Velochki: what are there and how to choose?
Most people are involved in various sports, and cycling is no exception. All cyclists, according to the rules, must have the appropriate equipment. The first thing you need to pay attention to are glasses, which will help protect your eyes in any weather.
What are they needed for?
Cycling glasses are classic cycling glasses, which include lenses, a frame, as well as its frame, nose pad, flex and two temples. In some cases, instead of the latter, a tape or a special strap is used. VCycling glasses are quite an important attribute for cycling.
That is why it is very important to skillfully select glasses and be familiar with all their pros and cons in advance.
Riding bicycles have the following advantages:
- first of all, it is the protection of the eyes from possible dust, small insects or even small stones getting into them;
- they protect a person from harsh sunlight;
- with their help, you can provide yourself with the maximum viewing angle without harm to your eyes;
- almost all glasses are made of polycarbonate lenses, which are much lighter than simple glass counterparts; in addition, they can last much longer.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then there are very few of them. For cyclists who are just starting to get involved in this sport, the difficulty lies in the fact that sometimes it is very difficult to get used to such an accessory. In some cases, they simply fly off on the go. Sometimes even expensive models can break down over time.
Varieties
In any glasses, the main part is the lenses. They protect the eyes and prevent the sun's rays from dazzling the driver in hot weather.But this is not the only advantage of some lenses. In general, they can be divided into several types, each of which is suitable only for a certain condition, moreover, it has different characteristics.
With diopters
Those who have vision problems need to choose just such bicycles. Indeed, today many manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of models of bicycle glasses with diopters. Their cost is much higher than conventional sunscreen models. However, with the right choice, the investment of money will be justified. If it is wrong to choose such glasses for yourself, then this will only lead to a deterioration in vision. Therefore, it is best to buy such models from specialists who can determine what lenses are needed for this.
Photochromic
Such lenses are able to change their color under the sun's rays. Many call them "chameleons". They appeared only in 1964, when a layer of copper and silver was applied to ordinary glass. A little later, experts learned how to add these elements already in the process of creating the lens itself.
While the person is indoors, the lenses of the glasses are transparent. But when a person goes out into the sun, a metamorphosis occurs with the sunscreen accessory, and they darken. Their darkening depends entirely on how much sunlight hits them. The applied layer of photochromium absorbs ultraviolet light and immediately changes its structure. Such glasses are good because the eyes in them do not strain either in the house or on the street, even on the sunniest day. That's why vision does not deteriorate, and eyes do not get tired at all.
Polarizing
These glasses are produced not only for cyclists, but they can also be found in the backpacks of car drivers and fishermen. These lenses significantly reduce the effects of sunlight. They allow you to perceive all the details as clearly as possible. They are made both colorless and made in different shades. In addition, they can be with or without diopters.
In their principle of action, they are not too different from sunglasses. Almost all models are quite durable and are not afraid of any blows. They are lightweight and comfortable and are also best suited for cycling.
Mirrored
These glasses are best used on sunny and bright days, because they significantly reduce the brightness of the sun's rays, which makes it easier to ride bicycles on hot days. An added plus is that they look stylish.
With interchangeable lenses
Sports glasses with multiple lenses are especially popular with cyclists. The kit can include from 2 to 5 lenses. Almost all of them are translucent, they can be used both at night and during the day. For cloudy weather, it is best to use orange lenses. On a bright and sunny day, they should be changed to brown ones. To better distinguish between all the items you need, you can use gray lenses.
Cyan or blues will help increase the contrast a little.
Popular models
There are many bicycles. To make the choice a little easier for yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with the most popular options.
RUS
This model is quite common in America, Europe and Russia, so its average cost is within $ 150. These goggles will look great with a helmet and will provide good protection for the cyclist's eyes. In addition, the manufacturer also has glasses that complement the anti-fog lenses, which, as you know, help you ride even when visibility is limited. The shape of the glasses is made in such a way that it makes it possible to protect the eyes well. The downside is that even in the event of a slight breakdown, the repair of such a model of glasses will be expensive.
Optilabs Switch
These bicycles are produced by London manufacturers. The kit contains several additional lenses that can be matched to any occasion. In addition, these glasses are suitable even for those people who have vision problems. They are a great option for anyone with a little sense of style. Their cost sometimes reaches 15 thousand rubles.
