Finding the right pair of prescription (Rx) sunglasses is important for performance and safety on the trails. It’s such a game-changing experience to be able to wear sunglasses and be able to see clearly, especially when riding rowdy trails in changing conditions.
When we first started mountain biking, my husband Daniel and I would wear our daily clear prescription glasses. Of course, this wasn’t the best experience, as over time the frames and lenses took a beating, and they’d often slip or move during rides — talk about sketchy! We tried to wear contact lenses with “regular” non-prescription sunglasses, but that didn’t work out too well. In Daniel’s case, his eyes do not get along well with prescription contact lenses and would get dry. In my case, not only would my eyes get dry, dust would find its way underneath my contact lenses and irritate my eyes while riding. We then decided to invest in a good pair of Oakley prescription sunglasses with Prizm Trail lens technology. The Oakley sunglasses delivered all-day comfort and optimal clarity on and off the bike. But eventually I broke mine, leaving me in the search of a new pair.
Prescription sunglasses for cycling should have optimal clarity, excellent comfort, and UV eye protection at a decently affordable price. While there are many non-prescription brands that offer a variety of sunglasses for mountain biking and other cycling disciplines, the options for sport-oriented prescription sunglasses are more limited when it comes to brands, styles, lens technology, and affordable pricing. We set off to explore some of the brands that offer sporty cycling prescription options to hopefully help anyone who wants to upgrade or get their first pair of prescription sunglasses for mountain biking. (If you don’t wear prescription glasses but are looking for a pair of progressive reading glasses, read Jeff’s review of these from Lens & Frame.)
We should note that with new prescription glasses, even if they are the same prescription you currently wear, it could take a few weeks for your eyes to adjust. Keep this in mind if you get new Rx sunglasses, as the adjustment process can cause headaches and dizziness at times. Regardless, it was fun testing these!
Rx sunglasses tested
KOO Optical Clip Evo
KOO is well-known sunglasses brand in the mountain biking space. While they don’t offer Rx lenses on their frames, they do offer the Optical Clip Evo that is compatible with three of their sunglasses: Spectro, Demos and ALIBI. The Rx lenses are not included, and the Optical Clip is shipped with clear lenses that must be swapped for ophthalmologic lenses.
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
The KOO website has clear instructions for how to properly install the Clip into the KOO frames. However, it is interesting that it fails to mention anything more about prescription compatibility or fulfillment.
After contacting customer service, I got information from them stating that the KOO Optical Clip “accommodates a wide range of prescription power (from -4.5 up to +4.5)” and KOO does not handle prescription fulfillment, so “your optometrist would be the best way to fulfill the optical clip with your prescription.”
Lens tint and material
The KOO Optical Clip is shipped with clear non-Rx lenses that must be swapped for ophthalmologic lenses.
My experience
I truly wanted to love the Optical Clip Evo inserts. The thought of being able to click the Clip in and being able to see using ‘regular’ sunglasses like the ALIBI’s is an appealing thought. However, I experienced more cons than pros.
The ordering process was not user-friendly, since the prescription ordering process is not handled by KOO. I had to research and make various calls, store visits, and internet searches to try to find an optometry establishment that would agree to fit my prescription to the Clips. At my local Costco optometry, they were not able to help because of the optical clip’s non-traditional frame shape. My local hospital optometry department refused as they do not fulfill prescriptions for frames bought outside their brands.
It’s important to note the -4.5 up to +4.5 Rx limitation on the Clips. For many who have a stronger prescription, the Optical Clip Evos will not work. If you’re within the lower range of prescription, then it may be a good option if you are able to find a place to fulfill the lens prescription. Ultimately I was unable to get the ophthalmologic lenses fitted to my prescription.
The Clip inserts are made of a hard plastic material, and click into place into the nosepiece of the frames. I found that insertion and removal of the clip was a bit challenging and actually took some muscle and technique to put on. Once on, they stay in place and don’t budge.
One of my main gripes when wearing the inserts was that they sat very close to my eyeballs and I could feel my eyelashes hit the glass, which was not very comfortable.
