Sunglasses are an essential part of any mountain biker’s gear. They protect your eyes from UV rays, help you see the trail with clarity and depth perception, and even help reduce eye strain during long rides. Look for MTB-specific frames made of durable and comfortable materials like TR-90 nylon. You’ll also want to find a pair that fits securely on your face and won’t slip while you ride.
They protect your eyes from debris
Sunglasses are necessary for mountain biking because mud, dirt, sticks, rocks, and other debris are standard on the trails. The best mountain bike sunglasses offer a wraparound frame that provides full coverage to keep these hazards out of your eyes.
Look for sunglasses with high-impact resistance to resist shattering in case you take a tumble. You should also find a pair with polycarbonate lenses or an impact-rated material. This will protect your eyes from shattered glass that other riders could kick up or from tree branches, bushes, or other objects on the trail.
Lens color is essential as well — choose tints that enhance your surroundings. For example, brown or amber lenses work well in bright sunlight to enhance greens and help you see low-hanging trees and shrubbery that might be in your path. Red lenses are great for overcast or hazy conditions, while yellow and gold lenses boost vision in fog.
They protect your eyes from UV rays
You need to be able to see when you’re out on the trail. Not only does this allow you to make split-second decisions, but it also helps protect you from rocks, branches, and other debris that could hit your head while riding.
A good pair of mountain bike sunglasses is crucial to your biking experience. Look for a wraparound frame or visor style that offers plenty of coverage from the sun and other debris and a comfortable fit. You should also be able to wear them comfortably while wearing your helmet. For the best results, try a model that doesn’t block your peripheral vision and will sit securely under a helmet (check out our tips on choosing the fitting helmet for you).
Choose a lens color that suits your needs. Polarized lenses will be great for low-light conditions as they increase contrast and effectively block glare from water, snow, and other reflective surfaces. Light tints are great for sunny days, while dark or mirrored lenses work well in brighter conditions.
They protect your eyes from glare
In addition to UV protection, a good pair of mountain bike sunglasses should also reduce glare from bright sunlight or other sources. This is particularly important when riding in areas with variable lighting conditions, such as wide-open meadows or shaded tree canopy cover.
Standard shaded lenses can be too dark in these conditions and make it difficult to read the trail. A great solution is to use a pair of MTB sunglasses with photochromic lenses, which automatically transition from clear to dark and adjust to different lighting conditions on the fly. When selecting a pair of MTB sunglasses, look for frames made from a durable and lightweight material.
Avoid metal frames, which can break easily in a crash and leave sharp edges around your face and eyes. Look for frames with a comfortable and secure fit and a rubberized grip on the temples and nose pads. In addition to a comfortable fit and durable construction, the best MTB sunglasses should also have a wide lens for maximum coverage. This will help to protect your eyes from errant trail debris and the wind while preventing light from sneaking in from the sides.
They protect your eyes from the sun
One of the most important things to consider with sunglasses is whether or not they protect your eyes from UV rays. Many of the best mountain bike glasses have UV protection to help prevent eye damage from intense sunlight while riding.
While riding along the trail, sunglasses protect your eyes from dust, dirt, sticks, rocks, and stray tree branches. Sunglasses with a wraparound design can help keep these elements out of your eyes and face while you ride. Glasses with tinted lenses also help to enhance vision and improve clarity. They can make it easier to see the twists and turns of the trail ahead.
Additionally, lenses with a tinted color can increase contrast and make it easier to spot roots or other obstacles that might be in your way. Photochromic lenses are another great option for mountain biking because they automatically darken when exposed to sunlight.
They look cool
The right mountain bike sunglasses are a crucial part of your riding kit. They must be comfortable, durable, and fit well with your helmet. They should also be lightweight not to weigh you down or get in the way of your ride. In addition, the frames should be flexible and adjust quickly to accommodate a variety of faces.
Finally, the frames should be designed to offer protection from UV rays, glare, debris, and dust. The best option is a wraparound frame with maximum sunlight, dust, and rock coverage. A wraparound design enhances peripheral vision for a more complete field of view. There are many different types of mountain biking sunglasses available.
Most are a “sports performance” style designed to fit securely on the face and stay in place during vigorous activities. The lenses are often tinted to improve visibility. Some lenses are polarized to cut the glare on desert rides, while others boost contrast and color definition for better trail vision.
