Choosing the best cycling lens colour for cycling - Comparison of all lenses

[@JUSSTTIINFU3K]

Awesome, loads of info thanks. Perhaps a summary would be good too?

[@wakweikafelix]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[@jonathanjanes7807]

Hi, great video. Keep up the good work. Please can you advise which colour lens would be a good all rounder for trail mountain bike riding in heavily wooded areas with shade and potential overcast. The UK is pretty much permanently overcast unfortunately. The trails can be quite technical so need to pick up details to find the correct line. Appreciate your help 👍

[@bicyclesnetau]

Good question - I would consider two styles: • Clear lens with 'transitions' or similar tinting that automatically darkens in bright light. This will give you a clear view in brighter and shaded location though the tinting can take 30 - 60 seconds meaning it would not be fast enough for areas when it switches between sun / shade (in wooded areas). In fact, you can't easily 'solve' that but at least have lenses that prevent excessive glare. • Yellow lenses, in my view, are really good for enhancing definition and contrast so I really like these for MTBing, especially when there are technical trails or trails with lots of debris - I find these help define the trail / obstacles clearer so you can pick a better line and judge obstacles. They can also be OK in brighter conditions - so will still give you the contrast / definition however you may find that when the sky is clouded (and it is really bright) or there is strong sunlight, that it fatigues your eyes because a lot of light is coming in. Brown / Amber lenses are also an option to consider, but you want to avoid darker tinted glasses. The brown does a great job (like yellow) for enhancing contrast and if you can get a brown lens with a transitions style tinting (that lighten / darkens) that is the best. Brown is not deemed as attractive a colour (i.e. cool shades) so the yellow and clear are more technical... but in this it should still be about what works best for you. Keep in mind that some shades have mirror or other coloured finishes which may be different / independent from the actual tint. Hope this input helps.

[@jonathanjanes7807]

@@bicyclesnetau Thanks for taking the time to send that message, greatly appreciated. I'm leaning towards yellow or amber as you say. There is minimal risk of bright sunshine so can't see these being an issue.

[@ianpearson8976]

good video .i made the mistake of simply buying dark coloured sunglasses pretty useless for cycling becoz most of the time im wearing a cap which blocks out direct sunlight and most of time im staring down on the road.I couldnt even see the road when i went through woods.what would recommend if cycling in the sun but with a cap on so not really looking at direct sunglight.

[@bicyclesnetau]

Fair comment - most road cyclists don't caps or helmets that provide direct shade. Sunglasses are also intended for peripheral light. For lens selection, if you move quickly between shadow and light sections, this should influence your decision. Some transition / photochromatic lenses adjust quickly while some can take a minute or longer to adjust. Look out for the categorisation - most quality brands reference the category rating for each lens which gives you some hints as you the level of shade. Advance sunglasses use colour filtering (such as Oakley Prizm) and for example for MTB or Road Cycling can block certain colours and enhance others giving you great eye-shade but also enhancing the contrasts.

[@joaquinb333]

Excellent video! Would you say a blue multilayer mirrored lens it's a good overall option? I got 100% S2 with smoke lenses, so I need other lends so I can see something haha

[@bicyclesnetau]

Horses for courses - I like viewing the world through a blue lens or rose lens though for cycling have tended towards the more functional lenses that enhance clarity. Blue is good - though my testing shows that it also enhances the greens and as this would be the foliage and everything usually beyond the riding surface (grey roads, brown trails), I favour other lens colours. So to contrast with your current grey tinted lens - for bright conditions - you could consider a yellow lens for low light, a clear lens or a lightly tinted blue lens.

[@mohansah3627]

pls , do topic division in videos.your videos are informative but finding what i need is time consuming.

[@bicyclesnetau]

Thanks for the tip, this has now been done.

[@yojerico5856]

This is a good video I am surprised it hasn't had more views as eyewear is a very important aspect of cycling when you get over the fact they are not really to look cool but but to protect your eyes and improve your vision in different conditions. Ok maybe you can help me is there a general lens I can use on my commute to work so don't have to keep changing ?

[@bicyclesnetau]

It does depend on your environment and weather however I would generally opt for a clear or yellow lens as I am considering possible darker riding times so tinted lenses would be counter productive. Clear and yellow lenses give you the clarity, the UVA, UVB protection (confirm this before buying) and protection against dirt and grime. If you go with a polarised lense, this helps reduce glare and you can also consider lenses which tint - so if you have bright sunshine riding then have a variable lens for these conditions as well.

[@bicyclesnetau]

Sorry for the late reply. Depends on your conditions and how much sun you get - but generally for commuting I would tend towards a yellow lens because this usually provides good contrast. While commuting you have to watch the surfaces a lot if it changes and the conditions (surface) varies - so this colour gives you a good chance to pick the right line. Otherwise I would look for a relatively clear lens that tints. The ideas is that you may be cycling in darker conditions so want a lense that is clear enough when it is dark, but provide a bit of shade if the sun is low.

[@ivettevargas4686]

Really good selection, and he is handsome!

[@srairmand]

I heard a giant snake got him after this. Australia be crazy.

[@bicyclesnetau]

Giant snakes are fine... poisonous snake are the problem.