Overall, I found that while the concept is great, I personally wouldn’t choose the Clips in the future, mainly because of the difficulty to fulfill the prescription, the fit, and the smaller Rx range compatibility. I would love to see KOO offer more Rx information and support on their website, or perhaps have them partner with a prescription brand that can help assist, as the KOO ‘regular’ non-prescription sunglasses are pretty rad. I would also like to see them include a hardshell case to store the sunglasses safely when not in use.
- Price: $65 for the inserts, sunglasses sold separately
- Buy from KOO
Ombraz Cammina Rx
As a prescription-glasses-wearer for my entire adult life, I’ve broken plenty of glasses over the years. The Ombraz brand decided to come up with a solution: armless sunglasses. Instead of traditional plastic arms, they’ve replaced these with a cord that can be adjusted around your head. I was pleased to find out they work with Lens & Frame to make Single Vision and Progressive Prescription Sunglasses — hurrah! I tested out the Rx Cammina pair of sunglasses that are stylish, functional and durable, and a great all-around option for on and off the bike. (You can also read our review on the non-prescription Ombraz Leggero sunglasses here).
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
If you’re like me, with a stronger prescription, Rx Ombraz is a great choice as they have a High Index lens option. High Index is recommended by their site for “strong prescriptions with power correction beyond +/-4.00 (Sphere).” High Index can be added for an extra $50, which is well worth it in my opinion, as the lenses are made thinner and lighter. I’d say this is important since the armless frame’s main point of contact is the nose pad on the bridge of your nose, so the more lightweight, the more comfortable to wear on longer rides.
The ordering process is handled by Ombraz Rx partner Lens & Frame Co. Once you’re on the partner website, selecting a frame and the features is pretty straightforward. Upload your prescription and you’re good to go. They have excellent customer service and are very responsive and willing to help in case of any mishaps or if you have any questions.
Lens tint and material
As far as Rx lens tint, they have two options for sunglasses: gray or brown polarized. A third option is their dynamic “Indoor / Outdoor Lenses,” which are sensitive to the sun and will turn gray outdoors.
Ombraz boasts of “indestructible frames” that are aerospace grade while still being lightweight. They make a pretty solid claim of being indestructible, and they back this up with lifetime warranty on the cords, adjustment systems and, of course, the frames are warrantied for life. In the case your Rx lenses get scratched, they offer free lens replacement within one year of your purchase.
All the lens options are coated with a premium Anti-Reflective treatment to “enhance the clarity of your view and reduce eye strain caused by harsh bounce-back reflections.” With “oleophobic and hydrophobic properties,” the lenses stay cleaner for longer.
Out on the trail
The Camminas are a great option for more casual trail riding when my priorities are enjoying the trails and protecting my eyes from UV rays, without worrying about my glasses flying off of my face. As a mountain biker who rides trails that can go from full-sunlight to shadowy areas, to darkened forests, I picked the brown polarized lens tint. My eyes really loved these lenses, and they really enhanced my vision while riding.
It was noticeable and I appreciated that I didn’t reach to clean the lenses as often as other sunglasses. The lenses stayed pretty clean and smude-free thanks to their premium lens treatment. A soft carrying pouch comes with Ombraz sunglasses and there’s a high quality microfiber cloth with one side stitched to the inside, which comes in handy to wipe the lenses when needed.
I tested these over many weeks mountain biking, hiking and jogging, and they stayed in place with the adjustable cord. Fitment while wearing a helmet is great, and I personally wore the helmet straps over the Ombraz cord so that the sunglasses would stay more securely in place. They advertise wearing the helmet straps inside the cord to easily take off the sunglasses and hang them from your neck, but as a prescription-wearer, I need my glasses to stay on my face at all times, so I can actually see! The two small adjusters are super lightweight and allow for fine-tuning the fit around the back of my head and after a few wears, I was able to find the perfect adjustment so it would fit nicely behind my ears while also being securely behind my head. With long wavy hair, I was honestly worried that these would get caught or tangled in my hair. But much to my pleasant surprise, the cord did not get tangled at all. I was able to neatly keep the cord at the nape of my neck with my hair down or in a low ponytail.
The shape of the Camminas is pretty stylish and provides solid coverage from the sun and UV rays. The Camminas will soon also offer removable side panel shields that help to block out more light from your peripherals if you need it.
