I love cycling. The feeling of the wind in my hair (or what's left of it!) and the sun on my face is exhilarating. But that sun can be a real problem. I needed sunglasses that could protect my eyes without costing a fortune. My quest for the perfect pair of cheap cycling sunglasses began, and here’s what I learned.
Like many cyclists, I was facing a common problem: good cycling sunglasses can be expensive. I'd seen some amazing high-end brands, but my budget just couldn't stretch that far. I needed something affordable, durable, and, most importantly, effective at blocking harmful UV rays. I was tired of squinting and worrying about eye strain after a long ride. I wanted to enjoy the scenery, not just survive the sunlight.
I tried a few different things. My regular sunglasses weren't cutting it. They slipped down my nose, didn't offer enough coverage, and let too much light in from the sides. It was frustrating and even a little dangerous. I knew I needed a proper solution, but I was determined to find one that wouldn't empty my wallet.
After some research, I stumbled upon a few fantastic options that didn't break the bank. Here's what I discovered:
One suggestion that really surprised me was to consider safety glasses. I thought, "Safety glasses? Really?" But then I realized it made perfect sense. They're designed to protect your eyes from flying debris, so they're definitely durable. And many offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, which is exactly what I needed. I went to my local hardware store and was amazed at the variety. There were wraparound styles that looked surprisingly similar to expensive cycling sunglasses. And the best part? They were all under $10! I picked up a pair with tinted lenses and was pleasantly surprised by how well they worked. They’re now my go-to for shorter rides.
I also looked into Tifosi sunglasses. I found that Tifosi has some models that are reasonably priced. They offer a good balance of performance and affordability. While they might be slightly above the super-budget range, they're still a great value for the features they offer. I tried a pair and liked the fit and the clarity of the lenses. They felt more like "real" cycling sunglasses than the safety glasses, but without the hefty price tag.
Another recommendation I came across was NRC UV400 sunglasses on AliExpress. Someone mentioned they were the best $16 they had ever spent. I was a little skeptical, but for that price, I figured it was worth a shot. And you know what? They were right! These sunglasses are surprisingly good. They're lightweight, comfortable, and offer excellent UV protection. I've used them on several long rides, and they've held up remarkably well. It's amazing what you can find online if you're willing to do a little digging.
I also decided to try the goodr Wrap G sunglasses. These are a bit more stylish than the safety glasses, and they still come in at a reasonable price point. I liked the way they looked and the fact that they stayed in place even when I was sweating. They’re a good option if you want something that looks good both on and off the bike.
Speaking of eye protection, I’ve also recently been trying out some tinted reading glasses from Mozaer homepage, especially when I'm doing lighter activities outdoors. I discovered the Tinted Reading Glasses Round Vintage New Grade Grey Lens Anti UV Presbyopia 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Diopter With Elastic Leg +350-Yellow. These are great because they offer UV protection and help with my reading vision at the same time. They're not ideal for high-speed cycling, but for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing bike ride, they're perfect. The grey lens is comfortable in bright light, and the vintage style is a nice touch. It's like getting functionality and style in one package, and they're surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods. Plus, the elastic leg ensures they stay put, which is a huge plus for me.
Before you rush out and buy the cheapest sunglasses you can find, there are a few things to keep in mind: