What Riding Specs?

Never really ridden in glasses (even though I wear glasses normally) but fancy getting some, especially since winter seems to be eternal now.

Any suggestions for good makes etc? Something with interchangeable lenses would be good, sub £100 even better and also not looking like something from the 70s like a lot of riding glasses do now, even more betterer.

A quick google found me this: Best mountain bike glasses and goggles reviewed and rated by experts (mbr.co.uk)

The Madison Crypto seems to tick all my boxes for a staggeringly cheap price but are they any good???

Do you need prescription lenses?

The Madison Crypto seems to tick all my boxes for a staggeringly cheap price but are they any good???

Yes, I have them and they’re good.

They do look a bit ’70s though, don’t they? (in a cool way IMO)

A friend recommended Kapvoe photochromic glasses from AliExpress (can be got on eBay, Amazon, etc. too).

I was sceptical, but for £12ish I took a punt.

2 years later still going strong 👍

Comfy, tough, and the photochromic lenses work well. Will defo but again if broken or lost.

Are you thinking of clear lenses for eye protection, or something to help with sun* too?

Madison Enigmas are also very good. More angular than Cryptos, so perhaps they are the 80s Madison product?

*if only

I am one ride in with the Madison enigma’s. Never used anything else but I am very happy with them. Only used the clear lenses so far….

I’ve lost /broken too many ‘nice’ riding glasses. so now buy the Amazon version of those Aliexpress ones. RockBros Photochromic should find them in the search. First set did two winters and were just getting a bit scratched so another £22 got me a fresh pair.

Also had Madison and Endura in the past, both fine. My favs were Oakley Half Jacket XLJ with the trail prizm lens but not at the cost to replace them when I lost the last pair!

Also have some Tifosi photochromic that were in a merlin sale a while back. Also good but not as comfy as those cheap RockBros.

I like tifosi photochromic. Not silly expensive and the lenses are decent for most conditions other than night riding.

Endura Dorado II. Photochromic, clear and amber/low light lenses. Can be worn as full frame, or half frame with a nosepiece

Don’t need prescription lenses. Will look at the options listed… Looked at some reviews of the Cryptos after I’d posted the link and can’t quiet decide if they look too 70s or whether they’re cool. Might need to see if I can find somewhere local selling them…

The banana industries banoptics glasses are very good

The banana industries banoptics glasses are very good

On offer too for £40 at the minute and I like the styling (and the loamranger review is decent). Ordered a pair (and some cheap riding socks!).

Rad8 cycling glasses, fastest transition Ive ever tried brilliant for going from full sunlight into dark woods. Can be worn on night rides as they go really clear.

I use the 504s now with prescription but all the other styles have the same transition. They very often have a 30% off sale too

I can’t believe anyone rides without eye covers – way too much risk of brambles or flicky dog poo!

I have been using cheapo safety specs for ages, which are ok to start with but soon get scratched. I’ve just got some Madison Crypto 2 for £30 which seem quite nice but are big and rattle against the underside of my lid, which is a bit annoying.

On offer too for £40 at the minute and I like the styling (and the loamranger review is decent). Ordered a pair (and some cheap riding socks!).

Exactly the same order as me. Both the glasses & socks seem very good for the money.

Nice fit under my helmet, good eye coverage with a reasonable wrap around the face. Distortion not noticeable in my quick try on but I’ll need to try them on the bike to be sure.

How are the Banoptics users getting on with them?