Oakley
Those athletes who are engaged in cycling professionally prefer to purchase high-quality models, rather than cheap counterparts. In this case, glasses from these world manufacturers are suitable for the buyer. They have many benefits, including their durability.
The set includes several sets of frames with different colors. Besides, it is made of a very durable material that is not afraid even of temperature changes. All lenses are easily replaceable, so in the event of any breakdown, a lot of money for repairs is not required. The lenses of these glasses have an anti-fog system.
The goggles almost completely cover the entire face, which provides good protection, so even heavy rain will not interfere with cycling.
Still, this model has some drawbacks. So, some frames are made of plastic. For this reason, glasses often break. Regardless of the popularity of this brand, its price is not very high, therefore it is available to many. It is in the range of 150 euros.
Shimano
Manufacturers produce rather stylish glasses, with a large number of colors. Most often they photochromic, in addition, with interchangeable lenses, which allows you to use them in any weather and time, be it night or day. Besides they are also suitable for those people who have vision problems.
Salice
Initially, this company was founded in Italy, but today it is part of an English company. She is more involved in the manufacture of not only glasses for cycling, but also various accessories for bicycles. The glasses additionally include several lenses that allow them to be used at different times of the year.
Smith Optics Pivlock Overdrive
This model of glasses is made of plastic, but this does not affect its quality at all... They have a water-repellent coating that allows them to be used even in rainy weather. The set includes interchangeable lenses that you can replace yourself. In addition, in this model, the lenses are completely separated. That's why if one breaks down, it will not be necessary to completely change the lenses, it is enough to replace only the damaged one.
The frame of these glasses is made in such a way that it leaves a full view of everything around it much larger. Although these glasses do not have a nose pad, they are very convenient to use. In addition, many buyers are satisfied with the price of such glasses. Their cost is quite small, up to 13 thousand rubles.
Olympo triple fit
These glasses are great for professionals. They are made of lightweight and durable plastic that provides protection from scratches. The lenses are very durable, so there are no additional glasses in the kit. In the event of a breakdown, you must buy them separately. The cost of such glasses is average, reaching 13 thousand rubles.
Selection recommendations
Deciding to choose your cycling goggles, you must first get acquainted with some advice from experts.
- Best Buy glasses with lenses that are not made of glass, because they can break if dropped, injure your eyes... However, at the same time, you should not buy cheap models from low-quality material, because good glasses must necessarily protect a person from ultraviolet rays.
- Sports glasses are not classified as mens or womens. Most of the manufactured models are made in unisex style. Accordingly, they look very beautiful on any person. In addition, you need to pay attention to the fact that they are comfortable, so preliminary fitting is very important. Purchased glasses should fit snugly to the face and fit the helmet, which will protect it from different types of midges, sand or rain drops.
If this is not the case, then the purchase can be considered simply pointless.
- On the bottom of the glasses, as well as on the part that is near the temples, there should be no frames. This is necessary so that the view of everything around him is much greater, which is important for a cyclist. In addition, the shape of the glasses must be made in such a way as to completely cover the eyes from all sides.
- When interchangeable lenses do not go with your glasses, you should not opt for models with too dark glasses. They should only be slightly darkened to allow cycling day and night.
- When buying such an item, special attention should be paid to interchangeable lenses, after all, only one-fifth of all manufactured products include such an additional set. And this is very important, as it allows you to change them yourself, even on the road. This is especially true for those people who ride a bike for long distances or are engaged in cycling professionally.
- Besides, don't buy cheap models, which are offered by sellers of markets or stalls. Most often, they sell fakes that will not protect the eyes from UV rays. But in specialized stores, you can check the glasses on a special device that determines the UV protection. Moreover, it does not take much time in terms of time. In just a few seconds, the buyer will know exactly everything about the selected glasses.
Cycling goggles can be very different.
This means that each person will be able to choose them for himself individually, depending on his preferences, as well as financial capabilities. To make the choice a little easier for yourself, you can ask the experts for advice, who will be happy to advise everyone.
For information on how to choose a bike, see the video below.