The 11 Best Cycling Sunglasses from All Price Ranges (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

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These are the best cycling sunglasses for road cycling, gravel, and mountain biking.

I’ve been cycling since I was a child, but I didn’t wear sunglasses when biking back then. However, when I started taking cycling more seriously, I realized how important it is to protect my eyes and wear cycling sunglasses. I don’t even know how many sunglasses I have tried already!

Before I wrote this article, I researched lenses available on the market, read through hundreds of customer reviews, and found models that pro cyclists wear to help you choose your next sunglasses.

You find here budget, mid-range, and high-end cycling sunglasses, so you can choose those that fit your budget.

However, if you are looking for a quick answer, Oakley Radar EV Path (also available at competitivecyclist.com and wiggle.com) are one of the best and most iconic cycling sunglasses out there.

Let’s dive in.

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What Are the Best Cycling Sunglasses?

The best cycling sunglasses have a UV400 filter that protects your eyes against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. They also should fit you well to provide you with sufficient eye protection. This is achieved by the overall shape of the sunglasses and the adjustable nose and arm pieces.

More advanced sunglasses have contrast-enhancing lenses that improve the visibility of potholes and other road dangers. In addition, some sunglasses brands offer the possibility of customizing the lenses, frames, etc.

You should also like the design of the sunglasses. In the end, you want to look cool, don’t you?

Skip to the comparison table…

All cycling sunglasses in this selection provide the UV400 filter. Why is it important?

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Oakley Radar EV Path (Best Cycling Sunglasses Overall)

The Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses are very similar to the Oakley Jawbreaker. However, they differ slightly in the lens and frame shape.

The most noticeable difference between these and Jawbreaker is in the field of view you get. The Radar EV Path sunglasses don’t have the bottom part of the frame, so they provide an undisrupted field of view.

Radar EV Path shape allows good airflow that ensures that the lens will be fog-free even in a humid environment. And if the lens gets foggy, it will be clear again within seconds.

Like other models of cycling sunglasses from Oakley, these are equipped with PRIZM technology. It enhances the contrast of colors to make potholes and bumps more visible, even from a larger distance.

The Radar EV Path’s main downside is that the arm pieces can interfere with some bike helmets’ dial fit mechanisms because they are pretty long.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, rei.com, and wiggle.com

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Tifosi Alliant (Best Budget Cycling Sunglasses)

Tifosi Optics makes affordable sunglasses for various sports, including cycling. The Alliant cycling sunglasses are popular for their price and modern look.

They come with three lenses depending on your chosen variant (e.g., one increases contrast, one is clear, one is tinted) and a handy box.

Additionally, you can adjust their nose pads and arm pieces for a better fit. Speaking of fit, they are ideal for riders with larger faces due to their size.

Tifosi Alliant sunglasses are also durable and suitable for various MTB disciplines like cross-country.

The biggest disadvantage riders report is that they tend to fog.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, rei.com, and wiggle.com

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SunGod Velans (Best Customizable Cycling Sunglasses)

SunGod sunglasses entered the WT peloton in 2023. They sponsored Ineos-Grenadiers in the 2023 season.

Thanks to their direct-to-consumer model, they offer high-quality sunglasses for a good price.

Their biggest advantage is customizability. You can choose the color of the frame, lens, icons, and ear socks. This level of customizability is not common among other manufacturers.

The Velans are also available with or without the bottom frame. So you can choose the one you like more or pay extra for a conversion kit.

The lenses feature contrast-enhancing technology. One of the things I like the most about SunGod is its lens guide. It shows you how your view will change based on different lens colors.

The nose pads come in four sizes and are adjustable, so the sunglasses won’t slip off your face.

Unlike other sunglasses on this list, the arm pieces are not adjustable. But based on reviews, there is no need for it.

Two more cool details to mention, SunGods frames are made of 100% recycled plastic, and their frames are covered with a lifetime warranty.

The only minor disadvantage is that they come without a hard protective case.

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100% Speedcraft

I know that the look is subjective. But I asked 10 of my fellow cyclists, and eight agreed they like the 100% Speedcraft sunglasses.

Before 100% partnered with Peter Sagan in 2017, you could be familiar with the 100% brand thanks to mountain/downhill biking and motocross sunglasses.

However, their clever marketing, supported by Peter Sagan, also resulted in the growing popularity among road cyclists.