While the noseband stays in place, I would like to see a grippier noseband option in future frame designs, so that it can stay more securely when sweating and in rowdier conditions. I found that during very hot rides they would slide down my nose just a bit. When this happened, I would instinctively push my glasses up — but without frame arms, the frames would become slightly slanted on my face. This was not a big deal, but a gripper noseband could improve their performance, especially when riding rough trails.
Overall, these are great all-around sunglasses for many types of adventures on and off the bike. I wore them all summer long and now into fall, everywhere from mountain biking, to running 5ks, to boat rides to driving. Thanks to the durability of this pair of Rx sunglasses combined with the innovative armless design, I can foresee taking the Ombraz Cammina’s on many more adventures for years to come!
- Price: starting at $495
- Buy from lensandframe.co
Roka CP-1x Prescription Sunglasses
Roka is a performance eyewear brand based in Austin, Texas that makes prescription glasses and sunglasses. I didn’t know much about the brand Roka and honestly had never heard of them. Where have they been all my life?! When I looked through their collection, I was intrigued by their sporty wrap-around frame designs. Although design is all personal preference, I wanted a wraparound style that would cover and shield my face from the elements while riding. Not many companies offer large, wrap-around sporty cycling glasses with prescription lenses, so after looking through their frame models, I chose to go with the Roka CP-1X model.
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
It’s important to note the limited Rx range available from Roka for this model. CP-1X sunglasses are only available in single vision, which is what I use. My right eye has a mild Rx while the left has a moderate Rx. Because of this, most of my Rx lenses are fairly slim.
The Rx range on the CP-1X is SPH PL to +3.00/-4.00, Sphere (SPH) refers to the amount of lens power needed to correct your vision, while plane (PL) indicates no spherical correction needed. The +3.00/-4.00 range pretty much covers all mild to moderate prescriptions.
The Roka CP-1X is available with CYL correction up to -2.00, making these an option for those with mild and moderate astigmatism.
Lens tint and material
I was able to pick the frame, temple grip, and rocker color. The lens tint can also be selected — all clear or graphite (dark) — at no extra cost. The Silver Mirror lens can be added for $25 and the SHIFT photochromic Carbon lens will cost you an extra $45. I went with the SHIFT Photochromic Carbon lens because I do day and night mountain bike rides.
Selecting these options is simple on the Roka website. Buyers can choose between a Polycarbonate material (no extra charge) or a Trivex lens material for $70 USD for the improved optical clarity. I went with the included Polycarbonate material. You can then choose either the included non-polarized lens or add $25 for the polarized lens option. I also went with the included non-polarized lens. I submitted a screenshot of my vision prescription and that was it; the process is pretty straightforward.
Out on the trail
After about a two-week wait, my Roka CP-1X eyewear arrived. I put the glasses on and went for a casual ride. My eyes need to adjust to them, but it wasn’t as bad as the Smith Riptide Rx glasses I also tested. But, after two weeks, my eyes got well-adjusted to the CP-1X eyewear. The wrap-around design kept my eyes debris-free and helped me avoid dry eyes from wind hitting my face at high speeds. At this point, I was already very happy with them. The temple grips and the swappable nose pad have this GEKO anti-slip elastomer that resists sweat and grips well even in the shakiest environments. Not once did I have to adjust those glasses during my rides. GEKO also adds comfort at those contact points and the lightweight mylon frame material makes the glasses feel barely noticeable.
- Frame Color: Gloss White
- Lenses: SHIFT Photochromatic Carbon
- Geko Temple Grips: Black
- Rocker: Urban Gray
- Limited Rx range available: SPH pl to +3.00/-4.00, CYL up to -2.00
The polycarbonate lens material never fogged up on me in cold, warm, or humid weather. These glasses have become my go-to cycling glasses for mountain biking and gravel rides. I am so happy I went with the SHIFT Photochromic Carbon lenses that change color from clear to dark when exposed to the sun. The tint change can vary based on how much direct sunlight hits the lenses, which is amazing in quickly changing light environments when mountain biking. I was able to wear these glasses on bright sunny days, evenings, and nights. I even wore them on my weekly MTB night rides. Due to the versatility of the SHIFT Photochromic Carbon lenses, I highly recommend getting this upgrade if you are considering buying a pair.
