MTB goggles, besides the fundamental role of protecting our eyes from UV rays, also keep dust, smog, wind, and insects at a safe distance. For those with severe vision problems, it is necessary to opt for glasses with graduated lenses.
The cost of a pair of cycling glasses with a graduated lens is higher. If you do not want or cannot afford this expense and do not wear contact lenses, there are bicycle sunglasses designed in such a way as to be worn over your eyeglasses.
Before moving on to the list of the best mountain bike goggles, let’s see how to choose and what are the principal features to take into consideration.
Contents
Related:
==> Best Mountain Bike Forks in 2021: Reviews and Buying Guide
==> Protecting Your Hands During The Ride With The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
Top 6 Best Mountain Bike Goggles You Should Buy
Top 1: Oakley Radar EV
Oakley is one of the most famous brands on the market, their glasses have been designed and manufactured in Italy since 1975. The Oakley Radar EV comes with Plutonite lenses that filter 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400 nm.
Soft non-slip adjustable nose pads, ultralight adjustable frames, interchangeable lenses, and thoughtful design to ensure ventilation. They also prevent fogging and provide maximum comfort for you. So, you can wear it for a long time without tiring fatigue and discomfort.
Oakley sunglasses are not the cheapest on the market, but they offer a guarantee of quality. You can choose from a tremendous variety of models with the most aggressive appearance.
These are glasses suitable for use with both road bikes and MTBs. The vision is clear. They have a fantastic design and are so comfortable. It almost feels like you are not wearing them, thanks to the perfect fit.
Pros
- Italian qualification
- filter 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC
- Premium quality
- Choices of color
- Perfect fit
Con
- Expensive
Top 2: Salice Willow
Salice is also a famous brand of sunglasses for cycling and sports. This model guarantees perfect visibility, and a controlled flow of air thanks to its excellent ergonomics.
As for the material, these glasses are Grilamid and the lenses are in mirrored polycarbonate with hydrophobic. It is 100% scratch-resistant and has anti-reflective treatment. It is a unisex model that is suitable for both men and women. The manufacturer also supplies a spare clear lens.
The lenses come with high-quality polycarbonate. They return the real-world glow, help reduce eyestrain and ensure the safety of all kinds of outdoor activities.
The product is available with three interchangeable lenses depending on the lighting conditions. It also comes with an EVA case, eyeglass cases, lens cleaning cloth, polarized test card, and myopia frame.
Pros
- Perfect visibility
- A controlled flow of air
- Premium materials
- Scratch resistance
Con
- Girly look
Top 3: Rudy Project Fotonyk
The RUDY PROJECT Fotonyk cycling goggles are goggles with interchangeable lenses and an adjustable nose pad system. It offers an exceptional fit for every face configuration. Besides, the rubber inserts and removable Bumpers offer to maximize safety in the event of an impact or fall. Perfectly integrated with the Vent Controller of the frame, they avoid fogging and guarantee a perfect ventilation.
The frame is Grilamid, a high quality, impact-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic thermoplastic material. The lenses are interchangeable thanks to the Quick-Change mechanism that makes this procedure extremely quick and fast. Two years of intense research and countless hours of design culminated in Rudy Project’s definitive sunglasses: the Fotonyk.
Comes with the brand new Lens Bumper system, Fotonyk offers improved face protection and a customizable look. Besides this new technology, the air channels are strategically placed at the top of the goggles. So, the users can easily manage the internal airflow and mitigate fog.
The fully adjustable ErgonoseX nose piece and a variety of interchangeable lenses, including the shatterproof and photochromic ImpactX lens. They make the Fotonyk a custom accessory specific to the wearer’s unique style and face shape.
Pros
- Clear to black photochromic lenses
- Adjustable nose piece
- Quick lens change
- Safety bumpers
Con
- Expensive
Top 4: Bolle Vortex
These cycling sunglasses, designed and produced by Bolle, have a very modern and original design. As for the technical characteristics, they are very similar to the previous model.
The choice between one and the other depends solely on your taste and your wallet. Bolle is cheaper than the other brands mentioned above, making Bolle Vortex an excellent choice for those looking for quality at an affordable price.
The lenses are in the PC Fire AF category and are anti-fog, hydrophobic, and oleophobic. These Bolle glasses also come with adjustable nose pads. They are durable but do not guarantee the same quality as the glasses mentioned above. They could be a good entry-level model for those who want to evaluate how it is with interchangeable lenses. They seem to be the best cycling glasses in this price range.