100% sunglasses are typical for their large size, sharp edges, and high-quality materials. The lens has hydrophobic & oleophobic treatment to repel water, oil, and dirt. Of course, the lens is coated with a scratch-resistant layer, so you won’t scratch the lens as easily.

100% also developed lenses that increase color contrast and clarity. This technology is called HiPER and is available for selected lenses only. So keep that in mind.

The Speedcraft glasses are available in more than ten attractive colors and Peter Sagan’s limited editions. If you are a woman or a person with a narrow face, I recommend checking their XS version.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and performancebike.com

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ROKA Matador

ROKA Matador are unique thanks to the shape of their frame.

If you keep an eye on the US cycling scene, you may know ROKA thanks to L39ion of the Los Angeles UCI continental team. Or maybe just based on the fact that ROKA is a US brand.

These sunglasses will provide you with sufficient protection and an undisturbed view. They are available with or without the bottom frame.

One of their significant advantages (except for the unique look) is that you can customize the colors of the frame and lenses to match them with your helmet, bike, or cycling kit.

Owners also praise good fog resistance, a comfortable fit thanks to adjustable arm and nose pieces, and low weight.

The main disadvantage is that they don’t come with a travel case and are packed with only a cloth carrying case.

They fit best small to medium-sized faces.

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Oakley Sutro (Best Big Cycling Sunglasses)

Oakley Sutro sunglasses look unique. Some people love them. Some hate them. So far, they are not as widespread as Oakley Jawbreaker, for example, so you will still grab the attention of others.

Thanks to the big lens, they provide enough protection to your eyes yet are still comfortable to wear. In addition, you can choose different lens and frames colors, so it is pretty easy to match them with your cycling kit.

Also, don’t overlook the PRIZM technology. It increases the contrast of colors, so everything looks clearer. This means you will be able to spot eventual dangers like potholes well in advance, even during sunny days or shadow/sun transitions.

Even though these glasses’ lens is relatively large, they will not fog as much, thanks to their anti-fog surface treatment. This is good news for every climber! And, if you manage to scratch the lens, you can replace it easily.

Many pro cyclists wear Oakley Sutro sunglasses – including Grand Tours winner Egal Bernal.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, jensonusa.com, and wiggle.com

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Are these cycling sunglasses too expensive for you? Check my selection of the best cheap cycling sunglasses.

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Rudy Project Defender

Rudy Project Defender sunglasses are probably the most well-known thanks to WT Team Bahrain Victorious riders who use them.

They look great and combine all features you expect from high-end cycling sunglasses.

You can adjust their arm pieces and nose pads to make them fit properly. Speaking of fit, they are suitable for riders with medium-sized faces.

Unlike ROKA sunglasses, for example, Rudy Project Defender comes with a hard protective case that is great for traveling.

Naturally, they are available in multiple color options, and you can buy an extra photochromic lens.

The major downside of these sunglasses is the relatively high price.

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Oakley Jawbreaker (Most Iconic Cycling Sunglasses)

Oakley Jawbreaker is one of the most iconic pairs of cycling sunglasses on the market. They gained popularity among pro cyclists, and there is no wonder that other manufacturers started to copy them.

But why are they so popular? Well, there are several reasons for that. First, they fit most types of faces and still look good. Second, they are comfortable, thanks to rubber nose pads and arm pieces.

The shape of the lens and the PRIZM technology provide a great field of vision and enhanced color contrast. Thus, making it easier to spot holes and other possible threats on the road.

Third, replacing lenses is also effortless, thanks to Switchlock technology. You may take advantage of it pretty often because many lenses are available for the Jawbreaker model.

Fourth, you may also notice the holes on the top of the lenses. These holes ensure enough ventilation that leads to a fog-free lens. This is important, especially in humid conditions.

And last, the design. These glasses look super cool, so you will attract positive attention.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com

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Tifosi Tyrant 2.0

If you are looking for super simple, minimalistic cycling sunglasses that you can also use for various outdoor activities, Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 should catch your attention.

These sunglasses don’t follow the trend of large lenses. This makes them suitable for riders with small faces.

Their lenses are photochromic, so they darken based on light conditions. This feature makes them perfect for mountain biking, where shadows and sunshine often alternate.

They also don’t fog as much, but they clear up within a few seconds when they do. Additionally, the nose pads are adjustable to ensure proper fit.

The major disadvantage of Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 is that they don’t come in many color options, so choosing the ones that will match your kit may be difficult.