I will say that the outline of the Rx inserts can make it a bit obvious that these are Rx glasses, especially when there is no tint. When I wear them, I can notice a bit of the side outline of the lens; it’s not super distracting, but it’s there. If Roka can elongate that side profile of the Rx lens a bit more, that outline should disappear from my peripheral vision in my opinion. Fortunately this has not affected my riding. These sunglasses look sleek and stylish while biking, but I personally wouldn’t wear them to a weekend BBQ. On the Roka website I see a rider wearing these Rx glasses with a red lens tint. I would love to see that option at checkout in the future!
It is such a joy to be able to see clearly while riding my bike. Picking out MTB riding gear can be difficult, especially finding a good and somewhat affordable pair of Rx glasses that will allow you to see the trail clearly. My configuration came out at $380 which is cheaper than my $450+ Rx Oakley sunglasses. Roka has a 1,000-day warranty when you register your glasses, and they offer easy returns and easy lens corrections if something is wrong. If your current glasses are holding you back, it’s time to upgrade!
- Price: from $335 to $450
- Buy from: Roka.com
SMITH Riptide RX
Smith Optics has been making sunglasses and goggles for quite some time, since 1965 to be exact. Dr. Bob Smith just wanted to improve his visibility on the snow while skiing, so he began making goggles by hand. Flash forward to the present, and Smith Optics continues to manufacture high-quality, stylish sunglasses and goggles for the masses for a variety of sports disciplines.
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
The Smith Riptide offers a wide prescription range, with +6.00/-6.00 SPH PL and CYL up to -3.00. The website allows you to pick frame and lens tint color, and after selecting the prescription option, you will be prompted to fill out information in four easy steps. In step one, customers can pick from single vision lenses, which cost zero dollars, or add progressive lenses for $200. Step two just shows that ChromaPop lens technology is included at no cost. Step three lets you enter your Rx numbers and step four lets you enter your pupillary distance. This website offers a printable PD ruler if needed. That’s it; review and check out.
Lens tint and material
Smith ChromaPop lenses offer unique clarity when adventuring outdoors. The ChromaPop lenses cut glare while enhancing color and contrast. My Smith’s MTB Squad XL goggles have a Chromapop lens and I love the way it makes trail features “pop” with contrast. You can pick from Polarized Black, Brown, Gray-Green, Bronze mirror, Blue mirror, and Green mirror finishes. I do wish they offered the everyday Rose tint like my Smith Goggles.
Out on the trail
It did take a couple of weeks for my eyes to fully adjust to these glasses, but once I felt I could ride with them, I threw them on and went for a ride. The glasses sit perfectly on my nose and the arms hugged my temples just right. There are no painful pressure points thanks to the spring hinges that self adjust to my face. This specific model has a modest wraparound fit, sporty enough for cycling and stylish enough for lounging downtown. During my bike ride, I never felt like the glasses were limiting my field of view. I think the wraparound design optimizes the natural field of view while shielding eyes from the wind.
The Polarized Brown lenses that I picked out are ideal for full-sun conditions. I was afraid they would be a bit dark in shaded trail sections, but they performed really well coming in and out of the shade. Lens clarity is optimal. The ChromaPop performs as advertised and functions similarly to my Smith Squad XL goggles. Colors are boosted, and more detail can be seen on the trail features like roots and big rocks. It is an excellent experience to be able to see with such clarity when riding fast down a trail — I envy y’all with 20/20 vision!
These glasses never bounced around or slipped, even with sweat was dripping down my head. The nose and temple pads provide an excellent, comfortable non-slip grip! I like how the grip pads are embedded into the sleek design of the glasses. They are uniquely hidden away.
If there is anything I would like to see in the future being offered in this Rx model, it is the everyday rose tint, like my Smith Squad XL goggles. The rose tint is a bit lighter than the polarized brown and performs better in low light conditions. It’s in between clear and polarized brown. I really enjoyed my full experience with Smith Optics, from selecting the frames and lens tint to inputting my Rx and checking out. Their high-quality, sport-friendly glasses are fairly priced compared to other “top” brands in my opinion. You can’t fully cheap out on a good pair of Rx sport sunglasses. I know this because I have been in that situation. Treat your eyes with a brand that has been in the optical business for around 60 years!
