Ciclisme, ciclismo, cycling: Glasses: Fashion and protection

The use of sunglasses is widespread in cycling in recent years. Technological advances permit the manufacture of unbreakable mounts and lenses that adapt to different light conditions. The market is filled with models ranging between 30 and 150 euros (or even more). With this we want to orient articles in this universe in which the fashion and design are almost as important as protection. Although its use is widespread greatly in recent years (in fact it is now almost mandatory for a supplement trade issues), have always been used in cycling glasses. To test this we have only admire photographs of the heroic days of cycling in the early twentieth century and we will see many of those cyclists are protected by more glasses own pioneering aviators and motorcyclists. And it is that its use is highly recommended not only for the obvious protection to ultraviolet rays, but because we can avoid a more serious annoyance to potential impacts of insects, water, stones or other objects when they move at high speeds. In fact, is on downhill when we seem more useful glasses, as we keep our eyes weep because of the speed.

More advantages
But technical advances, we now allow us to dispose of glasses and lenses that are used for much more than to protect us from the sun. On the market are most sunglasses that provide at least two different pairs of glasses that we use depending on the variable lighting conditions. While these models are in the majority, it must be said that not all incorporate more lenses in a first purchase, as some offer optional crystals that we have to pay a part. The lenses transparent, orange and yellow are already widespread and are designed to improve our vision in low light conditions. For example, the lenses of orange or yellow filter used to increase the visual contrast in cloudy or foggy conditions. In the latter case, to avoid etching many of the models tend to apply a treatment called Anti-Fog. Others include slots on the lens to pass the air evaporates the sweat and steam that can build up.

Another element that we must not neglect when cycling is the practice of the altitude. For many of us the true enjoyment of the sport is to overcome ports to more than two thousand meters above sea level. In these altitudes, the need to protect our eyes from solar radiation increases due to the higher incidence of them. Currently, there are many models of sunglasses on the market, many of them designed specifically for cycling. Simplifying a lot we can say that the picture of glasses can be classified according to their design (or dual screen lens), its lenses (interchangeable or adaptable) or its materials (polycarbonate, Grilamid, NXT, titanium, aluminum, etc. ).

Protection issue
But let us not forget that, beyond the aesthetic issues and trade, the use of sunglasses is a matter of sunscreen. The sunglasses are so important to preserve our eyes are as sun creams for our skin. Fundamentally, the glasses protect us from ultraviolet rays and it should indicate the formula UV400 (meaning that protect us from ultraviolet rays of type B, whose wavelength is 315-380 nm, and that may be the most perjudícales ) And, of course, must be approved by the European Union through the EC statement.
On the advice of the experts, we must ensure that a sunscreen poorly chosen, it is not only ineffective but may be highly damaging to our view. It is also recommended that those who wear glasses graduated graduate crystals sun or been done with an adapter kit. There are several brands that offer such a solution but almost all receive an extra price, and sometimes the design is not entirely appropriate, though, especially in the highest-end models, including the possibility of the graduate own lenses.

The glasses perfect
What should be the glasses cyclists? What is a better lens adaptable to changing light or have interchangeable lenses? What is the right size? Would I wear those when it rains? ... Decide how you have to be the best goggles is so difficult to identify a specific model in the best bike. However, we believe that there are a number of characteristics needed to be satisfied the marks to be considered seriously. Obviously we left here on the basis that the lenses of manufacturers comply with the requirements of health optic required by the European Union. From there, therefore, our analysis will focus on the most practical and well designed:

The glasses have to be large: both as the lens mount should preferably be great. We believe that a good size is recommended that small glasses because the latter have a use restricted to small faces. We applaud those manufacturers who have decided to manufacture glasses of different sizes because they respond to the obvious logic that not all the faces and heads are the same measures.
More adaptable. By the same token variety of ergonomic also recommend a pair of eyeglasses that can be adapted. There are several manufacturers that have rods, bridges and pin adaptable, which is a big advantage. We also recognize these models are often the most expensive.
Or interchangeable lens adaptable. Perhaps this is the most difficult decision. Abound in the market over the glasses with two or three types of interchangeable lenses (usually: transparent, orange-fog and dark). Specialized is the strongest sign that has opted for a type of lens adaptable to varying light. For our deep knowledge of that model, we can say that they are very advantageous, as we avoid the hassle of having to go with two types of lenses if we change the time or having to take away the glasses when necessary. Anyway, these models Specialized lack a range of more darkness for days of sun a lot and they are quite expensive.
Weight. For our experience we have realized that the weight is not something fundamental in the choice of glasses. Normally a lot of cycling weigh between 30 and 18 grams, and most are above the 22-24 grams. At that range, we believe that ergonomics (that is, the adaptation of the GAFA our face and head) is much more important than weight. In fact, good ergonomics will make a model of what appears lighter than in reality.