Also available at rei.com and competitivecyclist.com

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ROKA SL-1x

ROKA is a US manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses. The SL-1x are one of their most popular cycling sunglasses.

They provide an interrupted view field thanks to the frameless construction. Just very few cycling sunglasses have such a clean design.

Additionally, you can customize the color of the lenses and the frame on the ROKA website. This customizability will satisfy even the most demanding riders.

You also don’t have to be afraid of fog because the lenses are fog-resistant. Naturally, they will fog during certain conditions but will become clear quickly.

SL-1x are also super lightweight. They weigh just 23g, so you will forget that you even wear them.

Another detail is the customizable GEKO nose pads that were inspired by geckos. They ensure the sunglasses won’t slip off your nose thanks to their anti-slip finish.

One of the biggest disadvantages of ROKA sunglasses is that they are packed with a cloth carrying case and don’t come with a travel case, so you have to be careful when transporting them.

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Agu Verve HDII

Agu Verve HDII are most well-known thanks to Primož Roglič and the Team Jumbo-Visma squad.

They are more affordable than most other sunglasses from mainstream brands, making them a tempting alternative to them.

These sunglasses are available in multiple attractive colors. Their lenses have a hydrophobic and anti-fog treatment to ensure you will have clear vision in all conditions.

The bottom frame piece is removable, so the glasses will look more decent and not so bulky.

Additionally, you can adjust the arm pieces and nose pads for the best fit possible.

Verve HDII come with a protective case to protect them against damage during transport.

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My Verdict

The best cycling sunglasses are the Oakley Radar EV Path. Their design is timeless (take a look at riders in the pro peloton, and I am sure you will find more than one wearing them) and fits most face shapes.

Radar EV Path sunglasses are available in more than 20+ colors, so matching them with your bike helmet and cycling kit is easy. Furthermore, the lens is interchangeable, so you can replace it easily if you damage it.

The PRIZM lens increases contrast and improves clarity, making seeing potholes and road bumps easier.

The lenses’ shape provides a clear field of vision, enough protection for your eyes, and ventilation to keep the lens fog-free.

I admit these are not the cheapest cycling sunglasses, but they are worth the price.

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How to Choose Cycling Sunglasses?

Cycling sunglasses have many features that you may not even know about. In this section, you learn what to be aware of when choosing them. It’s a consolidated version of my in-depth guide on choosing cycling sunglasses.

UV Protection

UV-A and UV-B penetrate the atmosphere even in the shade or in cloudy conditions. The exposure can be as high as 90%. Sand, water, and snow can heighten the effect by up to 70 %. This means wearing cycling sunglasses is especially important if you ride in high mountains or near the ocean.

The UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth’s surface.

The effects I described above have a relatively easy solution. The sunglasses have to have a UV400 filter. It will absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation and protect your eyes.

All cycling sunglasses listed above have the UV400 filter.

Lenses

Lenses are the most important part of sunglasses. They are supposed to block UV radiation, protect your eyes against weather, and eventually increase the contrast to provide you with clear vision.

According to the EU standard (EN 1836:2005), there are five basic light transmission categories of lenses. These vary in the amount of light they transmit:

When cycling during cloudy days, you can use category 0 lenses and category 1 during partially cloudy days. In the summer, reach for category 2 or 3 lenses. If you ride in high mountains, use category four lenses.

What Is the Difference Between Photochromic and Polarized Lenses?

Photochromic lenses are eyeglass lenses that are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken when exposed to sunlight, explains Gary Heiting, OR, in his blog post.

The polarized lenses can be described as follows:

Polarized lenses are primarily used to reduce the sun’s glare. They always come in the form of sunglasses, never eyeglasses, and don’t transition back and forth.

Photochromic lenses change their color based on sunlight. Polarized lenses are tinted dark permanently.

Continue reading about polarized vs. photochromic lenses for cycling.

Prescription Lenses

Using prescription lenses when riding a bike is important if you have poor eyesight. They allow you to spot holes, bumps, and other threats that could surprise you and cause a crash.

PRO TIP: Avoid wearing glass lenses during your ride. You risk hurting your eyes during a potential crash.

You can get prescription lenses at your local specialized retailers. They usually make custom lenses for almost any type of cycling sunglasses.

Remember, prescription lenses are not included in the price of sunglasses, so you will have to order them separately. Usually, they can double the price of the sunglasses.

