Cycling Sunglasses
Cycling Sunglasses
By Greg Rule
Choosing the Right Cycling Sunglass
Performance eyewear is one of the most important pieces of equipment for road cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers. A good cycling sunglass protects your eyes from wind, debris, harsh UV light and insects — all while improving clarity and reducing fatigue over long rides.
At Rudy Project, we design lenses and frames specifically for cycling: lightweight, stable, aerodynamic and adjustable for the perfect fit.
What to Look For in Cycling Sunglasses
1. Eye Protection Against Wind, Debris & UV
Riding without proper eyewear can cause tearing, irritation, or even serious injury from flying debris. The constant airflow of cycling also dries your eyes quickly.
Quality cycling sunglasses should:
-
Shield from wind
-
Block 100% UV400/UVB
-
Protect from dust, rain, sand and bugs
-
Maintain visibility in fast-changing conditions
This is especially important in Australia, where UV levels are extremely high throughout the year.
2. Frame Comfort & Fit
Cycling sunglasses must remain comfortable and secure, even during long climbs and rough terrain.
Look for:
-
Lightweight injected polymer frames (not heavy metals)
-
Adjustable nose pads for personalised fit
-
Adjustable temple ends to reduce pressure behind the ears
-
Wraparound shape for stability and wide field of view
Rudy Project frames are engineered to stay in place without slipping, bouncing or causing pressure points.
3. Lens Technology for Cycling
Different riding conditions demand different lens types.
Photochromic Lenses
Perfect for early mornings, shaded trails, cloudy days or mixed conditions.
The lens automatically adjusts from light to dark.
HDR / Polarized Lenses
Reduces glare and enhances contrast — great for bright roads and summer riding.
ImpactX Lenses
Exclusive to Rudy Project. These lenses are:
-
Unbreakable
-
Lightweight
-
High-definition
-
Guaranteed for life
Perfect for gravel, MTB and racing.
4. Ventilation & Fog Control
Fogging is one of the biggest frustrations for cyclists.
Modern cycling sunglasses use:
-
PowerFlow air-vent systems
-
Lens cut-outs
-
Hydrophobic coatings
These features keep your vision clear on steep climbs, humid days and slow MTB trails.
Best Cycling Sunglasses
Rydon — Classic Best Seller
The most versatile cycling sunglass ever created.
Lightweight, fully adjustable, aerodynamic and compatible with photochromic, polarized and ImpactX lenses.
Ideal for road cycling and endurance riding.
Rydon Slim — Perfect for Narrow Faces
All the performance of the classic Rydon, designed for smaller or narrow face profiles.
Light, balanced and incredibly secure without pressure points.
Kelion — Modern, Fast & High-Performance
Kelion is engineered for aggressive riding positions and maximum stability.
It features a bold wraparound design, wide coverage and excellent wind protection.
Perfect for riders who want a modern performance look with uncompromised comfort.
Spinshield Pro — Big Lens, Big Protection
Spinshield Pro blends cutting-edge style with cycling-level performance.
Features include:
-
Deep wraparound shield
-
Race-proven Pro-Fit temples
-
Ultra-grip rubber for stability
-
1986 heritage accents
Excellent for road, gravel and all-day riding.
Propulse — Lightweight Running & Cycling Crossover
Designed for speed, Propulse is ultra-light, aerodynamic and superb for riders who prefer a minimalist frame.
Ideal for high-temperature conditions and intense training.
SHOP PROPULSE
Adjustability & Interchangeable Lenses
Cheap sunglasses often lack adjustability.
High-performance cycling eyewear should allow you to:
-
Adjust your nose bridge
-
Adjust temple ends
-
Swap lenses for different conditions
Extra lenses such as clear, yellow and photochromic options are perfect for early mornings, shaded descents and low-light environments.
Photochromic Cycling Lenses
Photochromic lenses automatically adapt to sunlight, eliminating the need to carry multiple lenses.
Ideal for:
-
Dawn and dusk riding
-
Cloudy days
-
Forest or shaded trails
-
Long rides with changing light
ImpactX Photochromic is the premier option for cyclists wanting maximum clarity and durability.
Fitting Cycling Sunglasses Correctly
A correct fit reduces pressure points and improves long-term comfort.
Tips:
-
Place temples outside your helmet straps to avoid rubbing.
-
Ensure your nose bridge is adjusted so glasses do not slide down.
-
Choose models with adjustable temple arms to prevent headaches.
-
Select frames with wide wrap coverage for better protection and visibility.
Proper fit also ensures better performance during sprints, climbs and rough terrain.
Narrow Fitting Cycling Sunglasses
If you have a smaller or narrow face, the Rydon Slim is the perfect solution.
It provides all the benefits of the classic Rydon — stability, adjustability and optical clarity — in a refined size designed specifically for narrow profiles.
Spinshield Pro — Performance Meets Style
Spinshield Pro delivers bold design with cycling-grade stability and protection.
It offers a wide deep lens for maximum field of view, combined with ultra-grip temples and nose pads to ensure a stable fit even at high speed.
Its modern aesthetic is inspired by Rudy Project’s performance heritage and includes coloured signature elements from the original 1986 design.
Check out more news items that may interest you for cycling sunglasses
Ultimate guide to 2025 cycling sunglasses