- Price: Starts at $288
- Buy from smithoptics.com
Tifosi Swank Rx
Tifosi has grown to be one of the go-to brands for those who are seeking good quality eyewear for an affordable price. They carry a number of Rx sunglasses options that mountain bikers or gravel riders can consider.
I tested out the Tifosi Swank Rx sunglasses with the Brown Fototec lenses that darken in the sunlight.
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
Tifosi has a dedicated prescription page that is easy to navigate with many different sunglasses styles to choose from. They offer single vision and progressive prescription types. The Swank Rx style I tested offers a prescription range of +4.50 to -8.00, which works with my strong prescription.
Lens tint and material
Tifosi has a wide variety of lens options! There are three overall types of lenses offered for prescription: standard classic, polarized, or Fototec. With standard and polarized lenses, there is a sub-option of either a tinted lens or a tinted, colored mirror finish. With Fototec lenses which darken in the sunlight, there are two options: smoke or brown. Tifosi’s lenses are made of polycarbonate, which offers high impact resistance, and is a good choice for mountain biking.
The Swank Prescription Glasses come in a whopping eighteen different color frames to choose from.
Out on the trail
Over the course of many weeks, I tested the Swank Rx sunglasses in the height of summer, out mountain biking, cruising, hiking, and jogging. With hot summer temperatures, the nose pads came in handy, as they are made of hydrophilic material, meaning that they become grippier with sweat. The nose pads felt super secure on my nose bridge and did not slide or bounce off while riding.
The frames are made of a durable material and a neat feature is their hinge that was designed to avoid getting hair caught.
I will say, when I received the sunglasses, the frame arms were too long, but a quick trip to my local optometry department was an easy fix for them to adjust the arms to fit behind my ears.
I opted for the Brown Fototec lens tech, which is very responsive, as the lenses switched from light to dark and vice versa within just a few seconds. This is such a great thing to have when riding on trails that have both exposed sunny areas and tree-shaded sections. Typically, I bring my regular prescription sunglasses to swap out after the ride, and for indoor use when grabbing lunch or dinner, meaning I have two pricey prescription frames to worry about. With the Fototec lenses, however, it was great to only need one pair of glasses to do it all!
I am a little disappointed that a high index option is not offered for stronger prescriptions. If you’re like me and aesthetics appeal to you, high-index lenses allow you to have the thinnest lenses even with a strong prescription. Personally, I found that the Swank’s non-high-index lenses look slightly thicker in comparison to the other sunglasses I tried, and the lenses protrude outward on the sides. However, this is purely aesthetic, and it did not affect how I see while wearing them riding out on the trail. In their defense, the sunglasses very lightweight overall, weighing only 30g (compared to Ombraz at twenty-nine grams).
I would also like to see an Anti Fog and Anti-Reflective coating option for Fototec lenses, as this is only offered on the standard and polarized tinted lenses.
- Price: starting at $99.95
- Buy from tifosioptics.com
YouZee Clip-In Goggles
I want to say that I found the YouZee brand, but they actually found me through an Instagram ad. Their ad popped up, and I decided to check them out! They make Rx goggle inserts, and they have “tested them in most goggles brands on the market, and they have fitted in all.” YouZee Clip-In frames are manufactured at Plastex, Ostvik, Skellefteå in the North of Sweden. Their lenses are grinded and mounted at their own plant in Skellefteå, and they ship direct to the consumer.
As I mentioned in my Smith sunglasses review above, the Smith Squad XL goggles have been my go-to because of their ChromaPop lenses. I initially wore these googles with my contact lenses, which I just could not get used to, then decided to just fit them over my daily Rx glasses. Thanks to their XL size, my Rx daily glasses fit in the Smith goggles almost perfectly. This became my normal way of wearing goggles, since contact lenses did not work for me. In comes YouZee offering this uniquely designed insert that is almost like a pair of daily Rx glasses but without the temple arms, which promises a more comfortable fit.
