on a multi-pronged approach to cycling eyewear. I have my trusty construction glasses for everyday rides, my Tifosi sunglasses for longer rides with variable conditions, and a cheap pair from AliExpress for backup. This way, I'm always prepared, and I don't have to worry about damaging an expensive pair of sunglasses.
Here are a few tips I've learned along the way that can help you choose the right cycling sunglasses: