Unpredictable weather is part and parcel of riding. It can be a bit of a hassle though, especially if it’s sunny one minute and dark the next. Tree cover doesn’t help either; one minute you’re peering into the gloom, wondering what that was you thought you saw ahead, and the next you’re dazzled by the light as you emerge from the shade.
Thankfully, humanity invented photochromic sunglasses. By using light-sensitive molecules, these sunglasses allow seamless transitions from dark to bright environments without having to change your specs or pull them off.
Incorporated into models by most of the big-name makers, here are five of our favourites.
Best photochromic cycling sunglasses at a glance
- Oakley EVZero Blades Photochromic: RRP £191 – Buy now from Oakley (£191)
- Bolle Lightshifter Phantom : RRP £165 – Buy now from Bolle (£165)
- 100% S3 Photochromic: RRP £150 – Buy now from Cyclestore (£135)
- Rudy Project Cutline ImpactX: RRP £195 – Buy now from BikeInn (£156)
- Tifosi Eyewear Swank Fototec: RRP £55 – Buy now from Merlin Cycles (£24)
Best photochromic cycling sunglasses
1. Oakley EVZero Blades Photochromic
£191 | View offer
Despite making an enormous range of sunglasses, Oakley’s photochromic offering is slightly more concise. Missing out some newer models like the Sutros, happily, it still includes both the Jawbreaker and Flight Jacket.
However, we’ve instead gone for the ultra-minimalist EVZero Blades. Frameless in design, you get as unrestricted a view as possible, along with an incredibly low weight.
Apparently ‘inspired by streetwear culture and global influencers’, their boxy styling is suitably fashion-forward should that sort of thing be your bag.
- Buy now from Oakley (£191)
2. Bolle Lightshifter Phantom
£165 | View offer
Bolle’s very wide one-piece Lightshifter lenses manage to look cool while also appearing as though they could potentially be accessorised with a snorkel.
Intended to keep the worst of the weather from getting up in your face, this moderately mirrored and tinted version of the popular design is nevertheless able to adapt as the light changes.
Making them particularly suited to winter and shoulder season use, Bolle’s LTS technology (Low-Temperature Sensitivity) also ensures that their photochromic performance doesn’t drop off when the temperature does.
- Buy now from Bolle (£165)
3. 100% S3 Photochromic
£150 | View offer
This large lensed model from American firm 100% has plenty of adjustability to keep it stuck to your face as you hurtle along. With instantly adaptable length arms, these combine with an equally adjustable nose pad to keep the glasses’ enormously wide lens perched perfectly regardless of the size of your schnozz.
The S3’s wide window on the world then benefits from a hydrophobic coating and brow vents to further prevent misting from the inside. They’re an expensive but undeniably cool option.
- Buy now from Cyclestore (£135)
4. Rudy Project Cutline ImpactX
£195 | View offer
Rather than brand its sunglasses photochromic, Rudy Project instead describes them as having ImpactX lenses; which obviously sounds much cooler. With a wrap-around design and multiple vents, they’re very much aimed at athletic use.
It’s a trait backed by the soft bumpers located on the top and bottom of their large one-piece lens. Able to be left on or removed depending on your preference, even with them in place the glasses weigh a hardly noticeable 36 grams.
- Read our review of the standard lens version here
- Buy now from BikeInn (£156)
5. Tifosi Eyewear Swank Fototec
£55 | View offer
These retro-looking options from Tifosi won’t suit people who prefer their cycling sunglasses to leave them looking bug-eyed. They will however look much less weird if you wear them for other activities.
Anyway, it’s not like they don’t have sporting features, including as they do shatter-resistant lenses, a Grilamid TR90 frame, and hydrophilic bumpers on the nose bridge.
Coming in a bunch of different colourways, including with fetching translucent frames, their lenses also start moderately tinted before getting even darker, a fact that suits them less to winter wear than sunny days on the bike or at the beach.
- Buy now from Merlin Cycles (£24)
Read our guide to the best cycling sunglasses for more sunglass options.