How to choose your cycling glasses?

The selection is vast, prices are diverse, and the versions of cycling glasses are endless. How do you make sense of it all and choose the right ones?

How does a cyclist choose their new glasses? First and foremost, we often base our decision on price, and the differences can be significant. We often start by looking for a specific model we saw on our favorite racer, or one that caught our eye while scrolling through Instagram. And often, we're loyal to a brand we've tried and tested.

Some choose purely based on taste if the price is right and the frame and lens colours are matched. Regarding lenses, it's good to think ahead about where and how the glasses will be used. But what about other details like photochromic lenses, vents, anti-fog coatings, or special lenses with better clarity?

Should you choose glasses with a frame or frameless, what lens shape, and are adjustable temples actually better? These are insights from my experience, and perhaps these tips will be useful to you when choosing your next cycling glasses.

Price range

Sure, there are better and worse imitations, but overall, the risk isn't worth it.

Eyewear is nothing special, and brands approach pricing the same way they do with other products. The big global players with R&D, marketing, and sponsorship are at the top, where the price tags are highest. Quality in such cases is usually very high, but cyclists don't just buy with their brain, but also with their heart – I'm the same way. Perhaps that's why I prefer to 'fish in these waters'. I spend so much time on my bike that I'm happy to pay extra for a brand, and if I manage to find a good deal, the price isn't that high. If I were to suggest a range, let's say we're talking about €150 - €250 here.


Most brand are actually in the mid-range category. Quality is still good, cyclists get a very good price-to-performance ratio, and for those who don't care which star wears which model, they'll feel right at home.

Such brands master all technologies that have been proven over the years. They might not have an offer packed with groundbreaking innovations, but customers won't be short-changed here. The range is roughly €50 - €150. When is comes to this category in our offer, I'm choosing Alpina, and since I believe this price range is the most popular, I'll use the brand as an example for general recommendations.


And what about glasses in the €0 - €50 range? Even here, you can find safe glasses that meet basic expectations. Surprisingly, even larger brands can offer such an affordable model, but the trade-off for a better price is usually cheaper lenses that are less complex to manufacture. Another typical characteristic is their less modern shape.

Speaking of these cheaper items, I also want to address the issue of 'fakes' or smaller brands that outsource production to Asia. What's OK and what's not?

The ALPINA DEFEY HR model could be described as a classic. I still meet cyclists who find this shape suitable.

'Fakes' are out, but what about affordable brands?

Today, we're well-off enough that buying 'fakes' makes no sense. Sure, there are better and worse imitations, but overall, the risk isn't worth it. A few of my experiences: Cheap plastic broke immediately, the temple or hinge didn't last. Lenses scratched easily, the glasses didn't fit well on my face, and after a short time, they creaked strangely and twisted. During falls, they often break into sharp edges that can cut your face or eye – fortunately, I haven't experienced that.

Anyone who argues that well-known brands also manufacture in China - it may be true. This mainly applies to brands that don't specialise in this segment and might handle production by ordering from Asian factory catalogues. The difference is that such a mainstream brand cares about its reputation, typically handles any complaints with customers, and therefore only opts for quality that ensures everything is in order.

It could even be the same factory that makes the 'fakes,' but the quality will be higher because the client ordered and paid for it. I wouldn't have a problem with such glasses. I wouldn't mind that the brand doesn't have its own R&D, and I'd be satisfied with the guarantees the brand provides. So much for prices; now, let's move on to the aspects based on which you can choose the right glasses.

Lens selection

The type of lenses used has a significant impact on the price of the glasses.

If your glasses tend to slip, rubberized temples are a good helper.

The difference can be manifold. That's why I would first choose the colour and type, and then address the price range of a specific brand accordingly. There's a big difference whether we want to wear the glasses mostly in the forest or primarily on road. Simply put, you need to consider different lighting conditions.


In addition to photochromic properties, polarization also enhances vision by improving contrast. Thanks to the lenses, this version is a much more expensive alternative to the basic variant with classic dark lenses.

Technologies for eagle-eyed vision

Have you noticed how lenses can distort? Move your head slowly up and down and side to side, and observe, using your handlebars as a reference, how their shape changes, or how the ground might appear closer one moment and further away the next.

Especially on a bike, this can be dangerous, so high-quality lenses that don't suffer from this are essential. I won't list specific names of various technologies here; just ask for branded glasses to try on at the store. The world will be clearer and sharper.

Shape and temple design

Glasses shouldn't slip off your nose, and your cheekbones shouldn't interfere with the lenses or frame. Some have rounder heads, others narrower; it's best to try them on. I'd even jump around with the glasses on, or make sudden movements to test how well they stay.

For those whose glasses tend to slip, rubberized temples are a good helper, or they might also be curved at the ends. There are also those with adjustable length. It's another feature that can help. Ideally, try them on with your own helmet to ensure the straps don't interfere with the temples, or that the helmet doesn't hit the frame. If you have it with you, you can also check if the glasses can be stowed in the helmet vents – that comes in handy on climbs.

Vents or no vents?

Do vents in glasses make a significant difference? It's hard to say, but I have a friend who sweats more, and he wouldn't want glasses without them. The openings between the lenses and the frame help when the cyclist starts to sweat, but before there's too much moisture. When sweat is pouring down, the only thing that helps is to put the glasses in your helmet or behind your jersey and wring out what's in the helmet padding.

With or without a frame?

Are glasses with a frame, even in the lower part of the lenses, or full-frame glasses better? Full-frame glasses tend to be sturdier, the lens is better protected, making them suitable for rougher handling. The 'bottomless' ones might have better weight. I also choose based on how they affect my peripheral vision; if I'm going to race in a peloton, the less frame on the glasses, the better.

What about casual models for cycling?

The selection today is vast, brand availability is rich, so a cyclist can fully express themselves when choosing glasses...

From my experience, I've found that very few casual models are also suitable for cycling. Air would often blow through the smaller lens area, making my eyes water. They also didn't stay on my nose very well, which never happens with cycling-specific glasses. 'Ray-Bans' might look cool on a gravel bike, but for a longer ride, I'd rather test them out beforehand. However, if someone still prefers lifestyle glasses, we have a large selection.

Spare parts and lenses

A good brand of glasses is also recognized by its range of accessories or spare parts. The product description usually states what's included in the package; a soft cloth and a spare nose pad will be useful, and it's very practical if clear lenses are also included. This comes in handy for evening rides with lights or in bad weather. There's no need to worry about the durability of glasses with interchangeable lenses.

Cyclists with poorer eyesight opt for prescription glasses; if contact lenses aren't suitable, solutions include glasses with a prescription clip or custom-made lenses. The latter option is usually quite 'pricey'.

Accessories and spare parts can be found in our MTBIKER shop.

I don't know if my head has changed, or if glasses generally fit better today, but I rarely have a problem when buying them. Occasionally, the shape might not suit me, or the glasses might look small on me, but that's just aesthetics. The selection today is vast, brand availability is rich, so a cyclist can fully express themselves when choosing glasses. By considering the above, there's a good chance everyone will be very satisfied with their choice.