Summer is the perfect time of year for biking. Even after a long and stressful day at work, we can get back on our bikes in the evening and ride our home trails, thanks to the warmth and the late sunset. But what borders on paradise for us is hard work for our eyes. Especially on trails in the forest in glorious evening light, our eyes are subjected to a veritable lightning storm of light and shadow. Cycling goggles with the right tint can make this Herculean task at least a little easier for our eyes. We present the industry's current ideas on this topic here.
Endura - practicality and design
Classic cycling glasses must be able to do two things above all: Help the rider to see better - for example with contrast-enhancing tints or self-tinting lenses - and keep distractions such as stones, insects, wind and harmful UV radiation away from the rider's eyes. At Endura, good vision and good looks are also on the product developers' list of priorities. The Scottish brand not only wants to bring functional products to the biker, but also stylish ones.
Three new models were presented for 2016. The model Char was developed more for road bikes, but also cuts a fine figure on mountain bikes. In addition to clear lenses, which are both water-repellent and anti-fog coated, the goggles also come with a second set of self-tinting lenses. Ventilation slits in the lenses and adjustable nose wings as well as an ergonomic fit go without saying. The Char comes in black, white and red and will cost 69.99 euros.
All-round goggles and special MTB goggles
The Endura Snapper II presents an all-round model that should cope well with many different light conditions even without self-tinting lenses. The highlight: the dual tinting. While the upper area of the lenses has been deliberately tinted dark to provide the best view even in backlighting, the lower area of the lenses has been left slightly lighter. This allows you to keep an overview even in difficult lighting conditions and still be able to read the speedometer or smartphone despite the tinted glasses and 100% UV protection. This costs the customer 59.99 euros.
The specific requirements of mountain biking have been Endura Mullet adapted. Five ventilation holes per lens should ensure a clear view even on the sweatiest trail run, the lenses are self-tinting and come in a semi-gloss finish. A lightweight frame and a soft nose piece are designed to ensure comfort, while special rubber frame ends keep the goggles securely in place even in the heaviest bumps. The Mullet is available in many different colours and is priced at 64.99 euros.
RH+ Olympo AirX - Glasses with folding function
RH+, on the other hand, pursues a completely different concept to Endura. Instead of a symbiosis of function and design, the focus here is solely on function. Because the RH+ Olympo AirX plus probably not. Instead, the glasses offer a unique solution to the major problem of ventilation and changing light conditions. If necessary, the lenses can be folded upwards with a single hand movement. This is quicker than taking the glasses off and provides a clear view more quickly than even the best self-tinting lenses.
But the technology also has disadvantages. Firstly, when folded up, they offer no more protection from UV light, stones or insects and secondly, the Olympo AirX is very reminiscent of the central accessory that, alongside the excessively short trousers and sandals in white tennis socks, makes up the cliché of the German holidaymaker sightseeing in the Eternal City - the folding glasses. What's more, the glasses are not exactly a bargain. Originally priced at 199.99 euros, they are currently available for around 150 euros.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
