What's the view of what are the best frames types and where have you bought from? I can't quite say that money is no object but happy to spend to get the right thing.
Ideally, would like something with photocromatic lenses.
I think I want to stay away from inserts unless experience is particularly favourable in use.
Places like RX Sports & Extreme eyewear do some good stuff, depends on your prescription as to whether Oakley lenses work for you. I can't have actual Oakley lenses but, if like me, you have a pair of Oakleys or the like hanging around reglazeglassesdirect are great and cheaper.
I've now got a pair of rudy project cutline glasses with an insert and they've been great, even when my goggles were not working on a stinking day on DH trails at caersws bike park, took contacts out and swapped to the glasses with inserts and they were fine for the rest of the day.
I've been using Oakley Half Jackets with prescription, photochromic lenses for many years. I can't recommend them highly enough.
A couple of years ago I bought some V2O glasses for the greater coverage the offered. They're ok too.
I have a pair of Oakley Flak 2 with presciption, varifocal, photochromic lenses. I like mine.
I have a pair from Optilabs. Prescription lenses. They are excellent quality and value.
optilabs.com/product-category/sport/cycling-sunglasses/
I had inserts previously, and would never go back to them.
I haven’t used their lenses but the Rad8 frames are great for me for cycling. I had them glazed with polycarbonate clear lenses as I struggle with sunglasses / photochromic when I go from clear ground into tree cover. I had the clear lenses treated for anti scratch and anti glare and they’ve been great.
Rad8 (who I think get the glazing done by optilabs) have been brilliant for years and at this point have probably paid for themselves in all the contact lenses I’ve not worn. I’m seriously considering getting another set in case they go out of business.
I do think the photochromagic is less quick than it was, especially to go clear, but in my experience that seems to be a limit of the technology as it ages.
I started with Oakleys and moved to Rad8 and cannot say enough nice things about Rad8. Sales process easy but even more impressive has been the aftersales when I had a crash and needed a frame arm, some new lens etc they were awesome.
Much better than Oakley in my experience post sales.
James
+1 for Rad8. I've recommended them on threads like this for years. They just work.
I've got some Rudy Project Rydons with an insert and photochromic lenses. They are fine except on 6mph fireroad climbs in the rain at 3 degrees C. Then they mist up.
Anyway found a clip-in solution that is compatible with both glasses and goggles?
Kapvoe prescription riding glasses are surprisingly good and ridiculously cheap.
Ive been using V2o glasses for a couple of years now without any issues better than the inserts I was using. Not much but I do have a £10 off code.
Koo with optical insert. The photochromatic Zeiss lens is very good. So good that when I smashed a pair and face into gravel last year, I replaced them with another pair! Pay approx £350 for frame insert and a very simple prescription. More for varifocals of course. I went from Alibi to Demos, they are available from RxSport The insert is so good I do no bother with my contacts unless riding a TT with face visor. They do no t steam up and are fine at night.
I also have Rudy Rydons with Rx insert. After 10 years the photochromatic stops tinting, so I replaced the lenses with deep blue, the sides and nosepiece with new white and retired them to the velodrome. And yes they do steam up in wet conditions.