We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if you’re an outdoorsy person that likes to soak up all the seasons have to offer, one of your top priorities should without a doubt be protecting your eyes. What’s the best way to do that you might ask? There’s no beating around the bush, sunglasses for biking are the solution to all round protection, no matter what the climate or terrain you’re taking on. And if you’re a really keen cyclist, you’ll know all about the importance of having optimal vision when riding, which is exactly what a proper pair of biking glasses can offer you. There’s so much of nature to see, so why settle for anything less than the best?
In this article, we’ll run you through all the benefits of sunglasses for biking so you can get the most out of your chosen sport. Plus, Powster has plenty of sports sunglasses to choose from, like our Powster Tidal Best Sport Sunglasses which come with two of our advanced technology SPXTRA™ ZEISS lenses.
Benefits of Biking Sunglasses
Whether you’re an avid mountain biker that likes to take on challenging trails lined with thick bush and rocky surfaces or you’re more of a road cyclist, the bottom line is, if you’re outdoors, your eyes need protecting. As experienced athletes ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to get a clear line of vision when you’re biking in intense weather or through unpredictable landscapes. That’s exactly why we're such strong advocates for a good pair of biking sunglasses. Let’s talk about all the benefits of biking sunglasses.
Protection Against Harmful Rays
The sun can be pretty deceiving at times. Some days it’ll be shining down on you when you’re biking on a blue sky day and others it can be sneaking through the clouds. Even when you think the sun might not be affecting your eyes because it’s too overcast to see, it can still do some serious damage if you haven’t got the right protection. Biking sunglasses like our Equinox Sunglasses are the best way to shield your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays so you can ride for as long as you like and wherever you like outdoors.
Reduces Glare
It doesn’t matter if you’re going 10km per hour or 100, if you can’t see in front of you because the light is too blinding, you could be in for a bit of trouble. Not only can glare from the sun limit you from being able to see obstacles in front of you out in nature, but it can be incredibly dangerous when biking on the open road. Biking sunglass lenses, like our Nebula Sunglasses, are specifically designed to reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes and redirect it so that you can see clearly when you’re cycling – no matter what environment you’re in.
Enhances Vision
In addition to reducing glare, cycling sunglasses with the right colour tint, which depends on the weather and the type of light you’re exposed to, can work to increase your depth perception and emphasise all those bumps and obstacles to navigate when you’re taking on more challenging terrain. Take our Mithril Sunglasses in gold for example. There are a whole host of different lens colours that all have their specific purposes, but we’ll come back to that soon.
Protects Against Wind and Debris
Depending on how game you are, it might not matter to you how wild and wet the weather can get when you’re out cycling. In fact, some cyclists prefer to ride in colder and more temperamental conditions to really test their ability. While we definitely encourage pushing yourself to new limits, you also need to be mindful of protecting your eyes in these types of weather where debris can come into contact with your eyes and cause real damage. All it takes is a little bit of bark or a rock to not only set you off track, but potentially leave you with irreversible eye injuries. All our biking sunglasses here at Powster work to prevent that from happening, including our Meridian Sunglasses.
What Are the Different Types of Light?
Contrary to popular belief, light is not a singular term – it’s more of an umbrella term. There are a whole host of different types of light that we interact with on a daily basis, whether it’s the light that comes from our computer screens or the king of light we’re exposed to when we’re lying on a beach on some paradise-like tropical island. Let’s explore the different types of light and how they can affect your version, particularly when you’re cycling.
UV Light (including UVA, UVB, and UVC)
UV light consists of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. It is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye). Sunglasses for biking with UV protection, specifically lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, act as a barrier that shields your eyes from harmful UV radiation and reduces the risk of UV-related eye damage.
Blue Light
Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that is emitted by electronic devices, LED lights, and the sun. Overexposure to blue light, particularly from digital screens, can lead to eye strain, digital eye fatigue, and potential long-term risks to eye health. Biking sunglasses with blue light filtering lenses can help block or minimise the amount of blue light entering the eyes, reducing eye strain and protecting against potential long-term effects.
Infrared Rays
Infrared rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that we perceive as heat. Although invisible to the human eye, prolonged exposure to intense infrared rays, such as those emitted by the sun, can cause discomfort and potential damage to the eyes, leading to conditions like dryness and irritation. Sunglasses for biking with infrared-blocking properties help reduce the amount of infrared radiation reaching the eyes, improving overall comfort and protecting against potential eye-related issues caused by excessive heat exposure.
Visible Light
Visible light refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. While not inherently harmful, excessive exposure to bright visible light, especially in outdoor activities, can cause discomfort, glare, and eye fatigue. Cycling glasses with appropriate tint levels help reduce the intensity of visible light, enhancing visual comfort and preventing eye strain.
Biking Sunglasses Lens Types Explained
If you’re a follower of the sport or have come across a few cyclists in your lifetime, you may have noticed that they’re often decked out in all the flash gear when they’re riding. Believe it or not, it’s not just a fashion statement, the colourful sunglass lenses actually have a really important purpose. Each tint colour works with light differently to improve vision and protect your eyes – here’s what each one is for.
Gradient/Graduated Lenses
The ultimate all-seeing eye, gradient or graduated lenses perform much like the name suggests. Their gradual tint offers sun protection in the top half of the lens and clearer vision below, making them more than suitable for driving or outdoor activities.
Mirrored Lenses
Mirrored lenses may be a new concept for many, but the advantages are well worth hearing about. Not only do they offer a stylish aesthetic, but mirrored lenses also reduce glare and add another few layers of protection for when you’re out in nature.
Interchangeable Lenses
Imagine being able to switch between lens types! Pretty cool huh? Sunglasses with interchangeable lenses allow adaptability to different lighting conditions no matter what sports or outdoor activity you’re delving into. Simply pop lenses in and out for a quick change!
Polarised Lenses
You’ve probably heard about polarised lenses – they’re easily one of the most common when it comes to sunglasses shopping. But as for sports sunglasses, those that are polarised are particularly effective because they help to reduce glare, enhance clarity, and improve visibility in high-glare environments like water or snow.
Whether you’re new to cycling or just need a little reminder about the importance of having the right gear to keep you safe and performing at your best, we’ve covered everything you need to know about sunglasses for biking and why it’s worth investing in a good pair. From protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays to shielding them from wind and debris, enhancing your vision and improving your depth perception, there are so many reasons to get your hands on a good pair for your next cycling trip. If you’re still on the fence, give them a go – we guarantee you’ll never look back.
