MTB sunglasses help you see everything on the trail and protect your eyes from dust, debris and glare. The best MTB glasses are light, comfortable and have a wide field of vision.
These polarized, mirrored sunglasses are light and simple, with a single lens that automatically adjusts between bright and dark as the sun moves across the sky.
Table of Contents
Lenses
The lens is the most important aspect of any pair of glasses. It determines clarity, color filtration, and how well glare is suppressed. A clear lens is ideal for mountain biking because it protects from debris that may hit your eyes while riding.
When choosing the right lenses, you must consider the weather conditions where you often ride. If your rides take you into the open wilderness with few trees, a dark-tinted lens might be better suited for you. This will help you see the trail ahead.
On the other hand, if you find yourself on trails with dense forest cover, a light lens is a good option. This will help you navigate the trees and shrubbery without missing any obstacles.
Finally, photochromic lenses are the best choice if you ride in various lighting conditions (from sunny to shaded). These lenses start as a slightly veiled tint and then gradually darken until they reach Category 3 (the darkness of most common sunglasses).
Experts warn against choosing polarized lenses for mountain biking since they can reduce your sense of depth. They caution against getting a tinted lens that’s too light, which can cause you to miss obstacles on the trail. Try on various frames and lenses before you make your final decision. It’s also a good idea to try them on while wearing your helmet, so you can be sure the glasses will fit securely and comfortably against your forehead.
Fit
A great pair of sunglasses is vital to mountain bikers for safety. Sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays, glare, dust, debris, rocks and stray tree branches. Sunglasses also help to improve vision and clarity while riding, enabling the rider to spot obstacles ahead of them and react quickly to changing conditions.
The best mountain bike sunglasses should have a comfortable and lightweight frame. In addition, they should fit comfortably under a helmet. Ideally, the glasses should have an adjustable nose bridge and arms to ensure a secure fit. A good fit is essential since the drinks will be worn while riding, and a loose pair of sunglasses can fall off during a crash.
Choosing the right lens color is also important for mountain bikers. Polarized lenses reduce glare and enhance contrast, which helps the rider see more clearly. They are particularly useful when riding in shady areas or bright sunlight. However, riders should avoid mirrored or polarized lenses when riding in the rain since the water on the trails can create glare that can be dangerous to the rider.
Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions. These lenses offer the best flexibility and are ideal for mountain biking conditions. If you are still deciding which lens type to choose, try on different pairs of sunglasses and test them out while wearing your mountain bike helmet.
Frames
When shopping for mountain bike sunglasses, you’ll want to find a pair that fit comfortably and integrate well with your helmet. They should also be light and not create pressure points on your head or nose. The frame size will also be important as you’ll look for ample coverage to protect your eyes from flying debris on the trail and a clear lens to see the upcoming rock drop or tree stump.
Whether you opt for a polarised, tinted or photochromic lens, the choice is yours, as there are plenty of options to suit different terrain and weather conditions. For example, polarised lenses reduce glare and improve contrast for visibility, while tinted lenses work best on sunny days. Photochromic lenses are ideal for riding in and out of shade and work well when the sun moves through cloudy conditions.
Once you’ve found a pair of comfortable glasses that look good, it’s worth trying them on while wearing your mountain bike helmet. This will give you a better idea of how they’ll sit on your face and if they interfere with your helmet’s retention straps or shell. They should fit securely and not slide around on rough sections of trails or bails. They should also be wide enough, so they don’t rub your temples or touch the top of your helmet.
Accessories
Sunglasses are an essential piece of gear for mountain biking. They protect your eyes from flying dust, debris and UV rays while enhancing your vision on the trail so you can react quickly to the obstacles ahead. However, picking the right pair of glasses can be tricky, especially when your sunglasses need to fit comfortably and securely under your helmet. At the same time, it still provides a full field of vision.
The lenses you choose for your sunglasses are also important. Polarized lenses are ideal for mountain bikers as they block glare and increase contrast. Mirrored lenses are also good choices as they help to block glare and reflect light off snow and ice. Other lens colors, such as brown and amber, work well for sunny days by enhancing greens to help you see shrubbery or low-hanging branches that might get in your way on the trail.
It would help if you also looked for a durable frame that can resist impact and offer a comfortable fit for long rides on rocky trails. Padding on the nose helps to prevent your glasses from slipping off your face as you sweat, and adjustable frames ensure that they sit securely while you ride. Finally, look for sunglasses with ventilation slots to improve airflow and reduce condensation while sweating.
