This past Christmas Santa surprised me with a $50 gift certificate for HucknRoll.com. While my Maui Jim sunglasses and Home Depot clear lens safety glasses worked fine for day and night riding respectively, I decided it was time for some cycling-specific shades with interchangeable lenses.
The Hawk sunglasses go for $40 at Amazon and HucknRoll or $80 at the LBS. They come in four frame colors: white, shiny black, matte black, and gunmetal. All models offer the same three UV-blocking lenses: amber, dark grey (mirrored), and clear. The frames are made from lightweightand fairly flexible plastic which makes it literally a snap to change the lenses. A soft cloth storage pouch is included and it doubles as a cleaner. (It is impossible to change the lenses without getting fingerprints all over them.) There is also a rugged zipper case but I only use that when I pack the glasses in my luggage for a trip. Rounding out the features are adjustable temples and soft rubber nose pads. The adjustable temples are the best… and worst feature of these glasses.
Out on the trail I usually have either the dark or amber lenses installed, and if the ride will go into the night, I bring the clear ones. The non-slip nose pads are actually better than my ‘real’ glasses and they do not move even on the roughest of trails. As I mentioned, the bendy rubber temples are great, but I can’t resist fiddling with them. I think I have finally molded them to where they need to be, and they mostly stay that way. The dark lenses are actually done in a gradient; they go dark to light from top to bottom. I’ve noticed this works well for bright sky vs. glancing down at the bike or the ground in front of me.The glasses fit well on my face and they are very lightweight.
One feature I wasn’t expecting is how well these shield my eyes from the wind. My Maui Jims are pretty good at this, but these are amazing. No more watery eyes, no matter how fast and dusty the ride is!!
The glasses show no visible signs of wear or damage after a couple months of use, and overall I am very pleased with the purchase. The ability to match the lenses to the light conditions is awesome and the fit and stability are superb.
If you are in the market for a budget-friendly pair of cycling glasses, definitely give these a look.
