WHICH BIKE GLASSES TO CHOOSE

WHICH BIKE GLASSES TO CHOOSE

Are you looking online for information on which cycling glasses to choose? The variety of shapes, colors, and technologies available can make your decision even more difficult.

At DEMON, we thought we’d create a mini guide to help you find the type of cycling glasses that’s right for you.

cyclist wears white racing bike glasses

  • WHAT TYPE OF FRAME TO CHOOSE:

    Regardless of whether the cycling glasses are chosen for practicing MTB or road cycling, it is essential to choose the frame based on the following criteria:

    ENVELOPING: The frame for cycling glasses primarily differs in terms of envelopment, which, in addition to contributing to aerodynamics, protects the eyes from not only the air but also potential external projections, such as mud, dust, leaves, and midges.

    LIGHT AND ELASTIC: Fundamental roles, given the prolonged use of cycling glasses, are lightness and elasticity. Glasses that you don’t even realize you’re wearing are considered good glasses. All DEMON frames are made from TR90, a special composition of nylon and carbon fiber that makes the cycling glasses 20% lighter than conventional materials, significantly increases elasticity, and ensures the glasses are non-deformable at high and low temperatures. Elasticity is important for fit; the glasses should wrap the face without tightening or becoming uncomfortable.

    DIMENSIONS OF TEMPLE ARMS: The dimensions of the temple arms, in addition to the aesthetic factor, provide further protective functions. This is a plus to the enveloping factor. In MTB, wider temple arms are preferred for greater protection against leaves and branches in dense forests or in areas with obstacles.

    WHAT TYPE OF LENS TO CHOOSE:

    It is fundamental to start from the assumption that, regardless of the discipline practiced—MTB or road cycling—the lenses of cycling glasses must be ANTI-BREAKAGE and OPTICALLY PERFECT. Your glasses, in addition to protecting your eyes from sunlight and UV rays, MUST provide maximum protection even in the event of accidental impacts. The anti-breakage feature ensures that the lens does not shatter under strong impacts, thus avoiding the creation of dangerous splinters that could injure your eyes; instead, it creates a "cobweb effect" that simply invalidates the lens. Optically perfect means seeing a point exactly where it is located, allowing for perfect depth perception.

    There are different types of lenses; below we will explain the main characteristics and the disciplines for which they are most suitable:

    PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES: Photochromic lenses are designed to undergo a reversible chemical reaction when exposed to UV radiation or sunlight, causing them to darken. Once the light source is removed, the lenses gradually return to their initial state of transparency. They can be used for both MTB and road cycling, so it is important to specify which type performs best for the chosen discipline:

    • SMOKE: Recommended for mountain biking, these lenses start from a completely transparent state (Category 1) and darken to Category 2.5. They remain slightly clearer during maximum effort, helping the eyes adapt more quickly from light to shadow. This allows the athlete to maintain performance without having to slow down to remove glasses that may still be dark when entering shaded areas. In very dense forests, the lens will be completely transparent, providing protection from the air and projections such as leaves and branches. This type of lens can also be used for night outings as simple protection from the wind.

    • DCHROM: Suitable for both MTB and road cycling, these lenses start from a slightly veiled state (Category 1) and darken to Category 3 (the same darkness as common sunglasses). They are particularly recommended for prolonged use without significant light-dark variations; using this lens for road cycling allows you to wear glasses that you never have to take off. The same conditions apply for MTB practice, provided you’re not in densely bushy areas where it may be slightly dark. We do not recommend this lens for those looking for glasses that can also be used for night outings.

    Below is a comparison of Photochromic Smoke and Photochromic DCHROM lenses.

pair of photochromic lenses for mtb
photochromic lens for mountain bikes
pair of photochromic lenses dchrom for bdc and mtb

SLOW DCHANGE: Used mainly for racing bikes, the DCHANGE lens package includes a set of three lenses that allow you to use the cycling glasses in all atmospheric conditions, from very intense sunlight to cloudy days, and even during rain or night outings in low light. The interchangeable lenses included in the set are:

  • Smoke Lens: Category 3, guarantees protection from UV rays and reaches maximum performance in sunny weather and good brightness.

  • Orange Lens: Category 2, guarantees protection from UV rays and reaches maximum performance in cloudy weather or low light.

  • Transparent Lens: Category 1, also guarantees protection from UV rays and reaches maximum performance in rain or very low light, or for night outings.

This type of cycling glasses can also be used for MTB; however, we recommend a photochromic lens for that discipline in order to achieve maximum performance.

Below is an example of the supplied lenses (smoke mirrored, orange, and transparent):

mirrored lenses for bikes
colored replacement lenses for bdc and mtb

  • LENS DPOL: The polarized lens guarantees protection from UV rays and more. This special type of lens is capable of concentrating or diverging rays of light and attenuating UV-A and UV-B radiation via a polarizing filter that eliminates glare. Due to these characteristics, it can be used effectively in road cycling (BDC) practice, as it reduces eye strain during prolonged use. However, we do not recommend using it for mountain biking, as it may create some difficulties in reading certain instruments with LED screens, such as GPS devices, bicycle computers, or heart rate monitors. Additionally, the use of a dark lens is less effective in a discipline characterized by frequent light-dark transitions.

    Below is an example of a polarized lens:

pair of polarized lenses for racing bikes

  • CATEGORY 3 SMOKE LENS: This is the same smoke lens included as standard in the DCHANGE package. It is particularly recommended for use in road cycling (BDC) on sunny days. This type of lens is often chosen by those looking for training glasses, as it offers a more economical option compared to more comprehensive lens packages that may not be necessary.

    Below is an example of a Category 3 Smoke lens:

mirrored lenses for racing bikes and mountain bikes

WHICH LENS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
What is the main advantage of choosing a photochromic lens or a DCHROM lens? The smoke photochromic lens is mainly suitable for those who enjoy itineraries through wooded areas with low light or love going out at night. In contrast, the DCHROM lens is more versatile and can be used for extended periods, but not at night.

Do you have a sensitivity to light? If your choice is oriented towards a photochromic lens, the DCHROM is definitely the best option. If you prefer a dark lens, then the DCHANGE package is for you.

Do you travel on routes with strong brightness (such as at high altitudes or in the desert)? Our advice remains the same for those who particularly suffer from light sensitivity to avoid minor irritations to the eyes due to inadequate protection: If you prefer a photochromic lens, definitely choose the DCHROM. If you prefer a dark lens, the DCHANGE package is ideal.

Do you often go mountain biking or road cycling (BDC) early in the morning or at the end of the day? In this case, if you are interested in a photochromic lens, we recommend the smoke photochromic lens. If you choose the DCHANGE package, you can use the orange lens during low light conditions and replace it with the transparent one after sunset, and vice versa if you go out at dawn.

     

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