Pros
- Adjustable nose piece
- Polarized anti-fog
- Hydrophobic/oleophobic lens
- 100% UV protection
Con
- Low durability
Top 5: Bertoni Photochromic
The glasses for Cycling Bertoni come with a frame made of Nylon Mesh shock resistance. These glasses are among the few on this list to have photosensitive and anti-fog photochromic lenses.
The lenses are high resolution for good visibility and are windproof, anti-reflective, and dustproof. The frame is non-deformable and lightweight materials. Also, the silicone nose pad is ergonomic and comfortable.
The lenses can go from transparent to category 3-gray, always guaranteeing 100% UV protection. They are resistant to anti-fog treatment. Otherwise, the frame is resistant polycarbonate with anti-slip Megol inserts. At the end of the temple and nose pads, the grip prevents the glasses from slipping.
Pros
- Photochromic photosensitive anti-fog lens
- 100% UV protection
- F1001 by Bertoni Italy
- Frame in TPX
- Lighter and more resistant polymer
- Adjustable nose piece
- Easily interchangeable lenses
Con
- Expensive
Top 6: POC Do
From the Swedish brand POC, the Do Blade AVIP model is a sports frame made of Grilamid to reduce weight and strength. It allows great flexibility with the option to change lenses based on conditions.
Rubber inserts and an adjustable hydrophilic rubber nose pad keep the frame firmly in place. The tints of the lenses are perfect for road cycling. It increases contrast on the road surface and helps to identify irregularities, potholes, and gravel.
Anti-fog and repellent coatings help keep fog, dirt, and dust away from the lenses. Besides, the lens design itself makes them ideal for those who like to have an open and unobstructed field of view.
These glasses come with two replacement lenses in PC (Polycarbonate) from Carl Zeiss in different colors. It is suitable for all-weather and also comes with UV 400 protection. The frame is suitable for prescription lenses.
Pros
- Polarized, hydrophilic rubber
- Interchangeable lens
- Adjustable nose piece
Con
- Expensive
Why Should Buy Mountain Bike Goggles?
Mountain bike goggles do not just have to please you. Their first function is to protect your eyes from UV rays, wind, dust, and insects. Unlike traditional sunglasses, MTB goggles feature a wrap-around design. They usually cover the entire field of view for better protection and use stronger lenses.
Many manufacturers offer interchangeable lenses so that you can adapt your glasses to different light conditions. Photochromic lenses automatically darken in sunlight so you can use the same glasses in any situation. The frame comes with light and resistant materials. The most commonly used material is plastic.
Who Should Buy Mountain Bike Goggles?
Some manufacturers offer specific models for men or women. But the vast majority of cycling sunglasses are unisex and one size fits all. Cycling glasses need to be comfortable. It is why they are always a good idea to try on a few models before buying. When looking for a pair of goggles, try them out wearing your helmet if possible.
Some models have rubber parts and interchangeable lenses to further customize the fit. Some lenses are vented or have an anti-fog coating to reduce haze because of sweating. The various rubber contact points help the goggles stay in place when you sweat a lot.
The lenses are usually available in a wide range of shades and colors. They include black to protect the eyes in bright light or yellow to increase contrast in low light conditions. We normally use transparent lenses at night.
Best Mountain Bike Goggles FAQs
How to choose the best mountain bike goggles?
For the best goggles, we check they meet these requirements:
- Adequate UVA and UVB protection: Those who love cycling know how important it can be to protect their eyes. Crossing long and often sun-exposed routes, the cyclist knows his glasses must adequately protect him from possible damage from exposure to light. A 100% shielding in this case will be more than perfect.
- Water repellent: The extensive bike crossings do not spare the cyclist from rain, snow, or hail. Having a water repellent lens means you can have a lens that is free from excess water.
- Resistance to scratches and wear: it is crucial for anyone who wants to use their glasses freely, without them being subject to easy damage. A particular resistance of the lenses in this sense ensures adequate protection from sudden movements or accidental falls.
- Anti Glare: The blinding glare of the light does not help, especially when riding a bicycle. Anti-glare cycling glasses protect against this possibility.
How many types of goggles?
We can divide glasses into two macro-areas: sunglasses for mountain bikes (MTB glasses), and sunglasses for road bikes. Whatever the reference category, when we buy a pair of glasses, we usually only look at some important specifications.
What is the classification of light transmission?
The lenses of all models of sunglasses differ from each other in the ability to penetrate the light they can cope with. Based on this feature, people divide them into four different categories from 0 to 4.