Prescription compatibility and ordering process
YouZee offers single vision lenses and bifocals. They have a really wide range of prescription compatibility. In fact, it is the widest range of prescriptions in this Rx roundup: -12.00D to +10.50D and astigmatism up to -7.00D and 12D prism. They also mention on their website that “most of the orders we receive are with astigmatism. Perhaps this is because these people have difficulty getting contact lenses to work…?!” This is pretty impressive and quite useful for Rx goggle-wearers. YouZee will even add high-index if you have a higher prescription.
The ordering process is user-friendly and is handled through their own website. After choosing from the drop-down menu options and uploading your prescription, you’re set. The order turnaround is relatively quick, 3–5 days for single vision and 5–7 days for bifocal manufacturing plus 3-6 days for shipping internationally outside of Sweden.
Lens tint and material
The frame is made of Polyamid PA12 material called TR90, which they describe as “extremely tough and durable, regardless of high or low temperatures.” The lenses are made from CR39 material, which are impact resistant and lightweight.
Out on the trail
As I was already used to cramming my daily Rx glasses into my Smith Squad XL goggles, placing the YouZee clip-ins was a breeze. Inserting them at an angle while pressing down on the upper plastic retention arms until they are fully inserted is all it takes for them to be “clipped-in” via Octalock™. No adjustment is necessary after the fact. I threw the goggles on, and off I rode into the sunset.
The YouZee inserts were the fastest Rx lenses for me to get used to. In fact, I rode with them on my first testing day and they work as advertised. Due to the shape of the YouZee frame, the side profile of the frame is quite obvious and noticeable in my peripheral vision. This could possibly be improved by elongating the frame and lens a bit more. Nonetheless, I was happy to see clearly while wearing goggles on the trail without needing to cram my daily Rx glasses and squishing them into my face.
The YouZee clip-in inserts are headed in the right direction to help Rx wearers see clearly while participating in sports. For that, I thank them and just ask for a larger frame model for an optimal viewing experience.
- Price: $165
- Buy from youzeeshop.com
| Price | Rx accepted | Standout features | Lens tint | Materials | ||
| KOO Optical Clip Evo | $65 (clip only) | -4.5 up to +4.5 | Compatible only with KOO Spectro, Demos and Alibi sunglasses | Clear (clipped into compatible KOO frame) | ||
| Ombraz Cammina Rx | Starts at $495 | All | Armless & “indestructible” High quality lenses Lifetime warranty on frames | Gray PolarizedBrown Polarized “Indoor/Outdoor” in Gray | ||
| Roka CP-1x prescription sunglasses | Starts at $335 | Limited Rx Range: SPH pl to +3.00/-4.00, CYL up to -2.00 | Wrap-around coverage Ultralight Performance oriented Customizable frame, temple grips and rocker colors | Graphite Silver Mirror (+$)SHIFT Photochromic Carbon (+$)Clear Option of Polarized (+$) or Nonpolarized (included) Option of Polycarbonate (included) or Trivex (+$) that offers best optical clarity | Frame: Lens: Polycarbonate or Trivex | |
| SMITH Riptide RX | Starts at $288 | All | Non-slip nose and temple pads | ChromaPop Polarized in: BlackBrownGray GreenBronze MirrorBlue MirrorGreen Mirror | Frame:Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable Lens: ChromaPop™ polarized lenses | |
| Tifosi Swank Rx | Starts at $99.95 | +4.50 to -8.00 | Affordable pricing and durable frames Hydrophilic Grippy Nosepad Optional Antifog & Antireflective Coating for an extra charge | Tinted Mirror or Tinted (No Mirror) in: SmokeBrown | Frame: Light & Durable Grilamid TR-90 Lens: Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with 100% UVA / UVB protection | |
| YouZee Clip-In Goggles | $165 | -12.00D to +10.50D And Astigmatism up to -7.00D and 12D prism | Octalock™ lets the inserts fit in all goggle brands securely No more contact lenses under Goggles | Clear (clipped into your choice of goggles) | Frame: Polyamid PA12 material called TR90 Lens: CR39 |
1 Comments
Oct 25, 2024