Lenses for Colorblind People

According to All About Vision, there are multiple types of color blindness, like red-green, blue-yellow, or complete color blindness.

If you suffer from any of these types, you should buy sunglasses for your type of color blindness.

Unfortunately, during my research, I didn’t find any specialized cycling sunglasses for colorblind people. However, you can check out brands like EnChroma that specialize in developing glasses for the colorblind.

Dimensions & Fit

While buying glasses, you will come across several different dimensions. The following picture illustrates the most important ones.

The lens width and lens height are entirely up to your preference. I prefer smaller lenses, yet huge lenses are trendy.

The temple length is also important. I recommend buying glasses with shorter temple lengths to avoid interference with the arm pieces and the bike helmet.

The most important dimensions are the bridge & frame width. These two measurements influence how well the sunglasses will fit you. For example, people with larger noses will appreciate the wider bridge.

Aim for narrower frame widths (around 140 mm) if you have a narrow face. Otherwise, the glasses will look too big on your face and may even slip.

Disclaimer: These recommendations come from my experience, and I don’t guarantee that the sunglasses with these dimensions will fit you. Every pair of sunglasses has a different shape, influencing how well they fit. Therefore, it is always better to try them in person.

Adjustability

Cycling sunglasses must fit well if you want to get the most out of them. As I explained before, the glasses’ fit is closely related to the bridge width (nose pads), glasses width, arm pieces length, and overall shape.

More expensive cycling sunglasses have adjustable nose pads (e.g., Rockbros Cateye) and sometimes even adjustable arm pieces (like the Oakley Jawbreaker). Thanks to the nose pads, you can regulate how close the glasses will be to your eyes and how much space is around them.

The closer the sunglasses are to your face, the better protection you get against the wind (even from the sides). Yet, you may feel claustrophobic if they are too close to your eyes.

Adjustable arm pieces are becoming more common. They allow you to adjust their shape (or length) to ensure better fit and comfort.

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Why Should You Wear Cycling Sunglasses?

I would not bother you with why I think wearing glasses when riding a bike if I didn’t believe it is important.

We have a nice idiom in the Czech Republic: Opakování je matka moudrosti. (Repetition is the mother of wisdom.) Its meaning is similar to ‘Practice makes the master.‘

So, here are the 3 main reasons to wear cycling sunglasses:

1. UV Rays and Weather Protection

Did you know UV rays can cause eye cancer (ocular melanoma)? Some studies have confirmed this. And according to the American Cancer Society, UV rays can also cause other eye problems:

The UV rays can lead to the formation of cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens) and tissue growth on the surface of your eye (pterygium). And your cornea may even become inflamed or burned.

These UV rays’ effects on our eyes are also confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO estimated that up to 20% of cataracts (or 3 million per year) could be due to UV exposure to the eye.

What is the conclusion? It pays off to invest in cycling sunglasses. But make sure they have proper UV filters. Read more about them in the UV protection section.

2. Protection Against Insects & Dirt

If you have ever ridden a fast downhill without glasses, you know how annoying it is. In the best-case scenario, the wind causes you to start tearing. In the worst-case scenario, a fly flies into your eye. As a result, you lose balance and crash.

But, the protection does not end here. Insects can be unpleasant, even on flats. Especially in the summer months when it is warm and they are the most active.

PRO TIP: If you want to take off your glasses during a ride, use air vents in your bike helmet or jersey collar. Your glasses will be easily accessible in these places, so you can put them on when needed.

Even a tiny fly can throw you off balance. If you ride alone, it may not be such a big deal. But in a group ride, you can endanger others, especially if you get off your line.

You will also appreciate cycling sunglasses when riding in mud, in forests, or under crosswinds. Just make sure you pick the correct size. I explain how to do that in the section below.

3. You Will Look Like a Pro

When I was a kid, the thing I liked about professional cyclists was their sunglasses. They looked so cool. And quite frankly, cycling sunglasses are a perfect accessory that underlines your style.

Make sure you match the sunglasses with your bike helmet and jersey, and you will be one step closer to the ‘pro look.’

PRO TIP: Always put your cycling sunglasses over your cycling helmet straps. It looks better, and it is easier to take the sunglasses off.

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What Sunglasses Do Pro Cyclists Wear?

The following table summarizes sunglasses that pro cyclists wear. I picked ten well-known pro road cyclists and added the sunglasses they used in the 2021 cycling season.

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Cycling Sunglasses FAQ

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This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.