Sunglasses

[j1of1]

I'm riding part of the TRANSAM, E-->W, so I'll be riding into the sun in the morning.  Some requirements:
1.  No glass lens (too heavy!);
2   No metal frames (get too hot in the sun);
3.  In addition to reducing the sunlight from the front I would also like to block some/all of the sunlight that comes in from the side(s);
4.  Not so expensive that I'd have to backtrack to find out where I left them;

That's it.   

What say ye?

[John Nettles]

Since I wear prescription sunglasses, I can't say for sure but I would probably just go to Academy, Dicks, Walmart, etc. and buy a pair I liked, that is what my wife does.

Also, be sure to follow the American Academy of Ophthalmology's recommendation and "Be sure to select sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection, or block both UV-A and UV-B rays." which is offered even on $20 sunglasses at places like the above.
Tailwinds, John

P.S. Don't forget the face sunscreen.

[John Nelson]

There are hundreds of different sunglasses that meet your requirements. It’s hard to recommend just one. I believe that you have to try them on to know what you like, so just visit the store. A bike shop would be more likely to have what you want, but they’ll probably be more expensive there than at a department store like Walmart or Target.

Photochromatic is what I will look for in the next pair I buy.

[Pat Lamb]

There's no substitute for trying a pair of glasses on.  My head is wider than my wife's, so what fits me looks like a clown on her; and I'll probably break her frame if I try to wear it.  (My daughter buys $5-10 cheap drugstore sunglasses and loses them.)

Re: photochromatic, the last couple pairs of photochromatic lenses I got turned permanently dark after a summer's worth of riding.  So the last couple pair I've bought are just polarized with whatever optical density they come with.

[staehpj1]

I wear prescription glasses so losing them isn't an option.  I have gone cheap in the past and got by.  This time I spent a bundle on expensive glasses with $$$ lenses and expensive coatings.  I have to say they are a joy compared to cheap glasses.  But, yeah, they were stupid expensive.  That said even if you go inexpensive maybe try using a neck strap or cord so that they are attached and you can't leace them behind.

I am pretty close to gettig cataract surgery according to my eye doc so in the next year or two I could go back to cheap sunglasses.  The thing is after having really nice ones I doubt I will.

[John Nelson]

Re: photochromatic, the last couple pairs of photochromatic lenses I got turned permanently dark after a summer's worth of riding.

Interesting. How long ago was that? It’s my thought that the technology has greatly improved in recent years.

[staehpj1]

Re: photochromatic, the last couple pairs of photochromatic lenses I got turned permanently dark after a summer's worth of riding.

Interesting. How long ago was that? It’s my thought that the technology has greatly improved in recent years.

Yeah, my impression as well.  Perhaps different coatings vary? Maybe even how the lab applies them?

My 4 year old everyday wear photochromatic glasses still were fine as far as the lightening/darkening went when I retired them.

[Pat Lamb]

Re: photochromatic, the last couple pairs of photochromatic lenses I got turned permanently dark after a summer's worth of riding.

Interesting. How long ago was that? It’s my thought that the technology has greatly improved in recent years.

My first pair was bought about 10 years ago; second pair roughly six years later.

[canalligators]

…
Re: photochromatic, the last couple pairs of photochromatic lenses I got turned permanently dark after a summer's worth of riding.  So the last couple pair I've bought are just polarized with whatever optical density they come with.
…

I’ve owned three pair of photo chromatic coated lenses, and none have turned dark.  This last year, I even spent three solid months in the sun with them.  I think the common end-of-life failure modes are not getting as dark, and coating flaking off.  These were all made by a reputable regional optometry shop, not a discount or mail order, perhaps that’s why.  I also haven’t heard of this happening; I suspect it isn’t common.

[Jono1979]

I'll be in a pair of POC sunglasses for riding.
I got them free as a friend works for POC here in the UK.

[UncaBuddha]

I'm riding part of the TRANSAM, E-->W, so I'll be riding into the sun in the morning.
 

What say ye?

I think the sun will be at your back in the morning but I could be wrong...
 

[BikeliciousBabe]

I'm riding part of the TRANSAM, E-->W, so I'll be riding into the sun in the morning.
 

What say ye?

I think the sun will be at your back in the morning but I could be wrong...
 

LOL! First thing I thought.

[BikeFreak]

I biked across USA several times using sunglasses with a metal frame. They never got hot! It was never an issue even in 110 degC.

[hondo77]

I'm a big fan of Tifosi cycling sunglasses. Great prices and they're great glasses. I stopped using them for a while because they didn't have frameless models but now they do so I'm back. Lots of lenses to choose from, too.

[avrin]

Tifosis are the best value out there. I got Rudy Project for several times the price and the Tifosis were better.